Rhode Island Capitol Dome

The 3rd largest self-supporting capitol dome in the world after St. Peter's Basilica and the Taj Mahal. A quote from the first century Roman historian Tacitus is carved around the interior of the dome:
RARA TEMPORUM FELICITAS UBI SENTIRE QUAE VELIS ET QUAE SENTIAS DICERE LICET

Which means, "Rare felicity of the times when it is permitted to think as you like and say what you think."
Outside and to the right of the Senate Chamber's main door is a big blue safe that contains the original Royal Charter of 1663, granted by King Charles II, and under which Rhode Island was governed until 1843. The Charter is important because it guarantees freedom of religion and the right of self-government. No other colony was granted such freedoms.



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