Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC

The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, is a cathedral and Episcopal church that boasts a stunning English Gothic style. The cathedral has witnessed plenty of American history, and its foundation stone was laid in the presence of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Plenty of people visit the cathedral to learn about its history and take in the beautiful architectural styling, which was inspired by 4th-century Gothic designs. Some of these include elaborately sculpted grotesques and gargoyles. The cathedral welcomes between 700,000 and 800,000 visitors each year. The attraction is appropriate for children and offers a variety of fascinating details.

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What are the highlights of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC?

The Washington National Cathedral is unique in its mix of various architectural styles. Gothic touches include flying buttresses, vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, pointed arches, and carved stone decorations. One of its highlights is the pulpit, which was carved out of stone from the Canterbury Cathedral. Several other historic buildings contributed to its construction, such as Glastonbury Abbey, Solomon’s Quarry, and the Chapel of Moses.

Many people visit the cathedral to see masterpieces of artwork, including the hundreds of stained-glass windows. The Space Window is one of the most famous among them, which honors man’s mission to the moon and features a fragment of lunar rock.

What else is good to know about the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC?

The Washington National Cathedral is open for public tours, but it is also active as a church. The worship is Episcopal, and services are held each weekday and on Sundays. During the holidays, the cathedral hosts special events that are internationally broadcast, such as a Christmas television special.

Numerous American citizens are buried in the cathedral's columbarium. Among them are George Dewey, Helen Keller, Matthew Shepard, Woodrow Wilson, Isabel Weld Perkins, and John Wesley Snyder. The grounds also have private Episcopal schools, such as the National Cathedral School and St. Alban’s School.

Location: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA

Open: Sundays from 10.15 am to 1 pm (closed Monday–Saturday)

Phone: +1 202-537-6200

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