On December 1, 1800, the city of Washington became the capital of the United States of America. In honor of this significant day for the city, we decided to tell you about the most significant sights that everyone should see.

White House

One of the most famous buildings in Washington, of course, is the White House. This white marble building is a symbol of the American nation. His image is printed on the twenty dollar bill. The White House was founded during the reign of the country's first president, George Washington, but on June 4, 1800, when construction was completed, John Adams was already in charge of the United States. He became the first inhabitant of the residence. Now there are regular tours. Anyone can visit the White House, but only two of the six floors are open to tourists. You can look at the "colored" rooms for official and informal receptions, at the Presidential Park and at the gardens created by the spouses of the presidents. On New Year's Eve and July 4 - US Independence Day - public receptions are held here to this day. The walls of the White House remember almost the entire history of the United States as an independent state, so visitors can learn a lot by walking through this legendary building.

Capitol

Another building of national importance is the Capitol - the seat of the US Congress, the main legislative body of the country. The history of the construction of the Capitol was very long and difficult: at first, they could not create an architectural project suitable for such an important building for a long time, later the authorities faced a shortage of workers and money in the budget for construction. Three years lasted only one laying of the foundation. The first meeting of Congress took place in 1800 - at that time the Capitol was not yet fully completed. After 13 years, the process was again suspended due to the war with the British, and a year later this war destroyed the building. It was not until 1827 that the building was restored to a workable condition. Tourists, however, are allowed to see only 2 rooms out of 540. But these tours are free. You can also admire the external architecture of the building, in which fateful decisions for the country are made, especially since the building is really impressive. At night, when the lights turn on, the Capitol becomes especially beautiful.

The National Museum of American History is the largest museum in the city. It was opened in 1964. The locals call it the "American attic" as many important and interesting documents of the past are stored here, such as the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and letters from former presidents. Also here you can see the old costumes of American soldiers, the first panel of the Stars and Stripes flag, the world's first copier ... It is interesting that you can take a tour of this museum online - you need to go to its website, select the topic of interest and admire the images of suitable exhibits.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located near the Potomac River. It includes the Concert Hall, the Family Theatre, the Opera House, the Jazz Club, the Eisenhower Theatre, the Open Theater and the Theater Laboratory. This center hosts cultural life city, various performances and concerts, screenings of new cinema products are held here. Visiting the center is popular among both citizens and tourists.

Georgetown

I would like to call a separate attraction oldest district Washington Georgetown. Georgetown University is located here - this is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in America. But besides this, there are a lot of old beautiful houses, boutiques, bookstores and cafes. There is no metro in the area (the authorities were afraid to destroy historical values during its construction), but buses often run here. If you want to truly feel the spirit of an old American city, be sure to check out Georgetown!

The permanent capital of the United States is a city that is not part of any state, but officially constitutes, together with Georgetown, the District of Columbia. It is home to 600,000 citizens and the population of Columbia (district) is 5.5 million.

History of Washington

The city appeared on the world map in 1791. Named after the first American president, who is considered its founder. Native Americans - Indians who lived on the banks of the Potomac. In 1800, the American Congress began its work in Washington. In 1814, British troops occupied the capital and practically destroyed it.

Washington is a city in which, until the beginning of the 20th century, the streets were not paved. In spring and autumn, there was such dirt here that many senators proposed moving the capital to more appropriate place. But in the next ten years it was put in order, the streets were asphalted, and the city began to correspond to the level of the capital.

US capital today

Washington has been the capital of the United States for over two hundred and twenty years. Now it is a beautiful and modern metropolis, which annually welcomes tourists from all over the world. Many come to the USA to get acquainted with the history and culture of the country. Their excursion program necessarily includes the sights of Washington. There really is something to see here. Today we will tell you what interesting things can be seen in the US capital.

Landmarks of Washington

After the death of the 16th President of the United States (Lincoln), an idea arose to build a commemorative memorial. A creative competition was announced to create the best project. The victory in 1865 was won by two outstanding sculptors - Henry Bacon and Chester French.

Construction of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington began only in 1914. Work continued until 1922. More than 50,000 people attended the opening ceremony on May 30, 1922.

The memorial impresses guests of the capital with its monumentality and impressive size. The building is 57 meters high and 36 meters wide. Outwardly, it somewhat resembles a temple; some tourists notice in it a resemblance to the Greek Parthenon.

There are 36 white marble columns along the perimeter of the memorial. This is a symbol of the United States - 36 states made up the state when A. Lincoln was killed.

His statue is located in the very center of the memorial. The President is seated in a chair, his face turned towards the Washington Monument. The height of the sculpture of President Lincoln is 6 meters, and its weight is more than 150 tons.

Inside the memorial, you can see two large stone slabs engraved with Lincoln's most significant speeches: an address to the people in 1865, as well as his famous Gettysburg speech, which he delivered at the opening ceremony of the National Memorial Cemetery in 1863. .

The names of the states (48) are carved on the outside of the building - this number was by the time construction was completed (1922).

The Lincoln Monument can be visited at night. It is illuminated by powerful spotlights, which further emphasize the grandeur of the memorial. According to the statistics of American experts, more than 6 million people from different parts of the Earth visit the sights of Washington every year, and all of them must visit the memorial. On February 12, Lincoln's birthday, politicians and ordinary citizens gather here to honor the memory of their great president.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington is a city that remembers those who died during the Vietnam War. In memory of them, this memorial was built in the capital. It is located in Constitution Garden on the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial.

The monument is a not very deep trench, shaped like the letter V, which is lined with black granite on the outside. The large wall bears the names of 58,000 Americans who died or went missing during that war. The composition is crowned by a sculpture of three soldiers standing on a hill, located on the inside of the memorial. sculptural composition made by F. Hart, the author of the project was the architect Maya Lin.

The opening of the memorial took place in 1982. Since then, it has been part of the national park network.

White House

The official residence of the current presidents of the United States, in addition, this is a very beautiful building. It is a landmark of the capital and a symbol of the country.

Construction of the White House in Washington began at the end of 1792. The author of the project was James Hoban. George Washington himself supervised the construction. Eight years later (1800) the building work was completed. Its first inhabitant was President John Adams.

The White House in Washington DC has a fascinating history. The building burned down twice - in 1814 it was set on fire by the British and in 1929, when President Herbert Hoover was in power. Then the building was carefully restored. Its appearance has not changed, and today it looks the same as two hundred years ago.

The palace is made in the Palladian style. It has two wings and six floors. Interior spaces different in their purpose, have different names and interior decoration. For example, the Oval Office is the workplace of the president, the Oval Blue Hall is intended for ceremonial receptions, the Green Room is for informal conversations.

National Cathedral

The sights of Washington attract many tourists with unusual architecture. The National Catholic Cathedral, made in the Gothic style, is famous for its exquisite stained glass windows, magnificent gargoyles and lush gardens that surround it.

The cathedral was built for mass worship. Today it is the largest Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere.

For the first time, J. Washington thought about creating such a structure in 1791. But his idea was brought to life only a hundred years later. At the beginning of construction, a stone brought from Bethlehem was laid in the foundation of the temple.

Today it is not just a visited attraction. First of all, it is the most important religious and social center of the country.

Georgetown

This ancient and very attractive area is very popular in the city of Washington (USA). They like to walk here locals, guests of the capital also enjoy their rest here.

It is located in the northwest of the city. This picturesque suburb is very beautiful: cobbled streets, old buildings, beautiful brick houses with intricate porches.

In this part of the capital, you can see Georgetown University, the Dumbarton Oaks mansion, an old stone house, the Tudor Manor Museum, the Lutheran Church, and Waterfront Park.

This area is considered the richest and most fashionable quarter of the capital.

There are many shops, boutiques, luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants, nightclubs.

City of Washington(not to be confused with the state of the same name) is the capital of the United States of America and a city very rich in attractions. The official founding date of the District of Columbia is 1790, and the city of Washington is 1791. Most of the sights of the city will seem familiar to the tourist from Hollywood films, but they are seen live leave unforgettable impressions.

Top attractions in Washington DC

Washington, as the capital of the United States, has an incredible number of attractions of national importance. The District of Columbia is home to world-famous landmarks such as White House, Capitol, Washington Monument, as well as an incredible number of unique museums. A description of the main attractions of the city of Washington and their photos with names, I offer you below.

Architecture of the District of Columbia

Washington is very rich in architectural sights., 6 architectural monuments of the city are among the top ten buildings in the United States. The fact is that Washington was originally built as the capital of the United States and therefore was planned and built by the best architects.

White House- of course, the main attraction of Washington and concurrently the residence of the President of the United States. The first building of the White House, built back in 1800 by the architect James Hoban with the assistance of George Washington, was burned down by the British in 1812, but almost immediately reconstructed and survived to this day in this form. Tourists have the opportunity to visit two of the six floors and see the Green, Blue and Red rooms, as well as the personal belongings of the presidents who lived here.

Capitol- the second most important landmark of the United States after the White House. The complex of buildings of the Senate and Congress was built in 1800, but in 1958, due to an increase in the number of staff, the building of the Senate was completed. However, the new building harmoniously blended into the overall architectural composition.

Cathedral. Another of the architectural landmarks that are a symbol of the city of Washington. The neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral took 83 years to build and was completed in 1990.

Among the main architectural monuments should also be called:

• Pentagon;
• Georgetown University;
• library of congress;

• the Jefferson memorial;
• the Lincoln Memorial;
• Washington Monument.

It is difficult to list all the architectural sights of Washington, there are a lot of them. Architectural monuments are made in the Romanesque, Gothic, Victorian and modern styles and amaze the imagination with their diversity.

Museums

The main museums in Washington are, of course, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, which includes 19 museums and galleries, 11 of which are located on the National Mall. It must be said that many museums in Washington have been given the status of National Museums. Among the most informative museums of the city, tourists should visit the following places:

National Air and Space Museum one of the Smithsonian museums. The museum has an amazing amount of aircraft ranging from kites to spaceships.

A museum that tells the history of the US state, from the Revolutionary War to modern history, with more than 3 million exhibits.

National Museum of Natural History- Another of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution and the most visited natural history museum in the world. The museum, which has a collection of more than 126 million exhibits, will introduce you to plants, animals, precious stones, meteorites, fossils and other unique wonders of nature.

Washington is very a large number of museums, and if you have time to visit them, be sure to also check out such museums as:

• Washington City Museum;
• espionage museum;
• the National Gallery of Art;
• museum of women in art;

• Newseum;
• the Hirshhorn Museum;
• National Children's Museum;
• Hillwood Museum.

In these places you will get to know the history of the United States and its capital city of Washington.

Monuments and memorials of Washington

Americans are a model of patriotism and love for the history of their country, and this, of course, could not but be reflected in the number of monuments and memorials in the very heart of the United States - the city of Washington. The main monuments of the District of Columbia are as follows:

Washington Monument- a majestic obelisk erected on the territory of the National Mall in honor of the first president of the United States. What is surprising, despite the general desire to build a monument, squabbles and political intrigues stretched the building for almost ninety years: from 1797 to 1885.

- a monument to one of the most famous and revered presidents in the United States, opened in 1922. The sixteenth president of the United States abolished slavery after a bloody civil war.

Jefferson Memorial- a monument to the founding father and the third president of the United States. The memorial was built in 1943, the statue of Thomas Jefferson was originally plaster, but after the Second World War it was cast in bronze. Japanese cherry blossoms grow around the memorial, so be sure to visit it in the spring.

National WWII Veterans Memorial. This memorial is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and serves as a tribute to the memory of more than 400 thousand Americans who died during World War II. The bas-reliefs of the memorial tell about the key events of the theaters of military operations and the rear.

Among other no less worthy monuments to prominent Americans, it is necessary to mention such as:

• the Ulysses Grant memorial;
• the Franklin memorial;

• monument to Albert Einstein;
• Monument to Martin Luther King.

Parks of Washington

Despite the large number of architectural structures, the creators of Washington allocated enough space for parks and alleys. More about the parks of this amazing city:

national mall- perhaps the most famous park in Washington. The park area is located in the very center of the city on an area of ​​400 hectares and is surrounded by museums, memorials and galleries.

presidential park is located around the White House on an area of ​​33 hectares and includes two more parks Lafayette and Ellipse.

Lafayette Square. In the past, a site that contained building materials for the White House, a racetrack and even a slave market. In 1824, the park was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the three revolutions - American, French and July. Today this park is a favorite place for tourists, as it opens best view to the white house.

Ellipse- open space south of the White House. Although formally the park is considered part of the presidential park, all visitors perceive it as a separate landscape object.

Also, a tourist planning to visit Washington parks should pay attention to Botanical Garden located on the National Mall. Botanical Garden includes the National Garden, Orangery and Bartholdi Park. Especially interesting for tourists there will be a greenhouse in which many unusual plants are presented, for example, such as amorphophallus titanic - one of the pride of the greenhouse.

What to see in Washington in 1 day

Washington DC has a lot of attractions., and if you have only one day to visit this city, the route should be as saturated as possible. To see all the main attractions, you should build a route along the National Mall.

• Your starting point will be lincoln memorial.
• Near the Lincoln Memorial you can also see memorials to veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars.
• Continue along the pool to World War II memorial.
• After visiting the memorial, go to the George Washington Monument.
• The next point of the route along the National Mall is Capitol Hill and the US Congress Building.
• Following the National Mall, you can also visit a number of the most interesting museums, such as, for example, natural history museum or air and space museum.
• After walking along the National Mall, walk along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House building, where you can see main character America.

If after the route you still have time, be sure to visit one of the restaurants in the city or shopping center City Centre.

What to see in Washington DC with kids

The US capital gives entertainment not only to adult tourists, but also to their children. The main ones for walking with children, except, of course, attractions that are interesting for all ages and generations.

Spy Museum

Smithsonian Zoo

National Children's Museum

Also close to the city Six Flags amusement park where your child can ride a real rollercoaster.

Video on which the most beautiful places in Washington are selected. Having admired them, you will certainly want to mark this city! It's worth seeing.

There are a lot of cafes and restaurants around the National Avenue, where tourists can have a bite to eat before continuing to explore the sights. For example, I really liked the pizzeria Pi Pizzeria. What are your favorite restaurants in Washington DC?

Basic moments

With its marble monuments and high politics, Washington has long been saddled with a reputation as a boring government city. “The city of southern prosperity and northern charm,” as John F. Kennedy described it, often seems slow and uninteresting to visitors. But today the US capital is bathed in a new energy that turns it into an interesting place to stay. Although the government is still the orbit around which the city's sun revolves, there are many famous museums and interesting surroundings. And with the advent of restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques and clubs, DC has become a cultural center.

The District of Columbia is much more than just a museum piece or a great backdrop for the evening news. It has tree-lined neighborhoods, amazing theatres, restaurants from around the world. It is worth looking deeper, and the life of the city opens up to the eyes, in which, among other things, it becomes more and more more markets. The cobbled streets are roamed by a population that is 50% African-American.

Washington is a city not only of politicians, but also of owners of ancestral mansions and immigrants from El Salvador. Artists and other creatives are drawn to Washington's undeniable intellectual energy, with more successful and talented people working there than one would expect from a city of its size.

Over 3 million people live in Washington and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland; the population of the city itself is about 670 thousand inhabitants (according to the census, increased from 606,900 people in 1990 to 672,228 people in 2015) where over half are African Americans.

With the beautiful houses and diplomatic missions around Massachusetts Avenue and Georgetown's university district, it's hard to believe that for a long time Washington was the swampy banks of the Potomac River. When laying the city, George Washington invited the Parisian engineer Pierre-Charles Lanfant, who was rebuilding Federal Hall in New York on the occasion of Washington's accession to the presidency.

The sights of Washington fit in a rather limited space, which is a rectangle stretching from railway station Union Station and the Library of Congress in the east to the Watergate quarter and the Lincoln Memorial near the Potomac River in the west. Georgetown occupies the northwestern part of this rectangle, and Arlington Cemetery stretches along the west bank of the Potomac. Admission to almost all monuments and museums is free.

You can choose a traditional set of attractions with visits to classics like the White House and the Washington Monument, as well as the Museum of Natural History. Schedule a visit in late March/early April, during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and you'll be rewarded with a view of many rose petals. If you've already seen the must-sees, check out the other side of the city, brightly colored by club lights, adorned with art galleries and vibrant farmers' markets in the suburbs.

It only takes a couple of days to see a city familiar to many of the short guidebooks, but it takes more than one month to get to know the modern Washington that its residents love.

If you don't like to walk, as the city is usually sweltering in the heat of the summer, you can use the Tourmobile tram service, whose path runs past the city's main monuments, museums and government buildings, stopping at the Capitol, the Esplanade and the White House. Tour guides talk about everything while you are driving. The advantage of this method of transportation is that you can ride all day on one ticket, which is purchased when you first board the tram.

In addition, Tourmobile streetcars make trips to Arlington and Mount Vernon.

Public transport in Washington is made up of convenient city buses and an extensive Metrorail metro network. Plenty of taxis where quite reasonable prices are charged based on the sections into which the city is divided (map can be seen in the taxi cab) rather than the distance travelled. Plot "one" covers most of the major attractions. Use your car for out-of-town trips, since official parking in the center is expensive, and illegal ones can ruin you. The police simply evacuate the car to one of the 20 fenced parking lots, without even notifying the owner where exactly.

Story

Like so much in American history, the story of DC is a story of compromise. In this case, the balance fluctuated because of the politicians of the North and South, who dreamed of placing the capital in their zone of influence. After the rejection of such candidates as Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, it was decided to found a new city in the middle of 13 colonies, on the banks of the Potomac River. The land was donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia (which took back its land in the 19th century).

Initially, Washington was controlled by Congress, during the War of 1812 the British set fire to the city, and in 1846, when talk of the abolition of slavery was buzzing in the capital, Virginia was returned located on south coast subordinate port of Alexandria. Over the years of its history, Washington has developed into different directions: as a federal government shrine and residence for federal employees on the one hand, and as a ghetto for northbound African Americans and overseas immigrants on the other.

In 1973, the city finally got its own mayor, Walter Washington, one of the first African-American mayors to head major cities. Even with perpetually insufficient funding, today's Washingtonians pay the same taxes as other American citizens, while not having a voice in Congress. Educated top class incredibly far from the poor, whom he pays little attention to; almost one in two has a university degree, but one in three Washington residents is illiterate.

With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, Washington's status has risen - now New Yorkers are moving here, and not vice versa! President Obama's habit of playing basketball and going to local restaurants are rare signs: this is a president who not only works in Washington, but also has a Washington soul.

Landmarks of Washington

To make it convenient to navigate the city, two designers were involved in its planning. Unfortunately, their ideas about the capital came into conflict with each other. Pierre Lenfant's Diagonal Streets Named After States Adjacent to Andrew Ellicott's Grid (remember: letters go east to west, numbers go north to south). On top of that, the city is divided into four sectors with the same addresses in different parts - going to F and 14th NW, you will find yourself next to the White House, and at F and 14th NE you will be next to Rosedale Playground.

Most of the attractions are in the Northwest sector, and most of the neglected areas are in the Southeast (Southeast, SE). Get lost in the evening and prepare for the crowds during events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Potomac River flows to the south and west; to the north and east lies Maryland; the metropolitan ring road encircles the entire city.

White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; tel.: 202-456-70-41; www.whitehouse.gov

Although the White House is open to the public, for safety reasons, there are now very limited tours, usually available only to US citizens who can organize them through their congressional representative. But you can also get a pretty good idea of ​​the White House and its history by visiting the Information Center at 15th and E Streets in the Department of Commerce building. Park rangers serving the center are always ready to help, expositions are also placed there, a 30-minute film is shown and there is a souvenir shop. There are guided tours of the White House Gardens on certain days, with tickets issued at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the tour. For more information, please contact the Information Center.

The White House was designed in 1792 by the Irish architect James Hoban in the English Palladian style common among the lesser nobility. During the competition, where the winner was awarded a gold medal worth $500, Hoban was ahead of an anonymous project by Thomas Jefferson.

Rejoicing at his move here in 1801, Jefferson remarked that the expansive White House suite could well house "two emperors, the Pope and the Dalai Lama to boot." But such a statement did not prevent him from soon attaching outbuildings with a terrace on both sides, and Benjamin Latrobe added porticoes. And then almost all of Jefferson's successors, deprived of his architectural knowledge, got into the habit of changing something in their temporary home.

Those who are lucky enough to get inside the White House will see something like this: one of the corridors on the first floor leads to the garden of Jacqueline Kennedy, followed by the Gilded Room with a collection of gilded silver dishes and a library. Upstairs is the Government Floor with five rooms, which are best known to us from books and television programs.

In the East Hall, where the president's press conferences are held, concerts, balls and receptions are held on the occasion of the marriage of the president's children, the funeral of the incumbent president, in particular, Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Kennedy. The First "First Lady" of the White House, Abigail Adams, used it as a dryer for her laundry. Gilbert Stuart's famous 1796 portrait of George Washington was saved from a fire in 1814 by Dolly Madison, wife of President James Madison.

It is not uncommon for First Ladies to have tea in the tastefully furnished Green Room under a 1790 crystal chandelier given by the British government to Herbert Hoover. Jefferson liked to dine in the Green Room, showing puzzled Americans the latest in European cuisine like pasta, waffles, and ice cream.

The blue hall is furnished in the French Empire style, which corresponds to the solemn dinners arranged here. There is also the “Truman Balcony”, where the president from Missouri liked to breathe air. The Red Hall, whose walls are covered with red satin, boasts gilded and marble tables. Its opulence contrasts with the sober decor of the Grand Dining Room at the west end of the floor above which sits the presidential living quarters. The dining room is decorated in elegant 18th-century English style, and along the oak walls with Corinthian pilasters lined with walnut chairs from the time of Queen Anne, but the portrait of Abraham Lincoln dominates everything.

National Mall and Potomac Park

The esplanade, surrounded by greenery and water, stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, crosses the imaginary line of the White House - the Tidal Basin at the Washington Monument and represents one of the city's largest avenues. Surrounded by monuments and museums, it is almost always full of people walking, relaxing, flying kites and playing ball, an example of the posthumous triumph of the ideas of the architect Pierre-Charles Lanfant, who dreamed of harmoniously combining the built environment with the landscape.

If the Statue of Liberty personifies America in the eyes of the whole world, then the George Washington Memorial is a symbol of the state in the eyes of the Americans themselves. The construction of the white marble obelisk, 169 m high, began in 1848, but dragged on for 36 years due to lack of funds and the Civil War. A lift will take you to the top of the monument, from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

From the obelisk, proceed west along the 610 m tree-lined Mirror Pond to the Lincoln Memorial (1922) . This structure in the form of an ancient Greek temple of rectangular shape, surrounded by 36 Doric columns, contains a six-meter statue of Lincoln seated in thought by Daniel Chester French. The sculpture is especially impressive if you look at it at the first rays of the sun.

To the left of the entrance is a memorial plaque with Lincoln's speech after the Battle of Gettysburg, where he pays tribute to those who died for "a new tribe of people conceived in the bosom of Liberty and deeply believing that all people are equal from birth." To American schoolchildren, this performance is known as the "Gettysburg Address."

Stop at the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This modest monument to those who died in Vietnam bears the names of 58,000 soldiers. A more familiar sculptural group was built later at the request of those who served there. From here, through the Potomac Park, which stretches around the Tidal Basin, you can visit the Jefferson Memorial (1943) modeled on the Roman Pantheon.

Looking at the bronze statue of this architect, philosopher and statesman with refined manners, the apt words of President Kennedy come to mind. At a dinner in the Blue Hall, given in honor of Nobel laureates, he said: "This is the most extraordinary collection of talents and human knowledge that has ever gathered together in the White House, except perhaps when Thomas Jefferson dined here alone." .

The Esplanade is among the world's most impressive concentration of museums and art galleries. Enter the Botanical Gardens, just south of the brooding figure of Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. The three-year alteration of the garden made it possible to expand the already significant collection of plants from all over the world, full of captivating smells.

capitol hill

The most powerful government in the Western world occupies a building resembling the Capitol. This imposing structure rests under a huge white dome that unites the Senate in the north wing with the House of Representatives in the south wing. The building itself is impressive.

William Thornton's original design in 1793 called for a low dome. When, after the fire of 1814, Benjamin Latrobe expanded the idea, the congressmen praised him only for the capital of the Corinthian columns located in their meeting room in the form of corn cobs and tobacco leaves. Charles Bulfinch arrived from Boston to install a grander vault, but in 1850 Congress decided to enlarge the dome even further. And then Thomas Walter, taking the dome of St. Peter's as a model, placed the iron dome on a grand drum supported by columns, and so it has stood since then, and the statue of Liberty by the architect Thomas Crawford crowned it in 1863.

The entrance to the Capitol is on the east side and starts from the Rotunda (tours usually last 45 minutes). The extensive ceiling was painted in 1865 by the artist Constantine Brumidi, depicting the Apotheosis of George Washington, celebrated by the gods representing Liberty, Victory and Glory, and by the women representing the 13 American states. Closer to the floor along the entire circumference of the Rotunda is a 91 m long frieze depicting historical events: from the arrival of Columbus to the surrender of the British under the command of Cornwallis at Yorktown to the flight of the Wright brothers airplane in 1903.

In the National Sculpture Hall and the corridors leading from the Rotunda, you will find what is considered the largest collection of huge sculptures in America. It arose after all 50 states were invited to submit statues of their most eminent citizens, made by their own sculptors.

Outside, the grounds of the Capitol with an area of ​​​​53 hectares are occupied by beautiful parks, laid out by a landscape architect of the 19th century. Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for creating parks in New York, Boston, Chicago and California.

1st Street & Independence Avenue; tel.: 202-707-97-79; www.loc.gov

The Library of Congress, containing millions of books, maps, manuscripts, periodicals, photographs, sound and video recordings, rare instruments, is one of the most remarkable buildings on Capitol Hill. The permanent exhibition of documents includes the 1455 Gutenberg Bible, one of only three well-preserved copies that have come down to us. Also, check out the touching Civil War photographs taken by Matthew Brady, America's first preeminent photojournalist, in the Prints & Photographs section.

Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street) Located behind the Library of Congress, in its Tudor-style halls, houses the largest collection of the poet's works and works related to his life and works of that era, including a carefully reproduced Elizabethan theater outside the UK. Nearby rises the formidable Supreme Court Building, built in 1935, the last example of Greco-Roman style among government buildings in Washington.

North and south side of the Esplanade

Abraham Lincoln Assassination Site, Ford's Theater (511 10th Street, between E and F Streets; tel: 202-347-48-33; www.fordstheatre.org) has the status of a historical landmark and has been restored in the form it looked like on the fateful evening of April 14, 1865. Since 1968, it has again become a functioning stage; added presidential box. Below is a museum that tells about the life of Lincoln. The clothes in which he came to the performance are exhibited; the gun of the killer brand Derringer and the diary of the killer, John Wilkes Booth - an actor and a fierce supporter of the defeated southerners. On the contrary, at number 516 stands the Petersen House Museum, where the dying president was taken, due to the poor condition of the roads, being afraid to take him to the White House. Here is a small bedroom where the tall Lincoln, whose height was 2 m, had to be placed on the bed obliquely.

You can get a history lesson at the National Archives (National Archives; Constitution Ave, between 7th and 9th streets; www.archives.gov), where the originals of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, handwritten on parchment, are exhibited. Some have faded badly and now lie in boxes of light-filtering materials filled with helium, which protects them from rotting.

On the south side of the Esplanade, at 14th and C Streets is the Bureau of Currency and Securities (tel: 877-874-41-14; www.bep.treas.gov, valid ID required; tours canceled when security is heightened), where you can see how American paper money and postage stamps are printed from one-cent stamps to a $500 million Treasury bond (photography is prohibited). You will follow the path of turning clean white sheets of cotton and linen paper into crunchy banknotes. As a souvenir, you can buy shredded banknotes.

Arlington

Along the green bank of the Potomac behind the Lincoln Parkway, a half-mile-long scenic drive runs north between the Rock Creek Parkway and the river. On weekends, you can watch the game of polo, field hockey and kayaks passing by. You will come across the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts along the way. (2700 F Street), where it is not the clumsy architecture that attracts more, but its cultural activities, since the capital formerly eschewed the performing arts.

The center includes two drama theatres, one opera, concert hall and the superb American Film Institute family cinema. To the north is Watergate - a complex of buildings where in 1972 dirty deeds were committed, which led to the forced resignation of President Richard Nixon in front of the threat of impeachment.

Scenically located on the hillside across the river Arlington House, also known as the Robert E. Lee Memorial (Robert E. Lee Memorial). This austere Neo-Greek mansion, fronted with eight Doric columns, was built in 1812 by George Washington P. Custis, the grandson of George Washington's wife by her first marriage, who was brought up in their home. Then he lived here until 1861, when he had to leave for the Confederate troops, General Lee. In front of the house itself is the tomb of the architect Pierre-Charles Lanfant, which offers a wonderful view of the capital across the river, which he so lovingly planned. His original city plan is carved on a granite stone, allowing comparison with what was built. The house is currently undergoing reconstruction, but it itself is open to the public, although all the furnishings have been removed for the period of restoration work.

During the Civil War, Northern troops confiscated Lee's house, setting aside part of the surrounding plantation for the burial of dead soldiers. This was the beginning of the Arlington National Cemetery, where only those Americans who participated in the hostilities are buried.

The place of honor is occupied by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers of the two world wars and the Korean War, where an infantryman stands in the guard of honor, who is replaced every half hour in summer and hourly in winter. In a small park is the grave of John F. Kennedy in the form of a paved area around eternal flame. Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis rests on the same site, and the president's brother, Robert Kennedy, is buried nearby.

The Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Monument, is located in front of the northern entrance to the cemetery. It is the largest bronze statue in the world, standing 23 meters high and representing five Marines and one sailor hoisting the American flag. (The real flag is raised daily by the Marines stationed in the city) on Mount Suribachi when mastering the Japanese naval base on the Pacific island of Ioto on February 23, 1945. The battle for the island lasted three months and claimed the lives of 5,000 Americans, although the Japanese losses were four times greater.

Georgetown is in the northeast federal district, high-ranking government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, university professors and highly paid journalists live here. It is also a lively part of the city with colorful shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants around M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.

Georgetown, already a major center for the tobacco trade, was founded in 1751, when the building plan for Washington was just being drawn up. The city exported tobacco along the Potomac, and imported luxury items such as silk, wine, pewter, tea, and powder for the wigs of idle landowners. A couple of houses have survived from those times, but the best examples of residential architecture are represented by the buildings of the Georgian and Federal styles of the first half of XIX in. and separate buildings of the Victorian style of the post-war period (meaning Civil War) . It is gratifying to see the local narrow and shady streets after the wide avenues of bureaucratic Washington.

The oldest building in the city - Ancient stone house (Old Stone House; 3051 M Street) 1766, where the Museum of Colonial Life is now located. Another significant building is Dumbarton House. (Dumbarton House; 2715 Q Street), allegedly rebuilt in 1805 by Benjamin Latrobe. Now there is a museum of furniture, silverware and porcelain of the Federalist period. The museum holds lectures on furniture styles of the 18th-19th centuries. and give concerts.

Dumbarton Oaks (Dumbarton Oaks; 3101 R Street)- the stately mansion built in 1801 became the venue for the conference in 1944, where the USA, Britain, Soviet Union and China outlined the creation of the United Nations. On 6.5 hectares of land, austere terraces and ponds are perfectly combined with a freer layout in the English style of the landscape spread below. In the garden (at 32nd Street entrance) is the Museum of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine Art crowned with a mushroom-shaped dome (Museum of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine Art), built by architect Philip Johnson.

The ruins of the Chesapeake-Ohio Canal are visible at the south end of Georgetown. (Chesapeake 8c Ohio Canal). From 1828 to 1924, coal was transported along it, and now there is expanse for walkers, cyclists, kayakers and fishermen, and in winter for skaters. Channel area (Canal Square; 1054 31st Street) was a warehouse, now turned into a shopping center.

Museums in Washington

National Art Gallery

Constitution Avenue between 4th and 6th streets; tel.: 202-737-42-15; www.nga.gov

The western building, in the form of a classical temple of arts with a colonnade, houses European and American paintings and sculptures, its exhibition halls display works from the Middle Ages to the present day. Designed by architect Bei Yuming, the East Building is a striking combination of geometric forms in the form of billowing narrow triangular prisms. You are even more amazed when you get inside the building, where a collection of contemporary art is presented.

Under such a sign, not one, but a number of museums took refuge: the 17th century. in Washington, two in New York and branches in other cities. Museums have 75 million art and scientific exhibits, and only a hundredth of them are on public display. Entrance is free everywhere. The bright redbrick building on the Esplanade, commonly referred to as "the castle," is the Smithsonian Information Center, open daily and housing a café. The nine museums listed below are affiliated with the Smithsonian; more details can be obtained by phone: 202-633-10-00.

National Air and Space Museum

7th Street and Independence Avenue; www.nasm.si.edu

The entire history of aviation - from the Wright brothers' first flight across the North Carolina meadow in 1903 to Neil Armstrong's flight exactly 66 years later from Cape Canaveral to the Moon - is presented in 23 halls.

National Museum of Natural History

10th Street & Constitution Avenue; www.mnh.si.edu

Here you can see everything from the 24 m long diplodocus to insects. The largest permanent exhibition is presented in the Maritime Hall. R. Santa.

Madison Drive, 12th to 14th streets; www.americanhistory.si.edu

It presents the life of Americans of various eras and social strata, accompanied by an entertaining history of the development of electric lighting and electric motors. Completed at the end of 2008, the extensive restructuring of the museum made it possible to add new exhibits.

National Museum of the American Indian

4th Street and Independence Avenue; www.nmai.si.edu

The National Museum of the American Indian is a collection of thousands of artifacts, including carvings and feathered Northeast Indian masks, Plains Indian skins and headdresses, Southwest Indian pottery, 18th-century wares. Great Lakes Indians and fine Navajo fabrics.

Independence Avenue between 7th and 9th streets; www.hirshhorn.si.edu

In this building, like a drum, modern Art, where a garden of sculptures stands out, including the "Citizens of Calais" by the Frenchman Rodin and the works of the Englishman Moore, the Spaniard Picasso and the American David Smith. The collection of paintings includes creations of cubism, socialist realism, op art, pop art and minimalism.

Frier Art Gallery

Jefferson at 12th Street; www.asia.si.edu

The Freer Art Gallery has a large Asian collection and a smaller American one. Underground exhibition spaces connect the Freer Gallery with the Arthur M. Sacklepa Gallery (1050 Independence Avenue, southwest), which showcases Buddhist sculpture, ancient Iranian art forging, and art from China, South-East Asia and the ancient Near East.

Frier Art Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

8th and F streets; www.npg.si.edu

National Portrait Gallery - All presidents and prominent women are represented here, including Pocahontas, Eleanor Roosevelt and Gertrude Stein. In addition, the gallery is a major center for historical photography. The exposition is located in National Museum American art.

National Museum of American Art

8th and G streets; www.americanart.si.edu

Fine examples of colonial period art - from Winslow Homer, Mary Stevenson Cassatt and James Whistler to Georgia O'Keefe and Willem De Kooning. Its branch, the Renwick Gallery (Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street), presents the finest examples of American arts and crafts.

Washington for kids

Without a doubt, the main point of the excursion program is the zoo, where approximately 2,000 animals live on 163 acres, from Asian elephants and higher primates to fur seals. Don't miss the chance to meet the zoo's most popular animal, baby panda Bao Bao. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk under the Orangutan Transportation System (or just O-line)- chances are great to see these primates swinging on wires between eight steel towers. And if you are more interested in exotic animals South America, take a look at the Amazonian exhibition, which occupies almost 1.3 square kilometers.

The entrance to the zoo is free, but parking is not - the first three hours will cost $16, more than three hours will cost $22, so the cheapest and easiest way to get to the zoo is to take the red metro line to Woodley Park station.

Museums throughout the city will provide children of all ages with new knowledge and entertainment. But if you (or they) tired of the indoors, go to any of the many seductive green parks, such as the 328-acre East Potomac Park (Ohio Dr SW) with a playground, a swimming pool under open sky, mini golf and picnic equipment; the park stretches southeast from Tidal Basin.

On the Washington DC site Our Kids (www.our-kids.com) there are plenty of lists of shows and activities for kids, family restaurants, and plenty of ideas for how to spend the day.

Many hotels provide babysitting services, but you can also book a babysitter with a well-reputed organization Mothers "Aides (Tel: 703-250-0700; www.mothersaides.com) with rates ranging from $15 to $20 per hour.

The wide spaces of the Alley are perfect for outdoor family fun, whether you want to leave the plate of frisbee, have a picnic, ride an old-fashioned carousel (tickets $2.50) or go to museums.

Children love anything that squashes and/or makes other things squash; both dinosaurs and insects can be viewed at the National Museum of Natural History (National Museum of Natural History). The Kennedy Center puts on entertaining performances, and the National Air and Space Museum (National Air & Space Museum) there are pieces of moon rocks, a 3D cinema, and an awesome horse riding simulator.

The National Theater hosts free shows on Saturday mornings, from puppet shows to tap dancers (places must be booked in advance).

At the Discovery Theater (Tel: 202-633-8700; www.discoverytheater.org; 1100 Jefferson Dr SW; adult/child $6/5) at the bottom of the Ripley Center building (Ripley Center) entertaining shows for young viewers.

Be sure to check out the Children's Museum (Tel: 301-686-0225; www.ncm.museum; 112 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD), which is located in the National Harbor Complex, 16 km south of the Mall (mall).

Independence Day in Washington

Festivals and events

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Held from late March to early April. During the festival, Washington is especially beautiful. (www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org).

Smithsonian Folk Festival

Held for two weeks or more in June and July, this fun family celebration features the region's traditional folk art, crafts, food and music. (www.festivai.si.edu).

Independence Day

It's no wonder it's a pomp here, with July 4th being celebrated with a parade, outdoor concert and fireworks over the Mall. (mall).

Accommodation

If you would like to stay in a B&B or in private apartments throughout the city, please contact Bed & Breakfast Accommodations (Tel: 877-893-3233; www.bedandbreakfastdc.com).

If you want to come to Washington by car, expect a parking fee of $20 or more (or leave the car in Arlington or Alexandria (Arlington or Alexandria), where some hotels provide free parking).

Kitchen

As you'd expect from one of the most international cities in the world, Washington's restaurant scene is eclectic, with a huge variety of restaurants serving Ethiopian, Indian, Southeast Asian, French, Italian, and other cuisines, as well as good old-fashioned Southern kitchens.

Excursions from Washington

Mount Vernon (Virginia; 26 km south on park road to Mount Vernon Memorial; also on the Tourmobile streetcar during summer; tel: 703-780-20-00; www.mountvernon.org), in addition to being the home of George Washington, allows you to see a carefully restored Virginian plantation of the 18th century: perhaps only the lawns look more well-groomed than then. Make the 35-minute walk in the morning to escape the spring and summer pandemonium and sit, as Washington and his wife Martha once did, on the pillared veranda overlooking the Potomac Valley and the green hills of Maryland in the distance.

The great warrior and leader George Washington was also a skilled farmer, one of the first to use extended crop rotation. On his land of 3250 hectares, he started five farms, where 120 slaves worked. On the border of the bowling green you will see old trees planted by Washington. Martha's account books can be seen in the house. Washington's bedroom contains authentic items, including the travel chest that accompanied its owner on the roads of war and the bed on which he died in 1799.

Colonial Virginia (South of Washington on Interstate 95 through Richmond to Interstate 5). Road 5 will take you to three historical places: Jamestown, where Virginia was founded, Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780, and Yorktown, where the Revolutionary War ended in 1781. All cities are connected by the Colonial Parkway, where an information center distributes tickets to Colonial Williamsburg. (Exit 238 on Interstate 64). If you have a busy schedule, visit all three places on the same day.

Colonial Williamsburg is the nation's largest restoration program, covering over 500 18th-century buildings. Guests are invited to communicate with their inhabitants, who are represented by actors dressed in the dress of that time. Visit a shoemaker, a blacksmith shop, a pharmacy, and a printing press to learn about these crafts, or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Restoration has been carried out since 1927 at the expense of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Architectural historians have restored the 1705 Capitol building and the governor's palace from drawings of 18th-century engravings found in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University in England. As for the palace, a drawing of its interior layout, sketched by Thomas Jefferson, who lived here for six months as governor of Virginia, was of great help. The main street bears the name of the Duke of Gloucester and is lined with beautiful boarded and red-brick Georgian houses.

Eminent figures of the Revolutionary War met at the Reilly Tavern; you can taste 18th century cuisine. in the King's Arms, Chowning's and Christian Campbell's taverns, which are in excellent condition.

Jamestown, 10 km south of Williamsburg, was the place where the first settlers from England landed in May 1607. (13 years before the arrival of the Mayflower in Massachusetts). It was long believed that the only surviving monument of colonial Jamestown was the crumbling bell tower when the site was abandoned due to malarial mosquitoes. (now missing). But extensive excavations since 1994 have unearthed thousands of traces of those early days, including parts of the original wooden Fort James. The settlement of Jamestown is modeled on an old stockade with a glassblowing yard and replicas of the frail boats Susan Constant, Discovery and Godspeed on the river bank, on which John Smith and 103 settlers set off on a long and dangerous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean .

Yorktown, 29 km to the east, is where Lord Cornwallis surrendered with his garrison in October 1781, marking the loss of Britain's American colonies. Before visiting this battle site, visit the Yorktown Victory Center 3 km from the city, where you can see the "Continental Army camp", talk to actors in disguise and see an exhibition of objects from the Revolutionary War. In the city itself, visit Moore's House, where the British negotiated the terms of surrender with the Americans and the French.

Useful sites

• Information for tourists online (www.washington.org, www.thedistrict.com).
• Washington City Paper (www.washingtoncitypaper.com) A free, cutting-edge weekly newspaper listing entertainment venues, eateries, cafes, and restaurants.
• Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) Dear Daily City (and state) newspaper. You can get a daily version of it in tabloid Express format for free. See the website for a list of events.

Movement within the region

To / from the airport

If you need to get into international Airport Thargood Marshall Baltimore/Washington (Baltimore/Washington International Airport) or get from there to the city, you can drive from "Union Station" to final stop at the airport or back or by MARC train ($6, 40 minutes) or by Amtrak train ($14, 40 minutes).

• Metrobus 5A (www.wmata.com) Run from Dalls to Rosslyn MRT station (Rosslyn) (35 minutes) and downtown Washington (Square L "Enfant Plaza, 48 minutes); leaves every 30-40 minutes. The total bus fare is about $8.

• Metrorail (www.wmata.com) The National Airport has its own fast and inexpensive (about $2.50) metro rail.
(Tel: 800-258-3826; www.supershuttle.com) door-to-door shuttle bus connecting downtown Washington to Dulls ($29) , National Airport ($14) and Baltimore ($37) .
• Washington Flyer (www.washfly.com) Departs every half hour from Dalls to West Falls Church tube station ($10) .

Public transport

• Metrorail (Tel: 202-637-7000; www.wmata.com) One of the nation's best transportation systems will get you to most attractions, hotel and shopping areas, and the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. Trains start at 5:00 Monday to Friday (from 7.00 on weekends); the last flight leaves around midnight from Sunday to Thursday and at 3.00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Machines inside stations sell computerized tickets; tickets cost from $1.60 (children under five free). You can also purchase travel cards that are not limited to the number of trips. (one day/seven days from $9/33).

• Circulator (www.dccirculator.com) Buses run on convenient routes, including between Union Station and Georgetown (Georgetown). One way ticket fee $1.
• Metrobus (www.wmata.com) Buses of this company run around the city and its environs; fixed fee (now $1.70).

For a taxi, contact Capitol Cab (Tel: 202-636-1600), Diamond (Tel: 202-387-6200) or yellow cab (Tel: 202-544-1212).

The road there and back

Airplane

Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington Dulles International Airport) (IAD; Tel: 703-572-2700), 42 km west of the city center, and the National Airport. Ronald Reagan in Washington (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) (DCA; Tel: 703-417-8000), 7 km south, are the main airports serving Washington, although Thargood Marshall Baltimore/Washington International Airport (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport) (BWI; Tel: 410-859-7111), located 48 km to the northeast - is also an option. All three airports, especially Dulles and National, are important hubs for flights from all over the world.

Bus

In addition to Greyhound flights, there are many cheap bus services to New York, Philadelphia and Richmond. A one-way ticket to New York for most companies costs $20 (takes four to five hours). Stations where you can take a seat are scattered around the city, but you can always get to them by metro. Tickets usually need to be bought online, but they can also be purchased on the bus itself if there are empty seats.

• Bolt Bus (Tel: 877-265-8287; www.boltbus.com; B) Best of inexpensive options. Buses operated by Bolt Bus depart from the upper level of Union Station.
• DC2NY (Tel: 202-332-2691; www.dc2ny.com; 20th St and Massachusetts Ave NW).
• Greyhound (Tel: 202-589-5141; www.greyhound.com; 10051st St NE) Flights throughout the country. Terminus a few blocks north of Union Station; if it gets dark, take a taxi.
• Megabus (Tel: 877-462-6342; www.us.megabus.com) Flights depart temporarily from Capitol St and N Capitol St NW. Call to confirm location.
• new century (Tel: 202-789-8222; www.2001bus.com; 513 St NW).
• Peter Pan Bus Lines (Tel: 800-343-9999; www.peterpanbus.com) Flights to the northeastern United States; the terminus is directly opposite the Greyhound station.
• WashNY (Tel: 866-287-6932; www.washny.com; 133319th St NW)

A train

• Amtrak (Tel: 800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com) Gorgeous graceful Union Station. Trains go to cities across the country, including New York (from $76.3.5 hours), Chicago (from $106, 18 hours), Miami (from $163.24 hours) and Richmond, Virginia ($31, three hours).
• MARC train (Maryland Rail Commuter; Tel: 866-743-3682; www.mtamaryland.com) Local railway communication between Washington DC and the area near the Baltimore metro. Frequent trains to Baltimore ($7, hour 11 minutes) and other cities in Maryland (from $4 to $12); also at Harpers Ferry (Harpers Ferry), West Virginia ($15, hour 20 minutes).

Washington is one of the most popular cities in the world. It was founded at the end of the eighteenth century East coast. Future capital The United States of America is named after one of the presidents - George Washington.

Initially, the city was a square area divided into two parts. Washington was on one side and Alexandria on the other. The Potamak River flowed between them. But in the middle of the nineteenth century they separated, and Alexandria became part of Virginia.

An interesting fact is that the slave trade was prohibited on the territory of the capital, and it was not prohibited on the territory of Alexandria, but still the laws were not respected. The last slaves in Washington were freed in 1862.

Now Washington is not included in the states of the country, it is a separate territory. This area is called the District of Columbia. Do not confuse the city with the state of the same name.

The sights of Washington are the most interesting in the whole country. That is why the area attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. The capital of the United States of America is considered one of the richest in historical monuments. There are many architectural structures, museums, theaters and more.

Most of the monuments are made of white marble. Thanks to this, the city stands out from all the rest. We will talk about all this in more detail in the next part of the article.

Attractions in Washington DC

As already mentioned, the district is rich in architectural monuments. There are many of them in this area, and you can talk about it for hours. We will talk about the most notable of them.

Indeed, most of Washington's landmarks are made of white marble. This is a distinctive feature of the city. In addition, there are many picturesque parks, beautiful fountains and ponds, as well as entertainment centers and luxury hotels.

The text will name the sights of Washington in English with translation.

The White House

The White House is the residence of the President. At the moment, he is one of the most famous entrepreneurs and showmen of the country, Donald Trump. This place is the main symbol of the power of the state.

Incidentally, this is the most famous monument all over the world, made of white sandstone. Around the building there is a picturesque park and many flower beds.

Most people don't know why the President's Residence - one of Washington DC's landmarks - is named the White House. In fact, there are several versions of the origin of this name. Basically, everyone is leaning towards the option with a white lining. By the way, the name of the building was given by one of the presidents, Theodore Roosevelt. But this happened only a hundred years after the end of construction.

It is also worth talking about the main events in the history of the presidential residence.

The first stone was laid in 1792. The building was designed by James Hoben. Construction was completed by the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1901, the building was renamed the White House. In 1942, the building was reconstructed and acquired a modern appearance.

The Capitol Building

This is the second most important attraction in Washington (photo above). The city is extremely proud of her. Most likely, every person from anywhere in the world has at least once seen the image of this majestic structure. It is located on Capitol Hill. The idea of ​​erecting this monument came to George Washington, and in 1793 construction began. The name of the architect of the Capitol is still unknown. Outwardly, the Roman Cathedral served as an attraction for Washington.

In the middle of the second decade of the nineteenth century, England could not come to terms with the fact that America was independent and decided to burn down the Capitol building. The building was destroyed to the ground. It took the United States more than five years to restore it.

Near the building are the monuments of American presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

As for subsequent external changes, they were made only a few times. In the early sixties of the last century, a statue of liberty was erected on the dome of the building. After some time, heating was carried out, and elevators were also built. The east façade was added later.

More than five million tourists visit this place every year. Today, there are about five hundred and fifty rooms inside the building, but only two of them can be seen by travelers. Tours to this Washington landmark are free. You only need to present your passport at the entrance and get a ticket.

The Lincoln Memorial

It is believed that it is Abraham Lincoln who is the most revered president of the United States of America, since he is associated by most indigenous people with conscientiousness and reliability.

The government of the country considered it necessary to erect a landmark in memory of Lincoln in front of the National Gallery in Washington state. It happened after the assassination of the president. For many, this place has become almost sacred. It is believed that the monument is a symbol of equality between people on the entire planet, no matter what religion or race they are.

Before the monument was built, a large-scale competition for the best work was announced in the country. Many participants from different parts of the country and the world decided to participate in this. The drawing of two American sculptors, Daniel French and Henry Bacon, was recognized as the best option.

Construction lasted more than five years and was completed by the beginning of the second decade of the twentieth century. More than fifty thousand people attended the opening of the monument. It was truly massive. The main guest of the celebration was the son of Abraham Lincoln Robert. Having rendered worthy honors to the sixteenth president of the United States, the government breathed a sigh of relief.

This memorial is associated with several interesting legends. It is said that the name of the owner of the mansion in which the sculpture is located was carved on the back of the monument. According to another legend, it is believed that President Lincoln shows his initials in sign language.

Washington Cathedral (Washington National Cathedral)

Public Library

The public library consists of twenty-seven branches. The head office is located in an eleven-story building, which is made of glass as well as steel. It is believed that this place is one of the most attractive in all of Seattle.

The collection of books in the library began in 1890. At the moment, the fund holds more than three million different publications.

Pike Place Market (Public Market Center)

The store began its work in the first decade of the twentieth century. This is a very popular market among the townspeople. Here you can buy old antiques and various used goods. In addition, it is possible to find seafood, as well as various farm products.

This place often hosts performances by street clowns and musicians on an impromptu stage. In addition, there are inexpensive restaurants on the territory of the market, where you can always have a tasty meal.

Safeco Field

The famous baseball stadium of incredible proportions, built in 1999 in the Art Nouveau style. Its interesting feature is the retractable roof. Of course, many arenas have it, but in America it is special.

The stadium's capacity is 48,000 people. The stadium was created not only for baseball games. Sometimes American football matches are held here.

Aviation Museum (Museum of Flight)

The museum is not owned by the state. It is non-profit but private. Most tourists from all over the world are delighted with it.

Was built in 1965. As exhibits inside the building, you can see real aircraft, most of which are very unusual.

Here are the air vehicles Russia, Japan, Germany and beyond. Among the attractions you can see the aircraft that participated in the First and Second World Wars. In addition, photographs from the history of the Boeing Corporation hang on the walls of the building. After all, this is where the main office was located some time ago. Now in this architectural structure many students of aviation universities and colleges do internships, gaining new interesting knowledge.

I would also like to note the presence of a large-scale library in one of the rooms.

Every year, the museum is visited by about five hundred thousand tourists, and it is possible that after some time even more travelers from different parts of the world will learn about this wonderful place.

Conclusion

Washington is one of the greatest cities in American history. The architecture of the capital of the United States differs from other settlements in the country, and this is what makes it different from other places. We hope that the sights of Washington in English helped you to get acquainted and understand the original names of architectural structures.