Capitol (Washington). Capitol Building in Washington DC

A special attraction of the capital of the United States, which Washington is rightfully proud of is the Capitol. Photo of this magnificent building of white marble is sure to be seen by everyone. It is located on the top of Capitol Hill, surrounded by other important institutions - the residence of the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. Also nearby are the monuments to Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

The word "Capitol" we associate with the same hill in Rome. In the ancient era, the Senate met there and held important popular assemblies. Where did this name come from in the New World, a few thousand kilometers from Rome? Hill in the US is considered to be a center - more ideological than geographical - the District of Columbia. This building has an interesting story that you will learn by reading this article.

Building construction

The idea of erecting a house for Congress meetings belongs to George Washington. He laid the first stone in the base of the building. This happened on September 18, 1793. It is difficult to say who was the architect of the building, since the main architects constantly changed, and each subsequent one introduced something of his own. But the main features were in the style of Empire. The building was not yet completed, when the Congress gathered in its walls in 1800.

The former metropolis - Britain - could not reconcile itself to the independence of the United States. In 1814, British troops burned the Capitol (Washington). It took him five years to restore it. But this is not the end of construction work. From 1820 to 1827, the transition between the northern and southern wings of the building was erected, over which a monumental dome was built. In another thirty years, Congress decided that the US Capitol was not large enough.

The grandiose restructuring

If they considered it necessary to expand the building for the Congress, it was decided and rethink its design. The project remained the same: the columns of classicism and the generous decor of the Empire. However, unique details were added. So, capitals of the columns began to decorate not the laurel leaves of the Mediterranean, and "local" representatives of the flora - corn cobs and tobacco leaves. The old dome was replaced by a new, cast-iron, eighty-seven meters high. The walls of the building were specially designed so that they could withstand its weight of four thousand tons.

In 1863 the building was added the finishing touch. A six-meter statue of Freedom by T. Crawford was erected on the dome. So the US Capitol, whose photo you see, has acquired a modern look. The prototype of this building is considered to be the Roman Cathedral of St. Peter, although some connoisseurs see in it a resemblance to the Parisian Invalides House (architect Mansar, Jr.).

Interior

During the twentieth century, only a minor and inconspicuous architectural upgrade of the building was carried out. Central heating was installed in the Capitol (Washington), and elevator shafts were installed. But by the middle of the century this building seemed too small. Therefore, in 1960, the eastern facade was extended by ten meters. Thus, as a result of numerous rebuildings on the pedestal of the Capitol Hill, this white marble miracle emerged - the Congress building.

Inside it is as beautiful as it is outside. In 1865 the artist Konstantin Brumidi decorated the dome of the first in the US fresco. She depicts George Washington surrounded by Olympic gods. Brumidi painted not only the dome, but also the Column Hall. Frescos and friezes reflect the more than two hundred year history of the state.

Capitol - Washington: a conceptual link

Architects have worked hard to ensure that the building of the US Congress is correctly entered into the urban development. The dome and the highly recognizable Rotunda of the Capitol are visible from everywhere. Still: after all the building in height in eighty eight meters crowns the top of the most significant in district of a hill. In addition, all the main streets of Washington lead to the Capitol, thus indicating the state symbolism of this place.

In order not to close the majestic building, around it there is no urban development. It is surrounded only by a spacious park with lawns, a total area of about 55 hectares. The National Alley, a kilometer long and 800 meters long, connects the Congress Building with two monuments: Lincoln and Washington. No less significant for the Americans and the buildings nearby, included in the complex of government agencies: the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. Previously, they were in the Capitol building. The Court's hearings were transferred only to the new building in 1935.

Excursions to the Capitol building in Washington DC

Every year, the most famous construction of the US is visited by about four and a half million tourists. Currently, the White House of the Capitol has about 540 rooms. However, tourists are allowed only two. You can go inside only as part of the excursion. However, they are absolutely free in the Capitol. You just need to show your passport at the ticket office and take a ticket with the number.

The group is immediately taken to the upper floors, because the two lower ones are occupied by simple office premises. Above are the House of Representatives (in the southern wing) and the Senate (in the north). Above these halls are special loggias for the public, because all government meetings are not hiding from the people. Transparency is the first rule of democracy. The elevator will take tourists to the uppermost floor, to the observation deck, from where the stunning panorama of the city opens. Unfortunately, the Statue of Liberty can only be seen from below, through binoculars. It is interesting because its mantle has a fringe - a kind of tribute to the indigenous population of North America.

Functionality

It is very important to emphasize that the Capitol (Washington) is not only an architectural masterpiece. In addition to aesthetic significance, this building has a profound ideological meaning. It continues to function. There are meetings of the two main branches of the US government - the Senate and the House of Representatives. The fact that government officials gathered under the dome of Congress, you can find out by the flags around the building. If they are all raised, then the session is going on. Only two American banners before the entrance from the time of the First World War are constantly developing on the flagpoles. And so it will be, as long as there is a great democratic country - the United States of America.