Some of the most iconic historic sites in the United States were built not just to function, but to inspire. From the US Capitol to the Boston Public Library, these structures reflect a nation forging its identity through monumental design. Many of them, especially those built between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, were modeled on the principles of ancient Rome. Think domes like the Pantheon, arches like the Baths of Diocletian, and colonnades worthy of a Roman forum. This list explores ten must-see American landmarks where Roman architectural influence is proudly on display.1. United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.United States Capitol building, Washington, DC. Source: FlickrThe United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., stands as a monumental symbol of American democracy and architectural grandeur. Its design, deeply rooted in neoclassical architecture, draws inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek structures, embodying the ideals of the nations founders.Construction of the Capitol began in 1793, with President George Washington laying the cornerstone. The original design by William Thornton was influenced by the Roman Pantheon, featuring a central dome and columned porticos. Over the years, architects like Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Charles Bulfinch contributed to its evolution, incorporating elements such as the iconic cast-iron dome completed during the Civil War.Visitors to the Capitol can explore the Rotunda, adorned with historical paintings and the Apotheosis of Washington fresco. The National Statuary Hall showcases statues from all 50 states, while guided tours offer insights into the legislative process and the buildings rich history.2. Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D.C.Jefferson Memorial seen across the Tidal Basin at dusk in Washington, DC. Source: Wikimedia CommonsNestled along Washington, D.C.s Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial stands as a tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. Conceived during the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelts administration, the memorial was designed by architect John Russell Pope, who drew inspiration from the Roman Pantheon and Jeffersons own design of the University of Virginias Rotunda.Construction began in 1939 and concluded in 1943, though the 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson, crafted by sculptor Rudulph Evans, was installed in 1947 due to wartime material shortages. The memorials neoclassical design features a circular colonnade of Ionic columns and a domed ceiling, embodying Jeffersons admiration for classical architecture.When visiting, you can explore the open-air rotunda, where Jeffersons statue stands gazing toward the White House. The interior walls are inscribed with excerpts from Jeffersons writings, including passages from the Declaration of Independence and his letters, reflecting his philosophies on liberty, governance, and human rights.Surrounded by cherry blossom trees, the memorial offers picturesque views, especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. Its serene setting and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark for those interested in American history and architecture.3. Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.Lincoln Memorial statue in Washington, DC. Source: PicrylStanding at the western end of Washington, D.C.s National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is more than a tribute to the 16th President of the United States; it is a symbol of unity, democracy, and enduring national ideals.Designed by architect Henry Bacon, the memorial was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, reflecting Lincolns commitment to democratic principles. The structure features 36 Doric columns, each representing a state in the Union at the time of Lincolns death in 1865. Inside, a 19-foot marble statue of Lincoln, crafted by sculptor Daniel Chester French, sits solemnly, embodying the weight of his presidency. The walls bear inscriptions of two of Lincolns most famous speeches: the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address, emphasizing themes of unity and equality.Since its dedication in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been the site of numerous significant events, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech in 1963, cementing its place in the nations civil rights history.4. Boston Public Library, Boston, MABoston Public Library Reading Room, Boston, Massachusetts. Source: Wikimedia CommonsIn the heart of Copley Square, the Boston Public Library (BPL) stands as a testament to the citys commitment to knowledge and culture. Established in 1848, it was the first large free municipal library in the United States. The McKim Building, opened in 1895, was designed by architect Charles Follen McKim, drawing inspiration from Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts styles. Its design reflects influences from the Bibliothque Sainte-Genevive in Paris and the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini, Italy.When youre there, you will be greeted by inscriptions reminiscent of ancient Roman monuments, including the phrase Free to All above the main entrance. Inside, the library houses over 1.7 million rare books and manuscripts, including early editions of Shakespeare and the personal library of John Adams.The interior boasts magnificent murals by artists such as John Singer Sargent and Edwin Austin Abbey. Bates Hall, the grand reading room, features a coffered ceiling and arched windows, creating a serene atmosphere for study and reflection.5. New York Public Library, New York, NYThe Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOpened in 1911, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was designed by the architectural firm Carrre and Hastings, selected through a competitive process among prominent architects of the time.The librarys exterior is renowned for its grand marble faade and the iconic stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, which have become enduring symbols of New Yorks resilience. Inside, visitors are greeted by Astor Halls vaulted ceilings and the majestic Rose Main Reading Room, stretching nearly the length of a football field and adorned with ornate chandeliers and a painted sky ceiling.Beyond its architectural splendor, the library houses an extensive collection of approximately 15 million items, including rare manuscripts, historical maps, and literary treasures. It serves as a vital resource for researchers and a sanctuary for readers and tourists alike.6. Union Station, Washington, D.C.Union Station, Washington, DC. Source: Wikimedia CommonsDesigned by architect Daniel Burnham and opened in 1907, Union Station embodies the Beaux-Arts style, drawing direct inspiration from ancient Roman structures. The stations grand faade echoes the Arch of Constantine, featuring massive arches and a series of statues representing the Progress of Railroading, including figures like Prometheus and Apollo. Inside, the Main Halls soaring 96-foot ceilings and coffered barrel vaults are reminiscent of the Baths of Diocletian, adorned with 23-karat gold leaf that glistens under natural light.Adding to its Romanesque allure, the station houses 46 statues of Roman legionnaires, symbolizing guardianship and strength, perched above the Main Halls entrances. These elements collectively create an atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era of imperial magnificence.7. San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco, CASan Francisco City Hall, San Francisco. Source: FlickrCompleted in 1915, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece rose from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake, embodying the City Beautiful movements ideals of grandeur and order.Architect Arthur Brown Jr., trained at the cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, infused the design with classical Roman and French influences. The buildings most striking feature is its dome, inspired by Pariss Dme des Invalides, which soars 93.7 meters, making it taller than the U.S. Capitols dome. Inside, the rotundas coffered ceilings, marble floors, and grand staircase exude elegance and symmetry.City Hall has been the backdrop for significant historical events. President Warren G. Harding lay in state here in 1923, and in 1954, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married in its chambers. The building also witnessed the tragic assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978.8. Pennsylvania Station (original), New York, NYPennsylvania Station, New York. Source: PicrylIn the heart of Manhattan once stood a monument to ambition and artistry: the original Pennsylvania Station. Completed in 1910 by the esteemed firm McKim, Mead & White, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece drew direct inspiration from ancient Roman architecture, notably the Baths of Caracalla, evident in its soaring coffered ceilings and vast, light-filled spaces.Spanning two city blocks, the stations grand faade featured a colonnade of Doric columns, while inside, travelers were greeted by a cavernous waiting room that rivaled Europes greatest cathedrals. The design aimed to elevate the mundane act of travel into a majestic experience, allowing passengers to enter the city like a god.However, by the 1950s, declining rail travel and rising real estate values led to the stations demise. In 1963, the above-ground structure was demolished to make way for Madison Square Garden and office towers, a move that sparked public outrage and galvanized the historic preservation movement in the United States.Today, while the original grandeur is lost, the legacy of Penn Station endures. The Moynihan Train Hall, opened in 2021, seeks to recapture some of the former stations splendor, serving as a poignant reminder of what was sacrificed and the enduring importance of preserving architectural heritage.9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NYThe Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) entrance faade in Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City. Source: Wikimedia CommonsEstablished in 1870, the Mets original acquisition was a Roman sarcophagus from Tarsus, signaling its foundational commitment to classical antiquity.The museums faade, designed in the Beaux-Arts style, echoes the grandeur of Roman temples, featuring Corinthian columns and a stately portico that invite visitors into a world where ancient and modern converge. Inside, the Leon Levy and Shelby White Court serves as a modern homage to Roman peristyles, with its skylit atrium and surrounding colonnades creating a space reminiscent of ancient Roman villas.The Mets Greek and Roman Art collection, comprising over 30,000 works, offers a comprehensive journey through classical antiquity. Highlights include frescoes from Boscoreale, which provide insight into Roman domestic life, and the Monteleone chariot, an exquisite example of Etruscan craftsmanship.The Met also serves as a dynamic educational institution, continually expanding its digital resources and engaging in archaeological research to deepen public understanding of ancient cultures.10. California State Capitol, Sacramento, CACalifornia State Capitol, Sacramento, California. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe California State Capitol in Sacramento is a striking embodiment of Neoclassical architecture, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek design principles. Constructed between 1860 and 1874, the building features a prominent dome rising approximately 220 feet, reminiscent of Roman temples and symbolizing the states aspirations and governance.The Capitols faade is adorned with Corinthian columns and a pediment depicting Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, surrounded by figures representing Education, Justice, Industry, and Mining. This iconography reflects Californias values and its rapid ascent to statehood without first being a territory, paralleling Minervas mythical birth fully grown.Inside, the rotunda showcases a coffered dome with intricate Victorian detailing, including cast-iron grizzly bears and decorative murals. The buildings layout, with the Senate and Assembly chambers in opposing wings, embodies the bicameral legislative system, emphasizing balance and unity.Visitors can explore the Capitols rich history through guided tours, witnessing firsthand the blend of classical architecture and Californias unique heritage.

Among the many optional bosses in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Chromatic Orphelin is one of the interesting ones. This Chromatic Nevron is hidden in an area that is very easy to miss because it's an optional one.

Even if youve never touched a Nier game, Id wager that you know exactly who 2B is. The iconic android has made myriad appearances in other games since Platinum released Nier: Automata in 2017, and the studio is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. Shes already in Final Fantasy 14, Fall Guys, PUBG, Rainbow Six Siege, and a rhythm game excellently titled D4DJ Groovy Mix. Now, 2B is coming to The First Descendant. Continue reading Nier's 2B is coming to The First Descendant, and is exactly what you think it isMORE FROM PCGAMESN: The First Descendant system requirements, The First Descendant characters, The First Descendant crossplay

What are the best mech games on PC? Strapping into an overpowered robot filled to the brim with rockets and lasers is an old but popular power fantasy. Classic shows from the 80s and 90s - like Mobile Suit Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion - popularized the mecha anime genre.Mech games have a robust history rich in various genres, sometimes featuring in the best PC games, ensuring an experience for every kind of mech fan. Fancy yourself a gearhead with a penchant for the micromanagement of mech parts and deliberate, labored mech combat? Perhaps you just want a fast-paced, anime-inspired Voltron-style action where everything explodes? Good news: theres a game for you. Continue reading Best mech games on PC 2025MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best FPS games, Apex Legends characters, Best battle royale games

While the Steam Deck is great to play in hand, a docking station can unlock a whole new way to play, effectively turning your handheld into a mini desktop PC when connected to an external display. If you've yet to buy yourself a dock for your deck, then here's an opportunity to jump in, as this great JSAUX six-in-one dock has everything you need, and it's now discounted to a very reasonable price.Two JSAUX products already feature on our list of the best Steam Deck docks, which is a testament to the quality of its products in a market with plenty of off-brand names fighting for your attention. Like most Steam Deck docks, the JSAUX six-in-one is also compatible with most other handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion Go and ROG Ally X, thanks to its max power delivery and clever design. Continue reading Grab this brilliant Steam Deck dock for a remarkably low price, if you're quickMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming

What are the best free MMOs on PC? The best MMORPGs demand a massive amount of your time, so if you want to try one out first and ensure it's for you, you want to avoid a massive payout. With an incredible offering of free-to-play games out there, especially in the massively multiplayer online space, we're here to help you find genuinely enjoyable free MMO experiences and avoid the cheap cash-ins.Even if your bank account is best friends with the number zero, our list of the best freeMMORPGscurrently available on PC promisesendlesshours of gameplay atabsolutely nocost. From space games to anime games, lets take a look at some of the best free PC gamesthat are available to play without breaking the bank. Continue reading Free MMORPGs and MMOs to play right nowMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Genshin Impact codes, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

Looking for a Genshin Impact tier list? There are currently 99 Genshin Impact characters available, providing you with a wide variety of candidates to construct your dream team.But with so many weapons, elementals, talents, ascension bonuses, and constellation upgrades, finding your favorites can be challenging.Don't let the placement of the characters on our Genshin Impact tier list deter you from pulling on the nextcharacter banner. While base stats and elemental abilities are important, the value of a character also depends on personal playstyle, available weapons and artifacts, and team composition.It doesn't matter if your favorite Genshin Impact character is on one of the lower tiers; you can still make it work with our recommended Genshin Impact builds.Being on a lower tier in thefree PC gamemeans that there are better alternatives, or the character needs a very specific build or team to shine. We've spent hundreds of hours trying different variations of teams in Spiral Abyss to establish who the best characters are in Genshin Impact. Continue reading Genshin Impact tier list - the best characters in 5.6MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Genshin Impact codes, Genshin Impact character tier list, Genshin Impact leveling guide

From Fallout to Project Zomboid, Cyberpunk 2077 and Stardew Valley, some of the greatest PC games are also those with the biggest, most vibrant modding communities. Since it was released in September of last year, Space Marine 2 has been overhauled, refreshed, and reimagined thanks to some visionary creations by its players, but making mods for the Warhammer 40k shooter is a huge uphill struggle. Or at least it was, until now. Thanks to Saber, which has just released its entire internal toolkit, Space Marine 2 mods have just been set loose. Continue reading Space Marine 2 mods are about to explode as Saber releases entire toolsetMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best co-op games, Best Warhammer games, Best Warhammer 40k games

VCs are known to move in herds, which is why Eric Slesinger stands out a bit. While most American investors chase AI startups or U.S.-based defense tech startups, the former CIA officer is hunting for defense tech deals in Europe. In fact, Slesinger, founder of 201 Ventures, recently closed a $22 million fund focused on []

Apple is planning to increase the prices of its iPhone lineup set to launch this autumn, though it is trying not to make it seem as if the hikes are connected to the U.S. tariffs on imports from China, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. The company is considering instead linking the price []