The Capitol

The Capitol is the seat of the USA’s Congress. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings. 

The White House

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. The home of every president except George Washington, it was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818. Tours of the interior include the East, Blue, Green, and Red Rooms; the Ballroom; and the State Dining Room. 

The Washington Monument

The 17 m. white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall. Construction of the obelisk honors the nation's first president. 

The Lincoln Memorial

                       The Lincoln Memorial.

     The best-loved of all Washington's memorials is the Lincoln Memorial. At its center there is a 6 m. marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of Lincoln's death. 

Jefferson Memorial

The design for the domed white memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the third US president, is based on the Roman Pantheon, its low dome is supported by 54 columns. Inside, among the columns, appears 6m. statue of a standing Jefferson, and around are engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writings. The monument stands alone at the far end of the Tidal Pool, which reflects the monument in its surface, and all around the edge of the water are cherry trees, a gift from Japan. These are one of Washington's greatest attractions when they bloom each spring, surrounding the basin with a cloud of pink flowers and celebrated with the Cherry Blossom Festival.

National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the world's most popular museums, with a collection of history-making air and spacecraft. More recent flight history is represented here by the Apollo 11 command module, part of the first manned lunar landing mission. Permanent and changing exhibitions illustrate the science, history, and technology of aviation and space flights.