Visited in December 2021
Olympia is the capital city of Washington State, located about 60 miles southwest of Seattle in the South Puget Sound region. Olympia became the capital of the Washington Territory in 1853 and was incorporated as a city in 1882. We visited this city mainly to tour the beautiful State Capital building.
Washington State Capital Building – Completed in 1928, the Washington State Capitol is a grand Neoclassical building housing the state’s legislature and governor’s office. Its famous towering masonry dome is the tallest in North America (287 feet). We went on a free 50-min guided tour of the building.
Washington State Capital Building, Rotunda – The Rotunda is the grand space directly beneath the interior dome. Rising 175 feet above the rotunda floor, the interior dome features massive concrete arches and beautiful ornamental marble and plaster work as well as the world’s largest Tiffany chandelier.
Washington State Capital Building, House and Senate Chambers – The main structure, built in 1928, features Corinthian and Doric columns, reflecting ancient Greek and Roman styles.
