Walking Tour of D.C. #1 (Part 2 of 3)

Our free walking tour of the Mall and Tidal Basin continues.

Since arriving in D.C., Greg has been seeing Greek temples everywhere.  That's not really a surprise since much of the architecture in D.C. is Greek Revival architecture.  

During Year 2, Greg had a crash course in Greek architecture during a two week trip across Sicily.  Wherever we went in Sicily, we found amazing examples of structures, mostly temples to the gods, from the time 2,500 years ago when Greek city-states controlled the island.  From Segesta in the west to Agrigento in the south to Siracusa in the east, we discovered Greek temples, some well-preserved and others in ruins.  

The Greek temple in Segesta, in western Sicily, from the 5th century B.C.

The temple of Concordia in the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, in southern Sicily, from the 5th century B.C.

Since then, wherever we go, Greg usually spots a building that he thinks resembles an ancient Greek temple.  Here in D.C., there are frequent sightings.  

While enjoying our free walking tour, Greg spotted perhaps the best example in D.C. of a building based on the design of a Greek temple.  Of course, that building is the Lincoln Memorial.  

The Lincoln Memorial

Architect Henry Bacon based his design for the memorial on the most famous Greek temple, the Parthenon in Athens (pictured below).  Bacon apparently believed that a building dedicated to a person who defended American democracy should be designed after a building from the birthplace of democracy.  

The Parthenon in Athens, Greece (completed in the 5th century B.C.)

Of course, there are many other examples of Greek Revival architecture in D.C..  Can you identify the building pictured below?  

Thanks for sharing Greg's obsession with Greek temples.  

Next Up:  The end of the 3 hour tour.