6. Its Arch Was Modeled After the Arch of Constantine

One of the major features of the Manhattan Municipal Building is its open plaza that is framed by Corinthian columns. This plaza flows into a central triumphal arch, which was actually inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy.

In addition, the building’s terra-cotta vault takes after the Palazzo Farnese and its columned entrance was possibly modeled on Bernini’s Colonnade at St. Peter’s. Like the rest of its facade, the arch was so grand that automobile traffic once flowed through it before traffic patterns on Chambers Street were changed. Today, it’s open to pedestrians and foot traffic.