Sightseeing in Seattle: photo and description

In 1852, on the shores of Elliot Bay, in the Puget Sound Bay, 182 kilometers from the border of America with Canada, a city was founded, named Elki Point. After some time it was renamed in honor of the leader of the Indians - Seattle. In 1869, he received the official status of the city.

Seattle is surrounded by mountains and ponds, its surroundings throughout the year are ideal landscapes for photography and beautiful outdoor recreation. The sights of Seattle and its environs attract thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. In this article we will introduce you to some of them.

Sightseeing in Seattle: The Space Needle Tower

If you happen to visit this American city, then surely the locals will recommend to you first of all to see the unique Space-Needle tower. Many of Seattle's attractions are very original, but this one is the recognized leader among them.

Its appearance is due to the International Exhibition, which took place in the city in 1962. "Space Needle" (so translated its name) is part of the architectural complex of the Seattle Center, which was built specifically for this event. Huge popularity she received immediately after the completion of construction. During the exhibition, it was visited by more than two million tourists.

The author of the idea was Edward Carlson, who at that time held the post of chairman of the exhibition. But this man was very far from architecture, therefore his sketch was considerably modified. Futuristic view of the tower was quite consistent with the theme of the exhibition - XXI century.

For the foundation of this design, more than five hundred trucks with cement were used. The tower has a great safety margin. It is capable of withstanding both a 9-point earthquake, and the strongest hurricane. The TV tower weighs ninety tons, and its height reaches 184 meters. Crowned construction of a narrow spire, which gave the name of the object. Initially, construction cost the city treasury four and a half million dollars, and the reconstruction of 2000 was spent 20 million.

Today there are all who want to see Seattle (sights). Photo (the tower is included in all the excursion programs) against the background of this magnificent construction make many, in order to preserve the good memories of the trip. On the ground floor of the building there is a store called "Space Base", where original souvenirs are sold. On the observation deck (159 m) guests climb the high-speed elevators. Due to the fact that they have restrictions on the number of visitors, sometimes there are small queues.

In addition to the observation deck, there is a restaurant on the top floor. In the beginning, there were two. After the reconstruction, it was decided to leave one, which was named "Heavenly City". Today it is the most popular and stylish restaurant in the city. The bird's-eye view offers an amazing view of the whole of Seattle, the port in Eliot Bay, the Mount Rainier volcano, mountains and numerous islands.

Museum of Science Fiction and Music History

Not all the sights of Seattle (photo and description of the most interesting are presented in the article) can be found in the advertising brochures of travel agencies. And this museum is in all advertising editions and guidebooks. The "metal" creation of the architect Frank Gehry is located in the center of the city. Someone considers this unusual structure, the area of which is not less than 42 thousand square meters, ugly, and someone admires its originality.

In this building is one of the most interesting museums in the state. It opened in 2000, and is called the History of Music Project. The idea of its creation belongs to a fan of creativity J. Hendrix - Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft Corporations. The museum's galleries introduce the musical instruments, photographs, videos of world-famous musicians exhibited here. In the museum every guest is given the opportunity to record his song, learn to play the guitar and even speak to the public.

Museum of fiction

In 2004, the Fantasy Museum was opened here, which will tell the fans of this genre about starships, inhabitants of other civilizations, etc. In the Hall of Glory you can find out details about the life and work of great science fiction writers and directors who shot films in this genre. The museum has about 80 thousand rare exhibits.

Log House Museum

If the previous attractions of Seattle impress with their huge size, then this museum, located next to the famous beach of Elki, seems very small. The treasures, which are collected here, tell about the history and originality of the region.

Probably, it is no coincidence that its main exposition is called "Homeland - Seattle". In this small but very informative institution, visitors are invited to get acquainted with ancient artifacts, to visit multimedia presentations of exhibitions that tell about local settlers and indigenous inhabitants of Shukuamish and Dewamish.

Every month there are events for young visitors and various groups of adults (by interests). You can visit a small gift shop.

Kubota Garden

The sights of Seattle (USA) are very diverse. It is unlikely that even the most sophisticated traveler expects to see among the numerous skyscrapers and amazing "space" structures waterfalls and neat bridges, sakura and other elements characteristic of the Land of the Rising Sun. It's about the Kubota Gardens, which, undoubtedly, is one of the main and most interesting sights of the city, as well as the favorite place of rest for the townspeople.

It was created by the emigrant from Japan Fujita-taro Kubota. He is the author of many interesting projects of landscape and park art in the United States. A talented master arrived in America in 1907, and smashed his splendid garden in Seattle in 1927. Of course, creating this beauty, the master recalled his native land.

Kubota's garden occupies a rather large territory, so before the inspection begins, visitors are given a map on which the most interesting places are marked.

St. James Cathedral

Describing the sights of Seattle (the photo you see in this article), we can not fail to mention the majestic, monumental Cathedral of St. James. This Catholic temple is located in the expensive area of First Hill. It can be called the pearl of the iconic architecture of the State of Washington. Such a cathedral would be quite appropriate in the main square of Paris or Florence. Nevertheless, the temple is built in a cheerful and hospitable Seattle. Local residents are very kind to him.

It should be noted that the US churches do not have such a rich history as similar buildings in Europe. However, St. James has already celebrated its first centenary. It was built in 1907 specifically for the diocese of Washington, which was moved to Seattle from Vancouver. At that time, it existed for more than half a century. The diocese gradually expanded, and it needed a worthy cathedral.

Unfortunately, the negligent builders got caught, and maybe the architect made a mistake in the project, but in 9 years (1916) because of the heavy snowfall the dome of the temple fell through. Immediately began the restoration work, but the original plan of the temple was decided to slightly change. Then there was a major overhaul in the 50s of the last century, in the 80s the house of the abbot and auxiliary rooms were completed. Thus, today the cathedral differs significantly from the original project. However, the city government contributed it to the official list of "Seattle attractions".

Smith Tower

"The Smith Tower" is inferior in height to the Space Needle. This building, with a height of 42 stories, ranks third among the skyscrapers of the city. But it is not remarkable at all. Smith Tower is the oldest high-rise building of the city, which was built in 1914. On the thirty-fifth floor is a traditional for all skyscrapers large observation deck.

Kerry park

If, while in Seattle, you want to relax in nature, go to one of the most beautiful parks of the city - Kerry Park. This is a real city oasis, distinguished by its stunning flora and magnificent landscapes, which you can admire endlessly.

Interesting fact: Seattle is one of the greenest cities in America. On its territory more than 400 parks and parks are broken.

We listed only some of Seattle's attractions. It is an amazing city, in which the echoes of the past and the present are harmoniously combined and the breathing of the future is felt. It's never boring here and there's always something to see. Probably, that's why the tourists who have visited here once, return to the city again and again.