Washington National Cathedral

It was George Washington's dream to have a national house of prayer, worship, and healing. Unfortunately, his dream wasn't realized until after he died. You do not have to be of any particular faith or belief to enjoy and appreciate this landmark. This place is very family-friendly and there's something here for every family member. It has traditional Gothic style architecture. The stained glass windows were the highlight of my visit. The rainbow of colors casting across the cathedral was mesmerizing. Peak performance is during the fall months. I strongly recommend taking one of the free tours available. Our docent was fantastic and energetic with sharing information about the cathedral. She genuinely enjoyed her job. I recommend buying tickets ahead online. You can also buy tickets at the entrance. It's $15 per adult. There's stories to be told around every corner. The attention to detail is incredible. Note of interest: This is the final resting place for President Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, and Matthew Shepard, among hundreds more. The biggest surprise for me is the donated moon rock from Neil Armstrong that is encased and on display in one of the stained glass windows. Along with biblical stories, there's also American stories portrayed in the stained glass windows. There's also access to the 7th floor cloisters that give you a 360-degree view of DC. There's a cafe style restaurant on site. There's also the Bishop's garden open to the public to enjoy. The cathedral has been in repair since the 2011 earthquake. Mainly just cosmetic, not structural damage. One last surprise, there's a head statue of Darth Vader on the dark side of the tower outside. It is definitely worth the time and money to visit.

Washington National Cathedral is an awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece that showcases exquisite craftsmanship and rich history. The grandeur and beauty of this iconic landmark are truly remarkable. The Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and stunning stone carvings make for a visually captivating experience.

The cathedral's role as a place of worship, prayer, and reflection adds to its significance. The regular services and special events held here offer visitors a chance to engage in spiritual contemplation.

The guided tours provide insightful information about the cathedral's history, religious significance, and its role in American culture. The knowledgeable guides offer valuable context and answer questions with enthusiasm.

However, my visit was slightly marred by the high number of visitors, which made it challenging to fully immerse in the tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, some areas were undergoing restoration, limiting access to certain parts of the cathedral.

Overall, the Washington National Cathedral is undeniably worth visiting for its architectural beauty and historical importance. With a more controlled visitor flow and completed restorations, it would have been an even more exceptional experience. A solid 4-star rating for this iconic cultural and spiritual landmark.

It had been almost 20 years since I visited last, and this space is still majestic and beautiful. It’s tough to comprehend the sheer size of this building. Repairs are underway, as is a fundraising campaign, to repair and restore damaged portions of the church. The organ is beautiful, and o encourage attendance at an Evensong service because you get to sit in the choir lofts, just next to the Great Altar.

This cathedral is beautiful and huge! Never before have I been to a cathedral this big. It was a fun experience walking around and exploring different chapel and chambers. The stained glass design is amazing and the admission is free, you can just walk right in, take pictures, and do a self tour except when the mass is happening.

It was amazing and Breathtaking! There are so many interior chapels, each with thier on unique qualities and story. The stained glass is stunning; some change color/pattern as the sun shines through them at different times of the year.

There is a $15 admission fee, unless you go during worship services. It's totally worth it and allows you to really explore at your leisure all the nooks and crannies!