. . . cooled off at the Mall's hidden oasis. Overshadowed by the Capitol and a tall stand of trees, the Summer House is a blessing for travelers lucky enough to stumble upon it. Built about 1880, the six-sided structure is anchored by a fountain that once held spring water for drinking. Water fountains -- and Washington's ubiquitous souvenir stands -- slake modern thirsts, but Mall visitors still need a spot to refresh. The Summer House's decorative brick walls and cool benches are sheltered by mission tile roofs, providing a perfect refuge from sultry summer days.
The Summer House is tucked into the hill that leads from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Senate side of the Capitol. For details, go to www.aoc.gov.
The west entrance to the Summer House, a rest spot for tourists on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.
(handout photo/architect of capit)
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