The Washington Monument is one of the many famous images of Washington DC. The 550 feet high Egyptian obelisk, visible from almost anywhere in the city, stands opposite the White House in the National Mall. As the largest masonry structure in the world, the view from the top is breathtaking and allows those who take the minute long elevator ride to see all of the city and, on a clear day, much of Virginia and Maryland. On weekends, tour guides will walk groups down the original stairs, describing the lengthy and eventful construction of Americas favorite monument.