National Theatre, Washington, D.C., United States

The National Theatre is located in Washington, D.C., and is a venue for a variety of live stage productions with seating for 1,676. Despite its name, it is not a governmentally funded national theatre, but operated by a private, non-profit organization.

This historic playhouse was founded on December 7, 1835, by William Corcoran and other prominent citizens who wanted the national capital to have a first-rate theatre. The theatre's initial production was Man of the World. The theatre has been in almost continuous operation since, at the same Pennsylvania Avenue location a few blocks from the White House. The structure has been rebuilt several times, including partial reconstructions after five fires in the 19th century. The current building, at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, was constructed in 1923, opening in September of that year.

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User Reviews

F. Robert Ries (2 years ago)
Throwback feel to it and seems just a tinge worn down - or maybe "unkempt" is the better word. For example, the awning that extends from the balcony to keep us heathens from pouring our drinks onto the spectators seated below was quite dusty. But it's a great space and our seats in the balcony were fantastic.

Patrick Balchunas (2 years ago)
A hidden jewel. Parking is very easy. Its easy to get to from the VIRGINIA suburbs and matinee ticket prices are awesome. I love this theater. Its a much more fun and pleasurable experience than that other place on the Potomac River

Nicky Coogan (2 years ago)
This was our first experience at the National theater. I loved the more intimate feel if this theater. I was really surprised at how good our seats were and how close to the stage we were. I will definitely go to another show in this theater. The drink and concessions were very pricey, but the theater as a whole was great!

Erin Lyle (2 years ago)
We saw the show, Beautiful, @ National Theatre. Its not the first time I've been there nor will it be the last! I highly recommend the show! Beautiful was incredible!! There are no words to describe it. Beautiful is a must see!! The Theatre itself is wonderful. Although, beware, there is a section in the Orchestra section that evens out for 3-4 rows. You either want to so I front or behind those rows for better viewing comfort.

C DJ (3 years ago)
Watched Beautiful, the Carole King musical. Sound in the theater is good. The ushers did a great job seating people. There were also ushers in the ladies room who directed patrons to empty stalls. While there was a line (isn't there always) it moved fast because of the ushers.

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Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Mezquita is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture.

According to a traditional account, a small Visigoth church, the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins, originally stood on the site. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers. The mosque underwent numerous subsequent changes: Abd al-Rahman II ordered a new minaret, while in 961 Al-Hakam II enlarged the building and enriched the Mihrab. The last of such reforms was carried out by Almanzor in 987. It was connected to the Caliph"s palace by a raised walkway, mosques within the palaces being the tradition for previous Islamic rulers – as well as Christian Kings who built their palaces adjacent to churches. The Mezquita reached its current dimensions in 987 with the completion of the outer naves and courtyard.

In 1236, Córdoba was conquered by King Ferdinand III of Castile, and the centre of the mosque was converted into a Catholic cathedral. Alfonso X oversaw the construction of the Villaviciosa Chapel and the Royal Chapel within the mosque. The kings who followed added further Christian features, such as King Henry II rebuilding the chapel in the 14th century. The minaret of the mosque was also converted to the bell tower of the cathedral. It was adorned with Santiago de Compostela"s captured cathedral bells. Following a windstorm in 1589, the former minaret was further reinforced by encasing it within a new structure.

The most significant alteration was the building of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the middle of the expansive structure. The insertion was constructed by permission of Charles V, king of Castile and Aragon. Artisans and architects continued to add to the existing structure until the late 18th century.

Architecture

The building"s floor plan is seen to be parallel to some of the earliest mosques built from the very beginning of Islam. It had a rectangular prayer hall with aisles arranged perpendicular to the qibla, the direction towards which Muslims pray. The prayer hall was large and flat, with timber ceilings held up by arches of horseshoe-like appearance.

In planning the mosque, the architects incorporated a number of Roman columns with choice capitals. Some of the columns were already in the Gothic structure; others were sent from various regions of Iberia as presents from the governors of provinces. Ivory, jasper, porphyry, gold, silver, copper, and brass were used in the decorations. Marvellous mosaics and azulejos were designed. Later, the immense temple embodied all the styles of Morisco architecture into one composition.

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