Helsinki, Finland: Parliament House

This part of Helsinki has a variety of major venues designed to celebrate culture. Therefore, it's a little surprising that one of the biggest buildings in the neighborhood is all about politics. Still, the Parliament House can hold its own with any of the neighbors with its classic architecture.

It was finished in 1931, and has been the scene of many important moments in the history of Finland. You can imagine what it was like during World War II, when the nation was having all sorts of problems with its neighbors. Luckily, a happy ending was reached in 1945. 

There are five floors to the building, and guided tours are available. Like the U.S. Congress, you can even drop in and watch legislators in action - if that's the right word. 

I take no responsibility for the overproduced but short video on the place.