You’re now standing at the north side of the Colorado State Capitol, quieter than the south side, but offering a different glimpse at this landmark building. Look up and you’ll see the famous golden dome, shining above downtown Denver. It’s real gold, not paint. The dome is covered in genuine gold leaf, a tribute to the gold rush that helped shape Colorado’s early history. It’s been regilded several times, and while gold was once scooped straight from nearby rivers, the most recent regilding in 2014 came with a hefty price tag of two million dollars. This dome isn’t just for show, it houses a panoramic gallery that offers sweeping views of Denver and the Rockies. If the Capitol’s open during your visit, feel free to go inside. It’s free, and after a quick security check, you’re welcome to explore this fascinating place. At the entrance, your eyes will be drawn to the gleaming white floor, made from marble quarried near the town of Marble, Colorado. It’s so pure and dense that the same stone was used in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. You’ll also see soft pink tones throughout the interior, that’s Colorado onyx, a rare semi-precious stone extracted from a single quarry that was completely used up in the making of this building. All the known stone of that quality is right here, beneath your feet. As you move through the Capitol, look for the Heritage Window: a series of stained glass panels added in 2004, telling the story of Colorado through landscapes, faces, and historical moments. One of them honours Emily Griffith, a visionary who founded a school in 1916 that welcomed all students, no matter their age, gender, or background. In the old Supreme Court chamber, you’ll find another set of stained glass windows celebrating Colorado’s rich cultural roots, honouring Hispanic, Native American, African American, and Asian communities. Keep an eye out, too, for the monumental tapestry Women’s Gold, created over two years with more than 4,500 hours of embroidery. It pays tribute to Colorado’s pioneering women and the herbs and flowers they carried across the plains. There are also portraits of former governors. You’ll see John Long Routt’s face twice, once as the last governor of the Colorado Territory, and again as the first governor of the state after it joined the Union in 1876. Before you leave, make sure to climb up to the gallery beneath the dome. The view of Denver’s skyline and the Rocky Mountains stretching out in the distance is worth every step.