Headquarters of the Travelers Insurance Company, the Travelers Tower is the most distinctive building in the Hartford skyline (which in truth is not overly impressive). Its architecture is neoclassical. When it was built in 1919, it was the 7th tallest building in the world and remained the tallest building in New England until 1964.

When you arrive in Hartford, the most distinctive downtown building in its skyline is the Travelers Tower which serves as the largest office for the Travelers Insurance Company. It is beautiful in a classical and artful tower rising 528 feet above the city. Today the building is second largest building in Connecticut; however, when it was built in 1919 it was the 7th tallest building in the world and the tallest outside New York. Its classic skyscraper look make the building just as impressive today as 1919.

Having read earlier reviews, we thought this might provide a great view. Unfortunately, it is now just offices and, according to the guard downstairs, is not open to the public.

The tower was under construction last year, I was looking forward to it when it re-opened. However as of re-opening - it is now closed for the general public, and requires sponsorship from an employee at the Vice President level or higher for the tour.

As a child, I remember driving to Hartford at Christmas time to see Santa at G. Fox Department Store (unfortunately, long gone). As we came around a bend (no I-84 then either), three things appeared on the horizon: St. Joe's Cathedral, the Capitol Dome and the Travelers Tower. For decades there was an unwritten (I think it was unwritten) rule that no one could build higher than the Travelers Tower. She watched over the city like a stately, strong and quite attractive matron. She's not the tallest show in town any more, but she's still the most beautiful. Not sure if you can go up in it, but definitely check it out at ground level and from afar (Constitution Plaza for instance).