Washington National Cathedral

One of the most visible landmarks in Washington DC, the Washington National Cathedral evokes admiration for its breathtaking architecture. First conceptualized in 1791-though it was more than a century before construction actually began-the National Cathedral took an astounding 83 years to complete. With 231 stained glass windows, 112 gargoyles, a central tower 30 stories high, and a total weight of 150,000 tons, it is a building to be reckoned with. For a spectacular view of the city, climb to the top of the gallery that spans the two west towers.

The cathedral building itself isn’t the only attraction of note on the adjacent 59 acres of land. Included on cathedral property are two outdoor sanctuaries—the Bishop’s Garden and the Olmstead Woods. Inside the Bishop’s Garden’s stone walls are two herb gardens, a rose garden, two perennial borders, a Shadow House and winding stone paths. Olmstead Woods is bisected by the picturesque Pilgrim Path toward the cathedral itself.

Keep your ears open for Carillon recitals (Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. except the holy Saturday before Easter) and the cathedral’s peal bells (Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.) rung by bands from the National Cathedral School for Girls and the Washington ringing society. Both sets of bells are best heard from the Bishop’s Garden.

Music lovers should visit on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 p.m. (except holidays), when a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the Cathedral’s 10,650-pipe organ and plays a short recital. No reservations necessary for individuals and small groups.

Travel Tips

The National Cathedral offers guided tours of many varieties. First-time visitors are encouraged to take the highlights tour, which shows you 30 minutes worth of basic cathedral art and architecture. Other tours focus on the gargoyles, the gardens, and depictions of patriotism in the cathedral. The Tour and Tea tours are specialty, in-depth tours that include a full English tea afterwards. Early morning tours—on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.—can be secured through your congressperson. The cathedral also offers 1 hour and 15 minute-long audio tours so visitors can move at their own pace. Audio tours are generally available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. unless there are special services or events taking place in the nave. They cost $5.

Those who prefer to explore the cathedral on their own are welcome and encouraged to do so, and can print a general brochure and guides to finding interesting features of the cathedral beforehand. Families with children are invited to tour the cathedral with the help of a scavenger hunt and children’s guide, found in the “Explore the Cathedral with Children” brochure. Tour brochures are available inside the main entrance of the cathedral at the Information Table or at www.nationalcathedral.org.

Visitors wishing to worship at the National Cathedral are encouraged to do so. A list of services can be found on the web site.

Photos of the Washington National Cathedral