Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., United States

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church located in Washington, D.C. The Neo-Gothic design was closely modeled on English Gothic style of the late 14th century. It is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world, the second-largest in the United States, and the highest as well as the fourth-tallest structure in Washington, D.C.

The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation erected the cathedral under a charter passed by the United States Congress in 1893. Construction began in 1907, when the foundation stone was laid in the presence of President Theodore Roosevelt and a crowd of more than 20,000, and ended 83 years later when the 'final finial' was placed in the presence of President George H. W. Bush in 1990. Decorative work, such as carvings and statuary, is ongoing as of 2011. The Foundation is the legal entity of which all institutions on the Cathedral Close are a part; its corporate staff provides services for the institutions to help enable their missions, conducts work of the Foundation itself that is not done by the other entities, and serves as staff for the Board of Trustees.

Most of the building is constructed using a buff-colored Indiana limestone over a traditional masonry core. Structural, load-bearing steel is limited to the roof's trusses (traditionally built of timber); concrete is used significantly in the support structures for bells of the central tower, and the floors in the west towers.

The pulpit was carved out of stones from Canterbury Cathedral in United Kingdom. Glastonbury Abbey provided stone for the bishop's formal seat. The high altar, the Jerusalem Altar, is made from stones quarried at Solomon's Quarry near Jerusalem, reputedly where the stones for Solomon's Temple were quarried. In the floor directly in front of that altar are set ten stones from the Chapel of Moses on Mount Sinai, representing the Ten Commandments as a foundation for the Jerusalem Altar.

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User Reviews

Scottie McKee (7 months ago)
Beautiful historical building and grounds. Very photogenic area. Early morning, later afternoon/evenings are best time to visit.. not clearly marked for how and when to access inside tours. Lots of restoration/construction work limits access and visibility.

Shilpa Bajracharya (8 months ago)
The cathedral was absolutely breathtaking. From its intricate architecture to the mesmerizing details adorning the walls, every aspect left me in awe. It's a definite must-visit; photos and videos simply can't do it justice. Experiencing it in person is essential.

Kevin Wang (8 months ago)
Stunning Gothic building as the seat of the bishop of the Washington Diocese Both the exterior and interior are impressive with towering spires and beautiful stained glass windows. The exterior is full of gargoyles including fun ones like a Darth Vader one. There’s a store / gift shop in the main church and various buildings on the grounds including a cute cafe, bishop’s garden, underground parking lots, a school, and library / learning centers. I’d highly recommend a visit to this amazing architectural and religious structure.

chochicat (8 months ago)
The Washington National Cathedral is a breathtaking architectural marvel and a must-visit landmark in the heart of Washington D.C. Its stunning Gothic design, intricate carvings, and majestic stained glass windows make it a true masterpiece. Walking through its halls, you can feel the sense of history and spirituality that permeates this sacred space. The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, with its towering ceilings, ornate decorations, and peaceful ambiance. The beautiful chapels and prayer spaces offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing visitors to reflect and find solace. The Washington National Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience. Whether you're exploring its architectural wonders, attending a service, or simply taking in its beauty, a visit to the cathedral is a truly awe-inspiring experience that should not be missed.

Patrick Min (9 months ago)
We had the pleasure of visiting this stunning cathedral recently. The cathedral boasted incredible stained glass windows that were truly breathtaking. The windows allowed the light to filter through and created a magnificent display of colors. This remarkable example of Gothic architecture is located in the northwest region of Washington, DC, specifically in the Cathedral Heights neighborhood. Every aspect of the National Cathedral, from the crypt to the observation point, is of immense interest. Admission to this cathedral requires a fee of $15 as it is not a federal museum, and it's for self-guided sightseeing in your own pace.

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