Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C.

Name: Washington National Cathedral
Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington D.C., 20016-5000, United States
Telephone: +1 202-537-6207

#17 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Church, Gothic Revival architecture, Sacred and religious sites, Architecture

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Gallery

Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C.

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain / Washington_National_Cathedral_in_Washington,_D.C.. / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / MathKnight / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cosal / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Cisc1970 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / GFDL 1.2 / Jonathunder / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mina Elias / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Liftarn / URL

Facts and practical information

Washington National Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, stands as a beacon of spiritual grandeur in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. This majestic church, an impressive example of neo-Gothic architecture, serves not only as a house of worship but also as a gathering place for the nation in times of celebration and sorrow.

Constructed from 1907 to 1990, the cathedral is the sixth-largest in the world and the second-largest in the United States. It rises to a height of 301 feet with an imposing length of 517 feet, making it a prominent fixture in the city's skyline. The design includes intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and a towering central tower that invites visitors to lift their eyes upward in awe.

Washington National Cathedral is more than an architectural marvel; it is a hub of cultural and interfaith activities, hosting presidential funerals, national prayer services, and other events of national significance. It has been a gathering place for moments of national unity and reflection, including memorial services following the September 11 attacks and the funerals of several U.S. presidents.

Visitors to the cathedral can explore its expansive nave, chapels, and gardens, or participate in one of the many public worship services, concerts, and educational events held throughout the year. The cathedral also features an observation gallery in the tower, offering breathtaking views of Washington D.C.

The cathedral is open to the public for tours, with volunteer docents providing insights into the history, artistry, and symbolism found throughout this national treasure. Whether attending a service, exploring the serene Bishop's Garden, or admiring the cathedral's Gothic features, visitors are enveloped by a sense of peace and history.

Alternative names: Built: 1906 (118 years ago)Architectural style: Gothic revivalCoordinates: 38°55'51"N, 77°4'14"W

Address

3101 Wisconsin Ave NWNorthwest Washington (Woodley Park)Washington D.C. 20016-5000 United States

Contact

+1 202-537-6207

Website

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Washington D.C.

Day trips

Washington National Cathedral – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: All Hallows Guild Carousel, St. Alban's Episcopal Church, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Cleveland Park Library.

~120 ftSE
Amusement, Amusement ride, Amusement park
All Hallows Guild Carousel, Washington D.C.
1 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., the All Hallows Guild Carousel is a charming amusement ride that offers a delightful experience for children and nostalgia for adults. This historic carousel, located within the verdant surroundings of the National Cathedral’s...
~700 ftSW
Church
St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • St. Alban's Parish is an Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. and is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. It was founded by Phoebe Pemberton Morris Nourse, who bequeathed $35 to establish the church.
0.4 miS
Church
St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington D.C.
11 min walk • St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, D.C. is the primatial cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America and the seat of Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada of the Orthodox Church in America.
0.7 miE
Library
Cleveland Park Library, Washington D.C.
19 min walk • The Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library is a branch of the District of Columbia Public Library in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is located at 3310 Connecticut Avenue NW. A library building opened on the site in 1953 and was replaced in 2018 by a larger facility that was built at a cost of $19.7 million.
0.8 miE
Neoclassical architecture
Cathedral Mansions Apartment Buildings, Washington D.C.
21 min walk • The Cathedral Mansions Apartment Buildings are historic structures located at 2900, 3000, and 3100 Connecticut Avenue NW in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
~1240 ftS
Church
Saint Sophia Cathedral, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral was founded as a church in 1904 to serve the Greek Orthodox residents of the District of Columbia. In 1962, the church was elevated to a cathedral under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of America in New York City and serves as his cathedral in Washington.
0.5 miE
Park
Woodley Mansion, Washington D.C.
13 min walk • Woodley is a Federal-style hilltop house in Washington, D.C. constructed in 1801. It has served as the home to Grover Cleveland, Martin Van Buren, and Henry L. Stimson, and is now the home of the Maret School. When originally built, it was based on the Woodley Lodge in Reading, England.
0.7 miNE
Concerts and shows, Theater, Cinema
Uptown Theater, Washington D.C.
18 min walk • The Uptown Theater, known as The Uptown, was a single-screen movie theater in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Opened in 1936, it hosted the world premieres of such movies as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Jurassic Park. It closed in March 2020.
0.7 miS
Observatories and planetariums
United States Naval Observatory, Washington D.C.
17 min walk • The United States Naval Observatory is a scientific and military facility that produces geopositioning, navigation and timekeeping data for the United States Navy and the United States Department of Defense.
0.6 miSE
Palace, Queen Anne architecture
Number One Observatory Circle, Washington D.C.
16 min walk • Number One Observatory Circle is the official residence of the vice president of the United States. Located on the northeast grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. the house was built in 1893 for the observatory superintendent.
~1200 ftSW
Park
Bryce Park, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • Bryce Park is an urban triangle park located in the District of Columbia neighborhood of Cathedral Heights; formed by the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. Wisconsin Ave. and Garfield St. NW. This 0.59 acre site is administered by the National Park Service as a part of Rock Creek Park, but is not contiguous with that park.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Washington National Cathedral?

Nearby attractions include St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Washington D.C. (4 min walk), Alban Towers, Washington D.C. (5 min walk), Bryce Park, Washington D.C. (6 min walk), Saint Sophia Cathedral, Washington D.C. (6 min walk).

How to get to Washington National Cathedral by public transport?

The nearest stations to Washington National Cathedral:

Metro

Cleveland Park • Lines: Rd (19 min walk)
Van Ness–UDC • Lines: Rd (26 min walk)

Bus

Bus Loading (25 min walk)
South Campus • Lines: White Route (29 min walk)