Legislative Palace of Nouvelle Alexandrie
| Legislative Palace | |
Palacio Legislativo | |
 | |
| General information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Palace |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Location | Cárdenas |
| Current tenants | Cortes Federales |
| Construction started | 1686 AN |
| Owner | Cortes Federales |
| Height | 30 m |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Floor area | 102,643 m2 |
The Legislative Palace, or Cortes Federales Palace, is the building in which the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie meet. Located in the city of Cárdenas, it houses the legislative branch of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It is also the residence of the Speaker of the Federal Assembly and their deputies.
The Palace was built in 1686 AN as part of the New Prosperity Plan and the Cárdenas Plan to become the official location of the then Federal Constituent Assembly. After the Cortes formed in 1693 AN, it became the place of the Bicameral legislature. The building is known for its large neo-Genevan architecture, and the two gates on the East (Federal Assembly) and the North (House of Peers), both with a columned entryway and the Flag and Coat of Arms above the door. The words 'Congreso de los Diputados' (Congress of Deputies) refers to the previous Federal Constituent Assembly.
Floorplan
The Palace consists of four parts: The Federal Assembly Building; the House of Peers Building; the Central Halls; and the Royal Quarters. Aside from that, it also houses the important Deputies Office Tower and Peer Office Building.
Main Façade
The Main Façade is surrounded by an ornate steel fence for safety purposes. The palace itself is three stories high, with a basement underneath. Both entrances are fronted by two large porticos, with Corinthian columns in front. The stories themselves are fronted by rusticated stonework with windows with triangular pediments.
The East entrance faces the Calle Cortes, a major north-south thoroughfare for the Government District. It is reached through a flight of stairs, colloquially called the 'Pasos de la Democracia' (Martino: Steps of Democracy). There are also two step-free sweeping stairs to the sides, which surround two semi-circular flowerbeds.
The North entrance faces the Calle del Gabinette, a major east-west thoroughfare for the Government District. It is reached through a short flight of stairs, called the 'Pasos del Nobleza' (Martino: Steps of Nobility). There is also a step-free sweeping stair to the side, with a semi-circular flowerbed.
Federal Assembly
The Federal Assembly Building stands on the east part of the Palace. It is entered through the East Hall, which is open to the public. Aside from housing the important Assembly Convocation Hall, a semi-circular hall where the Assembly holds their sessions, the building also houses multiple meeting rooms, committee offices, a mess hall, a reception room, and a secluded courtyard. These are all connected by long corridors. Stairs lead to public galleries. It also has the Speakers Residence and Clerks offices. The Convocation Hall is known for its large rotunda painted by elaborate artwork from Abel Marañho.
Following the Spring Crisis of 1739, a small part of the mess hall was dedicated to a memorial space for the three casualties that fell in the Palace on the first day of the Coup. In the secluded courtyard, a small statue of Aurelia, the national personification of Nouvelle Alexandrie, was raised in honour of the Coup as well, with the words "Pour la Démocratie" (Alexandrian: "For Democracy") written underneath.
House of Peers
The House of Peers Building is on the northern part of the Palace. It is entered through the North Hall, which is open to the public. Like the Assembly Building, it does not only hold the House of Peers Hall, a rectangular hall where the Peers hold their sessions, but also meeting rooms, committee offices, a mess hall, a reception room, and a secluded courtroom. These are all connected by long corridors. Stairs lead to public galleries. The Peers Hall is known for its portraits and shields, as well as its elaborate seats for the King.
Central Halls
The Central Halls connects the other parts of the Palace. It has two large corridors surrounding the Central Rotunda. There is also the Statutory Hall, and Cápac Bell Tower. The Deputies and Peers Office Buildings are also located in this area. The Royal Quarters is a small annex of the Palace, the southern part. It was constructed to hold the Address Hall, where the King opens the Cortes Federales every year with the Annual Royal Address. Beside that, it has the Palace Chapel for religious purposes.
Following the Death of King Manco Capac I in 1718 AN, a small memorial space was added to the Royal Quarters.
Library
Off the side of the Statutory Hall is the Cortes Library. It is a two-story hall which holds about 120,000 volumes. It also serves as the official archive of the Cortes Federales.
Transport
The Palace is heavily serviced by multiple services. It has two main stations for both the Cárdenas Metro and Tramways - one at the East Entrance and one at the North Entrance. The Tram stops sit directly across the fence from the entrances, while the Metro stations have two exits each: the East station at the entrance and on Avenida Tres Reyes; and the North station at the entrance and on Avenida de la Presidencia.
