The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument, in Washington

The Washington Monument is one of the most emblematic symbols of the American capital, an immense marble obelisk dedicated to George Washington. The Washington audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this tribute to the first president of the United States, which dominates the National Mall.

The obelisk of the first president

Here is one of the numerous symbols of the town: the Washington Monument. It refers to George Washington, in whose honour it was built. George Washington is the very first president of the United States, elected at the end of the eighteenth century, hero of the War of Independence and founding father of the nation, whose name the capital town moreover bears. To honour his memory, this grandiose monument was raised in the heart of the National Mall: an immense white marble obelisk, inspired by the obelisks of ancient Egypt, that culminates at more than one hundred and seventy metres and was, at its completion at the end of the nineteenth century, one of the tallest constructions of the world. Its slender and refined silhouette, simple and majestic, dominates the capital and aligns itself in the great perspective of the Mall, between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, in whose pools it is reflected. A lift allows to reach its summit, from which you enjoy an exceptional panorama over Washington and its monuments. A landmark visible from all the town, it is one of the most recognisable emblems of the capital. A national symbol and a tribute to the father of the nation, the Washington Monument is a must-see stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

You admire the immense white marble obelisk raised in honour of George Washington, first president of the United States and founding father of the nation; inspired by the obelisks of ancient Egypt, culminating at more than one hundred and seventy metres, it dominates the National Mall in the perspective of the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, and its summit offers an exceptional panorama over the town. The Washington Monument is a national symbol. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Washington Monument stands in the heart of the National Mall, in Washington, reachable on foot and by public transport. Access to the summit by the lift follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What does the Washington Monument represent?

A tribute to George Washington, the very first president of the United States, hero of the War of Independence and founding father of the nation, whose name the capital bears; it is an immense white marble obelisk inspired by ancient Egypt, culminating at more than one hundred and seventy metres, that dominates the National Mall and whose summit offers an exceptional panorama.

Where is the Washington Monument?

In the heart of the National Mall, in Washington, in the United States.