The Cathedral of Learning is a beautiful 42 story Gothic stone tower building located on the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At 535 feet in height the Cathedral of Learning is the tallest educational and university building in the United States and second tallest in the world behind Moscow State University.

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Built beginning in 1926 in Late Gothic Revival architectural style the first university class was held in the Cathedral of Learning in 1931 even though the building was not officially dedicated until 1937. Funding for the building was delayed due to the Great Depression.

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The Cathedral of Learning contains over 2,000 rooms and 2,529 windows. The centerpiece of the building is the beautiful three-story Gothic-style Commons Room at ground level which was built from funds donated by Pittsburgh millionaire Andrew Mellon.

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Also in the Cathedral of Learning are the 27 renowned and world famous Nationality Rooms. Each Nationality Room was constructed and is decorated to reflect a distinct culture that took part in the history of the city of Pittsburgh. From mid-November through mid-January the rooms are decorated to reflect the traditional holiday themes from each nationality.

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Also contained in the Cathedral of Learning are libraries, a computer center, a restaurant, the Frick Auditorium, offices and classrooms from the liberal arts departments and the University of Pittsburgh's administrative offices. Visitors really have to see this building to believe how beautiful it is.

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The University of Pittsburgh offers free guided tours of the Cathedral of Learning the day after Thanksgiving or Black Friday and from December 27 to 31. The rest of the year the Cathedral of Learning is open to the public daily from 9 to 2:30 Monday through Saturday and from 11 to 2:30 Sundays and holidays. The Cathedral is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, Day and the 26th of December. Access to the Nationality Rooms depends upon whether classes are being held so the best time to visit to see all the rooms is on weekends.

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The Cathedral of Learning is a beautiful landmark Gothic stone tower that is the tallest university building in the USA and a great place to visit.

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Sources:http://www.tour.pitt.edu/tour-080.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Learning