Austin State Capitol Homes

The Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin is among the nation's most recognizable structures. Voted the number-one state capitol by the American Institute of Architects in 2008, it is a prime example of late 19th century public architecture design. The building's cornerstone was laid on March 2, 1885, Texas Independence Day, and the building was opened to the public on April 21, 1888, San Jacinto Day.

Standing 308 feet tall, the Texas State Capitol is one of the highest points in Austin. The building sits atop 2 1/4 acres of land at the northern end of the downtown commercial district, just four blocks south of the University of Texas at Austin. It has the greatest square footage of any state capitol. In fact, it is second in size only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C

The building is filled with historical treasures from the original flag from the Battle of San Jacinto to sculptures of Texas heros Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin. The capitol rotunda features portraits of every Texas governor and former president of the Republic of Texas. Governor Rick Perry and other state representatives call the Texas Capitol their home base. On the second floor of the building, the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers bustle with activity while they are in session.

The Texas State Capitol is the site of annual events such as the Capitol Christmas tree lighting and holiday sing-a-long, and the Texas Book Festival. It is open to the public on weekdays from 7am to 10pm and on weekends from 9am to 8pm. 45-minute Capitol tours are conducted daily except on major national holidays. Contact the Capitol Visitor Center for more information.

Downtown Austin is quickly becoming one of the most unique places to live in the US, seamlessly combining modern & traditional architecture, with a laid-back feel that is distinctively Austin. New homes are sprouting up nearby the Austin Capitol each day, in the form of high-rise condos and houses. To learn more about downtown living in Austin, take a look at our downtown Austin condos.

More things to do in Austin: Austin Attractions Austin City Limits Festival Austin Arboretum Austin Bike Tours Austin Country Club Austin Duck Tours Austin Zoo Barking Springs Dog Park Barton Creek Country Club Barton Creek Greenbelt Barton Creek Square Mall Barton Springs Pool Bob Bullock Museum Cabela's in Buda Cimarron Hills Golf Course Congress Bridge Deep Eddy Pool Dell Diamond Discovery Well Cave Reserve Domain Downtown Austin Driskill Hotel East Austin Studio Tour East Side of Austin The French Legation Hamilton Pool Inner Space Caverns Lady Bird Lake Lake Austin Lake Austin Spa Resort LBJ Library Lockhart Barbeque McKinney Falls State Park Mt. Bonnell New Braunfels Kayaking Norwood Estate Dog Park Pecan Street Festival Pflugerville Wine Tours Rainey Street Red Bud Isle Sixth Street South Congress State Capitol St. Edwards University St. Mary's Cathedral SXSW Texas Memorial Stadium University of Texas The Village at Westlake Volente Beach Waterpark Waterloo Records West Campus West Sixth Street Westlake High School Zilker Park Zilker Botanical Gardens