The Capitol Building in Washington DC

In the capital city, Washington DC, rises the grandiose and famous Capitol, one of the most impressive and most easily recognizable building in the US.

The Capitol is located on a plateau 26 meters above the Potomac River. There is the starting point of the National Mall, spreading on a surface of 2 km. It is the symbol of democracy for the people of the United States of America. The Capitol building is the center of the government for the legislative power and the United States Congress. The Dome of the Capitol is a fascinating piece of architectural art, built in a neoclassical and baroque style. For the last two centuries the Capitol was the meeting point of all forms of government and many historical decisions were taken here. In Washington DC, the Dome of the Capitol is on the fifth place among the tallest buildings.

Thomas Jefferson held a contest in 1792 to choose the projects to be used in the construction of the Capitol. The works on the Capitol were started in 1793, when President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the building. The construction has been carried out by African Americans. While the building was not completely finished yet, The Congress of the United States of America was reunited in 1800 for the first meeting in the Capitol of Washington.

Visiting the building's interior is a very popular tourist attraction in Washington DC. The guided tour includes usually a presentation of the political activities taking place here. The tour is free for any visitors, tourists or locals. Here you can see impressive statues of the most important personalities in the American history.