Construction started on the City Hall in 1920 to the design of António Correia da Silva, but it was only completed in 1955. This was partly due to design changes by subsequent architect Carlos Ramos. The most outstanding external feature is the 70 metre high clock and bell tower. The five outstanding areas are the forecourt, the black marble main staircase, the Noble Hall, the Session Hall and the D. Maria II Hall. There are many paintings, sculptures, tapestries and other art objects to be seen including works by Henrique Moreira, Dórdio Gomes and Guilherme Camarinha amongst others.