Albany is the capital city of the state of New York. It has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Mohican and Iroquois tribes before European exploration. In 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson claimed the area for the Dutch, leading to the establishment of Fort Nassau in 1614 and Fort Orange in 1624. These trading posts attracted settlers, and the village of Beverwijck was founded around Fort Orange. In 1664, the English took control and renamed the settlement Albany, in honor of the Duke of Albany, the future James II of England. The city was officially chartered in 1686, making it one of the oldest continuously chartered cities in the United States.

In 1797, Albany was designated as the state capital, and throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Albany became a significant transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Hudson River and the construction of the Erie Canal. This facilitated the movement of goods and people, contributing to the city’s growth and prosperity. Albany was a center for the fur trade, and later, industries such as brewing, lumber, and ironworks flourished. The city also played a crucial role in the American Revolution and was the site of the Albany Congress in 1754, which laid the groundwork for the later Continental Congress. In the 20th century, Albany continued to evolve, with developments like the Empire State Plaza and the growth of the high-tech industry, particularly in nanotechnology.

Albany is not a small city, and it has its share of highrise building. Yet, walking distances are short and comfortable between the interesting sights in and around the downtown area. The commercial center is located in the heart of Albany with State Street and North Pearl Street as main streets with sights, shops, and notable constructions. Here you will find mixed architecture from various eras, and sights like St. Peter’s Church. The church was designed by Richard Upjohn and his son Richard M. Upjohn in the French Gothic Revival architectural style and completed in 1876. Across the street from the church, you can see an early highrise, Albany City Savings Bank Building at 81 meters from 1903.

At the eastern end of State Street you can see the Federal Building, constructed by the Federal Government between 1874 and 1884 as a customs house and post office. You can also see a large palace-like building at the State University Plaza. It opened as the Delaware & Hudson Railroad Company Building with a thirteen story central tower. Today, the State University of New York system is centrally administered from the building. In Albany, you can also drive northwest of the central part of Albany to the university’s uptown campus. It was designed in the 1960s, and the large complex is a notable example of Brutalist architecture and offers a stark contrast to the city’s older buildings.

You arrive at the political heart of New York State at the western end of State Street. It is the location of one of the landmarks of Albany, the New York State Capitol. Inaugurated in 1879 and completed in 1899, this architectural marvel features a blend of Romanesque and Renaissance Revival styles, and it is know for its intricate carvings, grand staircases, and the stunning so-called Million Dollar Staircase, which took 14 years and 1.5 million dollars to complete. You can take guided tours to explore the building’s rich history and architectural beauty. After becoming a state, the State Legislature met at the Old Albany City Hall until opening of the first capitol building in State Street in Albany in 1812.

The capitol grounds are surrounded by interesting and impressive constructions. At West Capitol Park, you can see the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, which was opened in 1930 as the tallest building in Upstate New York until completion of Buffalo City Hall the following year. To the north is the New York State Education Building, opened in Beaux-Arts style in 1912 and known for its expansive colonnade. To the south of West Capitol Park is the Legislative Office Building, which is also the beginning of the striking complex, Empire State Plaza.

Empire State Plaza is a large complex of modernist buildings designed by architect Wallace Harrison. The plaza includes various famous structures like the Egg, a unique performing arts venue known for its distinctive shape, and the New York State Museum, which offers exhibits on the state’s cultural and natural history. The plaza’s centrally located reflecting pools and public art installations provide a serene and visually appealing environment for visitors. And gives a great panoramic view to the complex with the four identical agency towers as a well-known profile in the skyline of Albany.

At the southern end of the Empire State Plaza, you can architecturally go a bit back in time from the modernist time to the beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It is a grand church which was completed in 1852. The great Gothic Revival cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, and notable features are the stained glass windows, intricate stonework, and the overall interior. A bit to the north of downtown is the Ten Broeck Mansion, built in 1797. The house is open as a historic house museum with decorations and furnishings from the mid-19th century, and it tells the story of the life of General Abraham Ten Broeck and his family.