The earthquake that struck Washington, DC on Tuesday didn't just rattle nerves and evacuate offices -- it also broke pieces of the iconic National Cathedral, one of the more cherished pieces of architecture in the nation's capitol.

Three of four spires on the National Cathedral suffered damage, as the tremors snapped off stones from the ornate structure. The cathedral is an example of the Gothic style, and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world.

Similar decorative elements on the cathedral's exterior also appear to be damaged. Cracks have appeared in the flying buttresses around the apse at the cathedral's east end, the first portion of the building to be constructed, but the buttresses supporting the central tower seem to be sound, according to a statement released by the cathedral.

Take a look:

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Joe Alonso, Chief Mason at Washington's National Cathedral, attempts to piece together the fallen pieces from a stone spire that collapsed during an earthquake August 24, 2011. REUTERS
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One of the damaged spires on the main tower of Washington's National Cathedral is seen after an earthquake August 24, 2011. REUTERS
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Officials at Washington's National Cathedral, architect-engineers James Cutts (L) and Anthony Segreti, inspect damage to one of four spires on the main tower after an earthquake August 24, 2011. REUTERS
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A damaged stone angel is pictured on the roof of the main tower of Washington's National Cathedral after an earthquake August 24, 2011. REUTERS
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A damaged stone angel is pictured on the roof of the main tower of Washington's National Cathedral after an earthquake August 24, 2011. REUTERS
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