Capitol Complex in Chandigarh – UNESCO World Heritage Site

By George On

Capitol Complex in Chandigarh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three buildings, three monuments, and a lake. It is a government compound.

Palace of Assembly, one building that is part of Capitol Complex in ChandigarhPalace of Assembly, one building that is part of the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh

The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh was designed by the renowned architect, Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier’s architectural works across seven countries are grouped as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chandigarh Capitol Complex is spread over an area of around 100 acres. The structures inside the complex consist of the Palace of Assembly (Legislative Assembly), Secretariat, Palace of Justice (Punjab and Haryana High Court), Open Hand Monument (emblem of Government of Haryana), Geometric Hill, and Tower of Shadows.

These structures were built around the early ’50s, after Indian Independence. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First prime minister of India, commissioned Le Corbusier to build a new capital city, Chandigarh, as the capital of Punjab and Haryana states.

The Palace of Assembly is the state Legislative Assembly. The Palace of Justice is the Punjab and Haryana High Court building.

Open Hand MonumentOpen Hand Monument, one structure that is part of the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh

Open Hand Monument is a structure symbolizing peace, prosperity, and unity of mankind. It is 26 meters or 85 feet in height and rotates during winds.

Tower of Shadows, one structure that is part of Capitol Complex in ChandigarhTower of Shadows, one structure that is part of the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh

Tower of Shadows or ‘The Shadow Tower’ is a structure designed so that sun rays do not enter it, specifically in summer.

Geometric Hill is a hill inside the complex.

Chandigarh is a Union Territory and is not part of Punjab or Haryana.

How Do I Go to Chandigarh Capitol Complex?

This complex is situated at Sector 1, which is well connected by roads to other parts of India. NH5, NH7, and NH152 pass through Chandigarh. Chandigarh Junction railway station is the railway station here. Chandigarh Airport is connected to many domestic airports and to the UAE. New Delhi Airport is the nearest major International airport.