Chandigarh Capitol Complex

Chandigarh Capitol Complex was the result of Le Corbusier’s vision of how the city’s architecture should be defined. The Complex built over an area of 100 acres is one of the most unique and astonishing pieces of architecture in the whole world and it was named a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 2016.

The beautiful complex comprises of three buildings including, Palace of Assembly, Secretariat building, and High court which are said to be the pillars of democracy for the city, it also includes four monuments that are, Open Hand Monument, Geometric Hill, Tower of Shadows, and the Martyrs Monument and a lake. A delight to your eyes every time you visit the complex was made with a landscape view of Shivalik hills in its background. The Le Corbusier Capitol Complex is located in the north end of the city which is Sector 1, this decision was taken by the Swiss-French architect as he wanted to keep the complex away from the rest of the city to ensure the proper and peaceful working of its democratic pillars.

Modelers, Giani Rattan Singh and Sh. Dhani Ram prepared the wooden models of the Capital Complex on the basis of the instructions by Le Corbusier, it is their hard work and dedication that being an illiterate they understood the work and turned the raw wood into the mater pieces.

Why visit the Chandigarh Capitol Complex?

The Chandigarh Capitol Complex is one of the UNESCO World Heritage site. According to world-famous architects, it is one of the most eye-pleasing pieces of architecture to ever exist. Architects from all over the world visit this complex to study the work of Le Corbusier and get some inspiration.

A must visit, this Complex offers you the chance to see the unique concrete slab architecture of three government buildings, the high court (built- n 1955), the secretariat (built in 1958), and the assembly (built in 1961). The three buildings face each other with a lake by their side.

The complex also houses four monument that includes,

• The Open Hand Monument is the symbol of the government of Chandigarh. it is a 50-ton concrete and metal made hand which Is 26m in high. During wind, the hand rotates which makes it appear like a flying bird.
• Geometric hill is an architectural feat made from cultural waste. It was designed to hide the rest of the complex from the main road.
• Tower of Shadows was a four-cornered open building made by Le Corbusier to study the movement of the sun. he wanted to use it to support this thesis that, “it is possible to control the sunlight in the 4 corners of a building, play with it even in a hot country and finally obtain low temperatures”
• Martyr’s Memorial is a monument within the complex which was made by Le Corbusier to show love for the freedom fighters of the country especially the people who lost their lives during the Punjab partition.

How to visit the Chandigarh Capitol Complex?

A high-security place the Complex is not open to anyone who wants to visit. This is because it is the house of three of the most important government buildings in the city. To visit the Chandigarh Capitol Complex, you have to pre-book a tour from government approved tourist guides who will help you get permission. The government approved guides are regularly updated and any information you require is available on the Chandigarh Tourism Website.