The Capitol (Washington). The Capitol building in Washington

The Special attraction of the US capital, which is rightly proud of Washington – the Capitol. Photo of this magnificent building of white marble must have seen every. It is located on top of the Capitol, surrounded by other important institutions such as the residence of the Supreme court and Library of Congress. Also nearby are monuments to Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

The Word “Capitol” is usually associated with the same hill in Rome. In ancient times there sat the Senate and held important national assemblies. Whence came such a name in the New world, some thousands of miles away from Rome? The hill in the USA is considered the center – rather ideological, rather than geographic – the district of Columbia. This building has an interesting history, which you will learn after reading this article.

The building

The Idea of erecting houses for the meetings of the Congress belongs to George Washington. He laid the first stone in the Foundation of the building. It happened September 18, 1793. It's hard to say who was the architect of buildings as the main architects of the constantly changing, and each brings something of their own. But the main features were designed in the Empire style. The building was not yet complete when its walls in the year 1800, the Congress met.

Former metropolis – Britain – they could not accept the independence of States. In 1814 British troops burned the Capitol (Washington). Its restoration took five years. But construction work has not been completed. From 1820 to 1827 he built the transition between the Northern and southern wings of the building, which was built a monumental dome. Even thirty years later, Congress decided that the U.S. Capitol's not big enough.

Grand restructuring

So as soon found it necessary to expand the building for the meetings of the Congress, it was decided to rethink its design. The project remains the same: the columns of classicism and generous decor Empire style. However, there were added a unique detail. So, capitals of the columns were decorated not the Bay leaves of the Mediterranean, and “local” flora & ndash; corn cobs and tobacco leaves. The old dome was replaced by a new, cast-iron, of a height of eighty seven meters. The walls of the structure are specially designed, so they can withstand the weight of four thousand tons.

In 1863, the building added a final touch. The dome hoisted a six-meter statue of Liberty the authorship of T. Crawford. So the United States Capitol, a photo of which you see, has acquired a modern look. The prototype of this building is considered to be the Roman St. Peter's Cathedral, although some scholars see in it a similarity with the Paris Invalides (the architect Mansart, Jr.).

Interior

Throughout the twentieth century were only minor and inconspicuous architectural modernization of the building. To the Capitol (Washington) had Central heating, as well as mounted Elevator shafts. But by mid-century, and this building seemed enough. So in 1960, ten meters extended East facade. Thus, the result of numerous reconstructions on the pedestal of the Capitol, there was this white marble wonder-the building of Congress.

Inside it is as beautiful as the outside. In 1865 the artist Konstantin Brumidi decorated the dome of the first U.S. mural. It depicts George Washington surrounded by the Olympian gods. Brumidi painted not only the dome, but the pillared hall. Murals and friezes represent more than bicentennial history of the state.

Capitol & ndash; Washington: the conceptual relationship

The Architects worked hard to ensure that the Congress of the United States properly fit into the urban fabric. The dome and very recognizable Rotunda of the Capitol is seen from everywhere. Another would be: because the building height to eighty-eight meters crowns the top of the most significant in the area of the hill. In addition, all the main streets of Washington are the Capitol, pointing thereby to the state symbolism of this place.

Not to close the majestic building around it, there is no urban development. It only surrounds the spacious Park with grassy areas, a total area of about 55 hectares. The national Mall is a mile long and 800 meters connects the Congress building with its two monuments: the Lincoln and Washington. No less significant for Americans and the construction nearby in the complex of government institutions: the Supreme court and the Library of Congress. Previously they were in the room of the Capitol. The Court hearing only in 1935 wasmoved into a new building.

Tours in the Capitol building in Washington

Every year the most famous building of the USA visit about four and a half million tourists. Currently, the white marble building of the Capitol's 540 rooms. However, the tourists allowed only two. You can go inside only as part of guided tours. However, they are in the Capitol is completely free. Only need to show the cashier your passport and take a ticket with a number.

The Group immediately escorted to the upper floors, because the bottom two are busy simple office space. Located above the House of representatives (South wing) and Senate (in the North). Above these rooms there are special balconies for the audience, because all the sessions of the Government are not hidden from the people. Transparency (transparency) – this is the first rule of democracy. The lift will deliver tourists to the top floor, the observation tower, offering a stunning panorama of the city. Unfortunately, the statue of Liberty can only be spotted from below through binoculars. It is interesting that her gown has a fringe – a kind of tribute to the indigenous people of North America.

Functionality

It is important to emphasize that the Capitol (Washington) – this is not only an architectural masterpiece. In addition to aesthetic values, this building has deep ideological meaning. She continues to operate. There are meetings of the two main branches of the U.S. government – the Senate and house of representatives. That government officials gathered under the dome of the Congress can be found on the flags around the building. If they all raised, so goes the session. Only two American flag in front of the entrance since the First World war are constantly developing on the flagpoles. And so until there is a great democratic country – United States of America.