The Cebu Capitol is the seat of government of the Philippine province of Cebu, located in the city of the same name. The Capitol, designed by renowned architect Juan Arellano, is located at the northern end of Osmeña Boulevard. The inscription on the façade of the building reads: "The power of the of government comes from the people".
The design of the Capitol, intended to replace the old government building of the Casa Provincial in the Spanish Quarter, began as early as 1910, but construction did not begin until 1910. construction did not begin until 1937. The work was personally supervised by Governor Sotero Cabahug. A year later, in June 1938. inauguration of the new Capitol, which was attended by President of the Philippines, Manuel Quezon. At the ceremony, Cebu Archbishop Gabriel Reyes blessed the new building, while the wife of Governor Rodriguez uncorked a a bottle of champagne. During World War II, the Capitol suffered severe damage, but within a year after the end of the war it was completely restored.
Today, the Cebu Capitol building is one of the city's main one of the city's major landmarks. Its U-shape seems to hug the end of the wide Osmeña Boulevard. The main three-story building is flanked by two service buildings, and together they create a wide courtyard - a front courtyard, bounded by a balustrade. The main building is built in a typical neoclassical style: the first floor with rusticated stone blocks is occupied by small halls and offices, the main work areas are located on the second floor, and the attic floor completes the structure. The façade is topped by a cornice and a parapet with allegorical sculptures at the corners. sculptures at the corners. The most memorable feature of the façade is the central semicircular balcony with a simple octagonal dome.
The first floor of the Capitol is accessed by ascending the main staircase from the foyer. If one walks in a southerly direction from the Art Deco lobby, one can you can reach a balcony overlooking the boulevard. And if you go in northwards, the corridor leads to a dance hall with huge windows ceiling to floor, also in Art Deco style, which brings to mind fabulous balls. The spacious dance hall is illuminated by two chandeliers of incredible size. chandeliers of incredible size.
