The Capitol

Here is the Congress, also known as the Capitol. Construction first began in 1793, four years after George Washington was elected as the first American president. Designed in an elegant neoclassical style it was finally completed in 1812. But what is its purpose? The Capitol has two wings: one houses the Senate while the other is home to the House of Representatives. These two bodies form the legislative branch of the United States government. Thus, the Capitol is considered the most important building in the country, alongside the White House. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the Capitol was designed by architect William Thornton, with support from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. James Hoban, who oversaw the construction of the White House, also supervised this project. The building was just completed when British forces burned it during an attack in 1814. After this tragic event, it was rebuilt in less than four years. Since then, it has been expanded and modified over time. One of its most remarkable additions is the imposing dome, completed in 1866. Standing 87 meters high with a diameter of 29 meters, it was inspired by the dome of the Paris Panthéon and is topped by the Statue of Freedom, sculpted by the American artist Thomas Crawford. The Capitol is a powerful symbol of American democracy, and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. If you want to visit, you’ll have to reserve in advance, or get an entry ticket from the visitor center.