Washington National Cathedral

Located in the heart of the City, Washington National Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic-style architecture and is the second-largest cathedral in the United States. The Episcopal Church serves as a place for worship and is a significant landmark in the District of Columbia. Its construction began in 1907 and took almost 83 years for it to complete.

 

Inside this vast building, you will find beautifully decorated chapels, stained glass windows, and other artwork. It welcomes people of all faiths and also the people who are not religious. You can find Darth Vader from Star Wars here—a modern-day symbol of evil. The west facade features a stained glass window with a piece of moon. You can also study the ornamental screens in St. Mary’s Chapel, depicting scenes from the life of Mother Mary, and visit the Bethlehem Chapel depicting the birth of Jesus inside the Crypt.

 

Or you can simply walk around the beautiful grounds of the Cathedral, specifically the Bishop’s Garden which was inspired by a medieval walled garden. Admission to the Cathedral is free for worshipping but for guided tours, there are charges. The Cathedral is open all around the year and every day of the week.

 

What to Know

The sixth largest Cathedral in the world with gorgeous architecture and a prayer place for all—Washington National Cathedral is something you should not miss. It’s a huge cathedral with a breathtaking interior. It was built between 1907 and 1990, taking over 83 years to complete, and is covered with over 200 stained glass artwork. Back in the day, the Cathedral was known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the city and Diocese of Washington. The National Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece designed in the neo-Gothic style—combining elements of both English Gothic and traditional Gothic architectural design. It is made from Indiana limestone, giving it a characteristic pale color.

 

A traditional Gothic cathedral features a Nave and a Chancel and so does this National Cathedral. The cathedral combines traditional European medieval architecture with distinct American symbolism. Henry Vaughan and Philip Hubert were the architects who oversaw the design of the building. The landscape planning was done by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. It’s also the second-largest cathedral in the U.S. The central tower is the tallest point of the Cathedral standing 676 feet tall and is the highest point in Washington, D.C. The tower and spikes are the Cathedral’s most significant features, visible from miles around. The building also features flying buttresses, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stone carvings.

 

The Cathedral holds profound religious and spiritual significance and is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Many presidential ceremonies are hosted there including the funerals of Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, J.F. Kennedy, and George Bush. The memorial service of Martin Luther King Jr. was also held there. With that, you will find some of the most exquisite stained glass artwork in this cathedral. The stained glass depicts American history and culture as well as Christian history. The most significant is the Space Window which features a piece of moon rock brought back by the Apollo 11 mission, the first ones to ever walk on the moon. Some of the windows depict historical figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. 

 

The Nave is the long central hall of the Cathedral where most worshippers sit during the services. It’s also the main space for congregational seating during services. The nave is expansive with a stunning Gothic vault and massive stained-glass windows. The high vaulted ceiling and statues are additional works of art.

 

Many state funerals and presidential services are held at the nave. At the east end of the Cathedral, the Chancel is the area where the high altar is located and is the main point for worship services. It is gorgeously designed with a raised platform, beautiful stained glass windows, and choir stalls on either side. The Washington National Cathedral’s West Rose Window contains scenes from the Bible. Also, the Great Organ, one of the largest in the United States, provides the music for many services. 

 

During the 2011 earthquake, the Cathedral suffered substantial damage but was recovered. The earthquake caused cracks in the stonework and there was some damage to the stained glass windows as well, particularly in the central tower. But everything went well as it was restored and recovered pretty quickly making the Cathedral a sign of resilience. 

 

Fifty years later after the death of Dr, King, the church repurposed his sermon in 2018 through a series of events. Things still need to be changed and the way Dr. challenges everyone in the sermon is the same today. “Remaining Awake Through A Great Revolution”, a title of Dr. King’s last Sunday sermon—also became his last sermon. On the steps of the Cathedral’s Canterbury Pulpit, he preached his powerful words for forty minutes. There’s also a video record of this with perfect quality. You can go and have a look at it and the sermon is also quite transformative. He was a brilliant activist who was bold about his beliefs and faith. He warned at the time that racism, militarism, and poverty were the greatest threats to America. He was a man who was hopeful and committed to his work. The sermon is quite powerful and still resonates at the National Cathedral..

 

How to Get There

The National Cathedral is located northwest of Washington City. The two Metrorail stations that are near this cathedral are Tenleytown and Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan. The bus lines that stop near the Cathedral are 31, 33, 96, N2, and N4. And the bus stops that are close to the Cathedral are Wisconsin Ave Nw+Garfield St NW and Woodley Rd Nw+Wisconsin Ave NW. The first bus that reaches there is 33 at 3:08 in the morning.

 

Also, the MetroRail Red Line stops near the cathedral if you’re planning to travel via rail. It stops there at around 5:30 in the morning. And the last time it stops there is at 12:19 am.

 

If you’re planning to travel there with your car then keep in mind that the parking is not available near or at the Washington National Cathedral. But you can use the parking garage in the underground on the Cathedral grounds. 

 

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Washington National Cathedral is Spring because of the lovely weather—and you can enjoy beautiful views of Cherry blossoms blooming in the Tidal Basin while you’re in the city. The temperature is mild and the whole city looks really pretty with greenery and flowers. There is also the National Cherry Blossom Festival that you should not miss. Fall is another great option for visiting this Cathedral, the temperatures are just perfect right before the cold sets in. The stunning Fall foliage is another thing of beauty all around the city. And the weather is crisp and clear with perfect photo opportunities.

 

Summer is usually very busy with lots of events and activities. It’s the peak tourist season, so expect lots of crowds and hot temperatures. But the interior of the Cathedral has perfect temperature and is a great place to relax. Lastly, if you don’t mind colder temperatures, then visit during winter. This is the time of year with very few crowds but also great because of holiday concerts and special services. Also, visit any time of the year during weekdays as they tend to be quieter. On the other hand, weekends are usually very busy.

 

Features and Highlights 

- It’s a remarkable Gothic style Cathedral in Washington, D.C. 

- Built in a traditional Gothic-style, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

- At 676 feet long and 301 feet tall, it’s the sixth-largest cathedral in the world and second largest in the United States.

- Features over 200 stunning glass-stained windows, many of which were designed by artists like Jean Jules Jusserand and Rowan LeCompte.

- Rowan LeCompte’s wife Irene was also the artist behind some of the stained glass works.

- The Cathedral has hosted significant events in American history including presidential funerals, memorial services, and national celebrations. 

- The construction began in 1907 and finalized in 1990, taking over 83 years for its completion. The gap of so many years was mainly because of the funding issues.

- Memorial services for figures like President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Martin Luther King Jr., and Senator John McCain were held here.

- Site for National prayer services after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

- The Cathedral is non-denominational and open to all faiths and to non-believers as well. 

- Serves as both a church and a National house of prayer.

- Features an exquisite hundred gargoyles, including a famous one of Darth Vader from Star Wars—specifically selected for the modern-day symbol of evil. 

- The Cathedral houses a large astronomical clock that tracks celestial events.

- The cathedral hosts several art exhibitions and musical performances with a renowned choir and frequent organ concerts.

- The cathedral's music program is widely respected in both religious and secular contexts. 

- Helen Keller and Woodrow Wilson are both buried at the memorial among other notable individuals.

- A specific memorial is dedicated to the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

- The Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens including the Bishop’s garden with its beautiful green space and was modelled after the medieval walled garden.

- The garden features pathways, statues, and views of the city skyline.

Beneath the cathedral is the Crypt, a quiet, reverent space that contains memorials and tombs of notable figures. It also depicts the birth of Jesus. 

- Resting place of the first bishop of the Cathedral, Henry Yates Satterlee.

- The observation tower of the Cathedral offers panoramic views of the city. From there, you can see some of the iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Lincoln Memorial.