The 56 steps leading to the main entrance, "La Escalinata," is flanked by statues by the Italian artist Angelo Zanelli. To the left is "Work" ("El Trabajo") and to the right "The Tutelary Virtue" ("La Virtud Tutelar"). The steps lead up to the central portico, which is wide and more than tall. There are 12 granite columns in the ionic order arranged in two rows and each over tall. Beyond the portico, three large bronze doors with bas-reliefs by Zanelli allow access to the main hall.