Meaning of Capitol
Before proceeding to know the meaning of the term capitol, it is essential to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can determine that it comes from Latin, exactly from the word “Capitolium” and this in turn derives from the noun “caput”, which is equivalent to “head”.
A capitol is a building where the Legislative Power of a State works. The term is used in some cases with reference to the Executive Branch building.
The United States Capitol, for example, is located in Washington DC and allows the functioning of the two chambers that make up the national congress. The original design of the building was done by William Thornton, although later other architects directed various modifications.
The United States Capitol complex occupies more than 110 hectares and includes multiple offices with offices, a library and the headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice.
The National Capitol of Havana, for its part, is a place that was born to house the two chambers of the Cuban Congress, although, since the socialist revolution, it has been the headquarters of the Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.. The construction of the building ended in 1929 and had Eugenio Raynieri Piedra as responsible.
The Capitol of Toulouse is an example of a capitol linked to the Executive Branch. This building, unlike those associated with legislative bodies, is the seat of the local council.
This Capitol of Toulouse we can determine that it began to be built in the 12th century, specifically in the year 1190. It has really significant spaces such as the Hall of the Illustrious, the courtyard of Henri IV or its Greater Tower.
To all those already mentioned we can also add the Texas Capitol, which is currently the seat of the government of that place. In the second half of the 19th century, specifically in 1888, this building was built, located in Downtown, which is identified by having a marked Renaissance style.
It has been restored on several occasions and its domes and mosaics stand out.
In this list of capitols we cannot overlook either that of Colombia, which is the seat of the National Congress. It is located in the Plaza de Bolívar, it has become one of the most important buildings in Bogotá and has its origin in the 19th century. It was built exactly between 1848 and 1926, it is declared a National Monument and is made of quarry stone.
It has three floors and has especially significant rooms such as the Elliptical Room, where the plenary sessions take place; the Bocayá Room, dedicated to the presidency of the chamber or the Senate Room.
Other known capitols are the Capitol the State of Arizona, the Capitol of the State of Michigan and the Capitol of the State of Colorado.
It is important to mention that, according to the DigoPaul in its dictionary, the idea of a capitol can also refer to an acropolis: the high and fortified sector that, in ancient cities, concentrated public buildings and temples.