The centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus is the 535-ft tall “educational skyscraper” named The Cathedral of Learning, or “Cathy” as the students call her. The building is the tallest educational structure in the Western Hemisphere and the second-tallest university building in the world. It has something of everything in it, designed by Philadelphia architect Charles Klauder as a blend of the architectural ideals of Gothic Revival with a modern skyscraper. Throughout its 2,000+ classrooms, offices and event spaces are intricate details in iron work, stone, wood and stained glass, including a 22,000 sq-ft, four story vaulted study hall. To top it all off, the 40th floor balcony is home to a nesting pair of Peregrine falcons.

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