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Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC

Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Church
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Modeled on English medieval-style churches, Washington National Cathedral represents one of the largest cathedrals in the United States and the world. Originally begun in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the final piece was finally placed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, and accents and decorative work continued for even longer. Of particular note in the church is the organ, constructed of more than 8,000 pipes. Look for the grave of President Woodrow Wilson. Consult the cathedral's schedule if you'd like to attend an Episcopal religious service. To visit Washington National Cathedral and get the most from your holiday in Washington DC, create itinerary details personal to you using our Washington DC travel route planner.
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Washington National Cathedral reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,097 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Just a beautiful cathedral. I was familiar with the cathedral due to a scene from "The West Wing" and also several famous funerals held here (most recently George H.W. Bush). The architecture is... 
    Just a beautiful cathedral. I was familiar with the cathedral due to a scene from "The West Wing" and also several famous funerals held here (most recently George H.W. Bush). The architecture is...  more »
  • Shared with the NCS school. The grounds are well kempt and a welcome reprieve from the city. The Bishop’s garden is off the beaten path with benches, it’s perfect for a picnic. There are clean... 
    Shared with the NCS school. The grounds are well kempt and a welcome reprieve from the city. The Bishop’s garden is off the beaten path with benches, it’s perfect for a picnic. There are clean...  more »
  • Unbelievably beautiful and a wonderful tour! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour so enjoyable with her stories about the cathedral. She had a true appreciation for her work and... 
    Unbelievably beautiful and a wonderful tour! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour so enjoyable with her stories about the cathedral. She had a true appreciation for her work and...  more »
Google
  • We accidentally found this when nearby and decided to stop by and this place is huge and gorgeous. It’s till under construction but plenty of building to still admire. It’s an active church with so much unique design. The water spouts each are a different animal head? We saw pigs, dragons, monkeys, so random! They even had a hidden Darth Vader head hidden amongst the building. Lots of walkways and court yards. Very peaceful. We parked on a nearby street as on-site parking they tow. Great little stop
  • Wow!!! What an incredible spot to visit in DC. There is so much history here and the attention to detail is unmatched. Definitely worth stopping by if you are close by. We went an hour before closing on the weekend and were able to park no problem on the grounds. You can pay additional money for a tour but entry is free. Stroller friendly. You can also attend public service on the weekends. Definitely an amazing gem in DC.
  • Breathtaking! There are so many interior chapels, each with thier on unique qualities and story. The stained glass is stunning; some change color/pattern as the sun shines through them at different times of the year. There is a $15 admission fee, unless you go during worship services. It's totally worth it and allows you to really explore at your leisure all the nooks and crannies!
  • This was amazing experience! Very nicely maintained! It was very quite and very peaceful! We got in time for organ show. It was for 15-20 mins but it was great experience. I would like to thank the organist to make the experience wonderful! Lot of positive energy!
  • I went to Sunday Morning service with my parents now that they have opened up again. There were plenty of available seats and the ushers have all of us programs. The programs were in English and Spanish and offered explanations of what was going on and why things were in a certain order in addition to the prayers, hymns, readings, and instructions of when to sit or stand. The cathedral is beautiful and I would suggest going in the morning to get the full impact of the stained glass windows. I didn’t even Renner that there had been an earthquake in 2011 but there were many signs showing what was damaged and how repairs are going.

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