TownePlace Suites Albany

Classical Alongside Medieval

by mrclay2000

Most visitors will probably regard the medieval features in the city center as the most picturesque and, but there are significant examples of classical architecture in Albany, and rightly so, when the state capitol building (a common bastion of classical lines) is made to resemble a medieval town hall. Long pillars and Corinthian capitals are much used in Western architecture and with good reason. Albany incorporates them into its state as well as civic buildings, a wonderful counterbalance to the medieval and futuristic icons surrounding.

Albany City Hall

by mrclay2000

Complete with a clocktower and looking much like a medieval church, the Romanesque Albany City Hall is first among the city's listings on the National Register of Historic Places. The architect's fondness for Romanesque features in dark stone setting the trim for lighter granite is a perfect fit for this building, finished in the 1880s. Today it houses the mayoral offices and other civic departments, and remains one of the city's most photographed buildings.

Albany - New York State's Capital Region

by FancyShoes

"How I've grown to love it"

Oh, Albany and the Capital Region.

I took it for granted as a kid, but it hasn't been until recently that I've come to appreciate the diversity of this area. Every time I return to visit my parents, I excitedly try something new that I've never had a chance to do as a kid.

Kids always moan and groan and say it's so boring, downtown shuts down after 5pm, blah blah blah. True, Albany is definitely no hopping metropolitan like NYC, but there are plenty of places to visit downtown after hours, and so many things to do within the region. Let New York City be New York City; Albany is its own thing!

This new vision of Albany has helped me be content when I can't fullfill my traveling wishes. There's always so much to explore and appreciate right where you live, no matter where you live, and if you continually envision your environment through the eyes of a visitor, it always seems fresh, interesting, and a bit surprising!