Washington, DC , being the capital of our nation, naturally has tons of buildings celebrating the men who built this country. Nope, not the founding fathers--the Freemasons.
The masons were responsible for much of the grand architecture of early Washington, but none of the buildings is more intriguing than the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, the secret society's monumental national headquarters on 16th Street, the entrance of which is guarded by two giant sphinxes.
While most Washingtonian pass by the towering complex assuming its secret gates are closed to the public, the building is actually open for tours--albeit only on weekdays. While you won't be shown any secret ancient rites (unless you wander off the tour, perhaps), the building is mysterious enough that you should be able to concoct all your own conspiracy theories regarding the cavernous rooms and hallways filled with hieroglyphics, creepy stained glass murals and secret passageways.
Related Stories:
· Scottish Rite [Official Site]
· Washington, DC Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: NCinDC]