![Georgetown University, Washington D.C.](/img/gd_attr/57861.jpg)
Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States. Founded in 1789 by John Carroll, the university has grown into a prestigious institution renowned for its academic excellence and rich history. The campus's centerpiece, Healy Hall, a National Historic Landmark, was constructed between 1877 and 1879 and designed by Paul J. Pelz and John L. Smithmeyer, the same architects behind the Library of Congress. This iconic building symbolizes Georgetown's blend of historical significance and academic rigor.
The university's origins can be traced back to Jesuit settlers from England who founded the Province of Maryland in 1634. Despite facing persecution and clandestine operations during the colonial era, the Jesuits' commitment to education persevered. Following the American Revolutionary War, plans for a permanent Catholic educational institution in the United States materialized. On January 23, 1789, John Carroll finalized the purchase of the property in Georgetown, leading to the establishment of what would become Georgetown University. Instruction began in 1792, marking the beginning of a legacy of educational excellence.
Georgetown University spans four campuses in Washington, D.C.: the undergraduate campus in Georgetown, the Medical Center, the School of Continuing Studies in Chinatown, and the Law Center. The undergraduate and medical school campuses, often referred to as "The Hilltop," are situated on an elevated site above the Potomac River, offering stunning views of Northern Virginia. Despite its compact main campus area of 104 acres, Georgetown boasts fifty-four buildings, including student residences and athletic facilities, accommodating 80% of its undergraduate students. The architecture predominantly features collegiate Gothic and Georgian brick styles, creating a cohesive and historic aesthetic.
The campus is not only architecturally impressive but also beautifully landscaped, with fountains, groves of trees, clusters of flowers, and open quadrangles providing serene spaces for study and reflection. These green areas contribute to the university's tranquil and inspiring environment, making it a distinguished landmark in Washington, D.C. Georgetown University continues to uphold its Jesuit traditions while fostering academic innovation and global engagement, preparing students to lead and make meaningful contributions to society.
The university's origins can be traced back to Jesuit settlers from England who founded the Province of Maryland in 1634. Despite facing persecution and clandestine operations during the colonial era, the Jesuits' commitment to education persevered. Following the American Revolutionary War, plans for a permanent Catholic educational institution in the United States materialized. On January 23, 1789, John Carroll finalized the purchase of the property in Georgetown, leading to the establishment of what would become Georgetown University. Instruction began in 1792, marking the beginning of a legacy of educational excellence.
Georgetown University spans four campuses in Washington, D.C.: the undergraduate campus in Georgetown, the Medical Center, the School of Continuing Studies in Chinatown, and the Law Center. The undergraduate and medical school campuses, often referred to as "The Hilltop," are situated on an elevated site above the Potomac River, offering stunning views of Northern Virginia. Despite its compact main campus area of 104 acres, Georgetown boasts fifty-four buildings, including student residences and athletic facilities, accommodating 80% of its undergraduate students. The architecture predominantly features collegiate Gothic and Georgian brick styles, creating a cohesive and historic aesthetic.
The campus is not only architecturally impressive but also beautifully landscaped, with fountains, groves of trees, clusters of flowers, and open quadrangles providing serene spaces for study and reflection. These green areas contribute to the university's tranquil and inspiring environment, making it a distinguished landmark in Washington, D.C. Georgetown University continues to uphold its Jesuit traditions while fostering academic innovation and global engagement, preparing students to lead and make meaningful contributions to society.
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Georgetown University on Map
Sight Name: Georgetown University
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Washington D.C., USA
Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.
Creating your own self-guided walk in Washington D.C. is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia or simply The District, is the capital of the United States and, in many senses, America’s front yard. After the American Revolution, the need for the newly independent nation's federal government to have authority over a capital city and not rely on any state for its maintenance and safety, came in the wake of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Georgetown University Walking Tour
Georgetown University, established in 1789, is America's oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution. Spanning four campuses in Washington, DC, its main undergraduate campus in Georgetown features fifty-four buildings across 104 acres.
With its Gothic and Georgian architecture, serene green spaces, and Jesuit traditions, the university promotes academic excellence and global engagement. For... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
With its Gothic and Georgian architecture, serene green spaces, and Jesuit traditions, the university promotes academic excellence and global engagement. For... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Federal Buildings Walking Tour
The capital of the United States is home to several notable federal buildings that hold significant historical, architectural, and governmental value.
Among the stately “emblems of authority” in Washington D.C. perhaps the most prominent is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States – The White House. This resplendent mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Among the stately “emblems of authority” in Washington D.C. perhaps the most prominent is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States – The White House. This resplendent mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Arlington National Cemetery Tour
"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example," a distinguished politician of the 19th century said once.
The historic military necropolis – the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
The historic military necropolis – the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Georgetown Walking Tour
Georgetown is a historic neighborhood situated in the northwest quadrant of Washington, DC. Despite its proximity to downtown, this former port area has preserved much of its distinct character. In Georgetown, "old-world charm meets modern allure," they say. Those poetically inclined tend to compare it to "a tapestry of cobblestone dreams and timeless grace."
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years," goes the famous quote by Abraham Lincoln.
Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. – the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons – had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. – the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons – had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Unusual Things to Do in Washington DC
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10 Chocolate Destinations in Washington D.C.
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Traveler's Guide to Washington DC: 16 Souvenirs to Bring Home
The capital of the United States is an attraction in its own right and many things that have originated here or in the nearby areas are of great cultural and historic significance. To decide which of them can make for an ideal souvenir for you to bring home, check out the proposed list of local...