The Capitol

The Capitol, in Washington

The Capitol is the seat of Congress and the legislative power of the United States, an emblematic monument of Washington with the famous white dome. The Washington audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this symbol of American democracy, which dominates the National Mall from its hill.

The seat of the American Congress

You are here in front of the seat of Congress, the legislative power of the United States. It is in 1793, four years after the election of the first president George Washington, that the first stone of this major building was laid, designed to shelter the Parliament of the young nation. The Capitol hosts the two chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate, that vote the laws of the country. The building, of neoclassical style inspired by the ancient temples and republican Rome, symbol of democracy, is dominated by its famous and immense white dome, topped with the Statue of Freedom. Enlarged and rebuilt several times over history, notably after having been burned by the British in 1814, the Capitol has become one of the most recognisable buildings of the world. It is there that great events of national life are held, including the inauguration of the presidents. Perched at the summit of its hill, it dominates the National Mall, in the perspective of the great monuments of the capital. A symbol of democracy and a heart of power, the Capitol is a must-see stop of the discovery of Washington.

What to see

You admire the seat of Congress and the legislative power of the United States, whose first stone was laid in 1793, which hosts the House of Representatives and the Senate, with neoclassical architecture inspired by the ancient temples dominated by its immense white dome topped with the Statue of Freedom; burned by the British in 1814 then rebuilt, it dominates the National Mall. The Capitol is the symbol of American democracy. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Capitol lies at the summit of its hill, to the east of the National Mall, in Washington, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its exterior from the surroundings; the interior guided tours follow their own hours and conditions and generally require a booking. It is best to check them before coming.

What is the Capitol in Washington?

The seat of Congress and the legislative power of the United States, whose first stone was laid in 1793; it hosts the House of Representatives and the Senate, that vote the laws, with neoclassical architecture dominated by its immense white dome topped with the Statue of Freedom, symbol of American democracy that dominates the National Mall.

Where is the Capitol in Washington?

To the east of the National Mall, in Washington, in the United States.