With more American readers than any other, it seems appropriate on Independence Day to write about the iconic travel wonder of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC. The glorious white-washed classical building perches defiantly on Capitol Hill looking down a long verdant mall of national monuments, memorials and museums.
Built over 200 years ago, the building is grandly decorated with Greek columns and a huge cupola. Inside, the cavernous central room, the Rotunda, is bathed in natural light with numerous statues and artworks denoting major points in American history. A huge sculpture runs around the cupola and highlights America’s history starting with discovery by Christopher Columbus, through the Pilgrims, the signing of the constitution, the Civil War and the Wright Brother’s flight and accounts for recent events including the landing on the moon. With impressive planning, space is reserved for future significant events. The ceiling of the giant cupola is painted with an Italian-like mural showing George Washington ascending to heaven supported by various Roman and Greek gods.
Typical of most systems with its roots drawn from the British form of parliament, the Senate runs off on one side of the building while the House of Representatives runs off the other. Free tours run regularly showcasing the building’s highlights. If Congress is sitting, non-Americans can view the action by showing their passport. While the session I saw by mired in a dull and uninspiring debate about events in Nebraska, seeing the operations of the house made the effort worthwhile. A flag flies over the relevant wing if the house is sitting.
The original Supreme Court is included on the tour, though the current ultimate court in the USA is now housed in a separate building not far away. A glorious garden rich with orchids sits at the foot of the Capitol building.
Washington DC is a city rich in travel wonders befitting a capital city including the visually striking US Capitol.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Capitol in the Capital (Washington DC, USA)
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10 comments:
This makes me want to schedule another DC visit soon! The District has a sort of intoxicating energy (at least for this American citizen). It's a terrific walking city with some rather remarkable destinations.
Love your title. Spelling matters!
I was in DC once but didn't have enough time to explore properly (we just went to the National Mall and its surrounding museum). One of these days I've gotta go back! :o)
@heather: I'll write a review of the whole Mall one day. The monuments (esp Lincoln) and the air/space museum are stellar.
@smorg: Certainly wortha trip for the Smithsonians alone.
Great travel site, very helpful for travelers!
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@blogbal: Thank you - I will have a look and register.
DC is a great place for free tours - the easiest way for residents to get tour tickets is to write the office of their Congressperson.
You'll receive two free tickets without waiting for them - this is also another way to fast track tickets for a White House tour.
@anil: Good advice for the US folks as the queues are shocking at times.
I love DC. it's a vibrant city with a lot of history and things to do. very international too! (for obvious reasons!)
@nomadicmatt: I also loved DC when I visited. Amazing museums and monuments. I agree that there seems to be lots to see and do.
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