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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
3,101 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • I'd heard about the National Cathedral for years and had seen it on television. I'd even heard about how the cathedral is so big that you could lay the Washington Monument on its side within it. But.....  more
    I'd heard about the National Cathedral for years and had seen it on television. I'd even heard about how the cathedral is so big that you could lay the Washington Monument on its side within it. But.....  more »
  • Beautiful - just exceptional. Multiple buildings, beautiful gardens, open to the public - check hours. This is an active church. 
    Beautiful - just exceptional. Multiple buildings, beautiful gardens, open to the public - check hours. This is an active church.  more »
  • My husband, my adult son and I attended Sunday service at the National Cathedral. The church is beautiful, and the service was lovely. 
    My husband, my adult son and I attended Sunday service at the National Cathedral. The church is beautiful, and the service was lovely.  more »
Google
  • Beautiful and peaceful. We went right before closing and had a chance to walk around with very few other people. It was a wonderful experience, the architecture and the stained glass windows are beautiful. The orchestra was testing equipment, and everything together created a perfect setting. It's a very soothing and inspiring place to visit. The location itself is just extraordinary and so well maintained. The parking is easy and very accessible.
  • 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
  • I always love visiting the cathedral. Alas, they now charge for entry which they didn't before the pandemic. I went on a Thursday afternoon and the bookstore/gift shop was closed - it is one of the best small bookstores for spiritual publications and I was sorry it wasn't open. The grounds, though, are as beautiful as ever and there is now a cafe where the garden shop used to be.
  • 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!

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