The Parliament of Canada is housed in a majestic building situated on the banks of the River Ottawa in the city of Ottawa. The location of the Parliament building is itself very scenic with the lush Gatineau shore forming the backdrop of the structure. The building is spread across a vast campus. The Parliament building of Canada is called Parliament Hill. The Parliament Hill comprises of three prominent structures namely the Centre Block, the East Block and the West Block. Each of the three blocks contains buildings of historic importance.
The East Block has been converted into a museum that preserves the offices of former statesmen and political personalities. The office of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, is also preserved in the East Block of Parliament Hill.
The Center Block houses the most popular tourist attraction, the Peace Tower. The Peace Tower was built to commemorate the deaths of Canada's martyrs. The Center Block also has the Senate House and the House of Commons.
The West Block of Parliament Hill is not open to the general public as this wing is where the real action takes place. Housing the offices of the members of Canadian Parliament, the West Block is the place where all the important government decisions are made.
The Gothic architecture of the Parliament Hill is a symbol of the solidarity and unity of the nation. The main entrance to the Parliament Hill building is graced with an archaic gateway known as the Queen's Gates. This gateway was erected in 1876. Plan to build the Parliament Hill was conceived in 1858. In 1960 the foundations of the building was laid by the former Prince of Wales, Prince Edward. The construction was completed in 1876.
The Parliament Hill is a major tourist attraction in Ottawa and each year it draws 3 million visitors (approximately) who come to admire the architectural marvels of the Canada Parliament building.
