SORSOGON PROVINCIAL CAPITOL
Ang tahanan ng angkang De Vera ay naging unang tanggapan ni Governador Bernardino Monreal simula 1902. Pansamantalang nagin opisina ang kanlurang bahagi ng gusali ng mataas na paaralang panlalawigan habang ginagawa ang gusaling kapitolyo. Itinayo yari sa kongkreto ang Kapitolyo ng Sorsogon sa istilong neo-classical kasabay ang Gusaling Hukuman at Panlalawigang Piitan sa pangangasiwa nina Arkitekto George Fenhagen at Ralph H. Doane sa panunungkulan ni Gobernador Victor Eco, 1915 – 1916. Itininayo ang monumento ni Jose Rizal sa harapan ng kapitolyo sa pangangasiwa ni Arkitekto Juan Arellano sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Gobernador Bernabe Flores Palma 1923.
The Sorsogon Provincial Capitol, situated in the Sorsogon City, is a prominent government building that serves as the epicenter of local governance for the province. It is here that the provincial government conducts its administrative and legislative functions, catering to the needs and aspirations of the province’s residents. The Sorsogon Capitol is more than just an administrative building; it is a symbol of the province’s identity and commitment to effective public service.
The Sorsogon Provincial Capitol’s architectural design is a testament to the neoclassical style that was popular during the American colonial period in the Philippines. Neoclassical architecture draws inspiration from classical Greek and Roman designs, emphasizing grandeur, symmetry, and intricate detailing.
Key architectural features of the Sorsogon Capitol include imposing columns, typically of the Ionic or Corinthian order, which support the building’s facade, exuding an air of grandiosity. At its apex, the building is crowned by a central dome, often adorned with decorative elements, adding to its neoclassical charm. The architectural symmetry is evident in the central entrance and balanced placement of windows and other decorative elements, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing design.
Elaborate ornamentation, such as friezes, pediments, and decorative motifs, further enhances the building’s exterior, making it a stunning example of neoclassical architecture.
The Sorsogon Provincial Capitol stands as a historical and architectural gem, embodying the province’s journey to self-governance and its appreciation for the neoclassical aesthetic. It serves as a beacon of local identity and a testament to the enduring principles of democracy and governance within the province of Sorsogon.