This glorious Gothic building is the focus of public
spiritual life for the city and the nation. The structure – the sixth
largest cathedral in the world – was completed in 1990, with a
10-story-high nave and a central tower 676 ft (206 m) above sea level,
the highest point in the District of Columbia. Officially named the
Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the church is Episcopal
but invites people of all faiths to worship.
Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves NW 202 537 6200
www.cathedral.org
Open 10am–5:30pm Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm Sat, 12:45–4pm Sun (weekend hours subject to change for special events) Donation Dis. access
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In 1893 Congress granted a
charter to construct Washington National Cathedral. Theodore Roosevelt
attended the laying of the foundation stone at the commanding Mount St.
Albans location in 1907. The completion of the west towers in 1990
marked the end of 83 years of continuous work. The cathedral is built by
the “stone-on-stone” method, using no structural steel. Many
architects, including Henry Vaughan, Philip Frohman, and George Bodley,
came together to create this inspiring monument. It was built entirely
from donations.
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Cathedral Floorplan
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The Cathedral Center for
Prayer and Pilgrimage is a carpeted room on the lower level, provided
for prayer and meditation. Pillows on the floor and subdued candlelight
create a tranquil atmosphere.
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Binoculars or a telephoto lens are a must for appreciating the gargoyles.
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Top 10 FeaturesExterior The
architecture of the cathedral is predominantly English Gothic, created
using authentic methods preserved since the Middle Ages, including a
cross-shaped floorplan, flying buttresses, and multispired towers.
Exterior
Main Entrance and Creation The west entrance is centered within a high Gothic arch containing a lovely rose window. Above the bronze double doors is “Ex Nihilo,” a relief sculpture by Frederick Hart portraying the creation of humankind from chaos.
High Altar The
imposing high altar at the east end of the nave is made from stone dug
from Solomon’s quarry outside Jerusalem; the altar is also called the
Jerusalem Altar.
Space Window This
stained-glass window is notable for commemorating mankind’s
20th-century moon landing. A piece of moon rock, brought back by Apollo
11 astronauts, is embedded in it.
Nave The
horizontal impression given by the nave is also typical of English
Gothic style. Flags of the states are displayed around the outer walls.
South Rose Window “The
Church Triumphant” is the theme of this elegant stained-glass window.
The design of Joseph G. Reynolds incorporates 12 brilliantly colored
“petals” and numerous other figures.
Children’s Chapel This
endearing room is child-scaled with a miniature organ and altar and
chairs to fit six-year-olds. Jesus is also shown as a boy in the
sculpture here.
Gargoyles and Grotesques Derived
from decorated spouts on European buildings, these carved ornaments
have been given free rein at the cathedral. The 112 carvings include
Darth Vader of Star Wars® fame and a predatory-looking owl. Pipe Organ This
magnificent Aeolian-Skinner instrument has 10,650 pipes. On most
Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:45pm, an organist gives a presentation and
then demonstrates with a recital. Gardens A
medieval walled garden is the model for the cathedral’s beautiful
Bishop’s Garden on the south side of the church. The herb gardens are a
delight to the nose as well as the eye: all the stones here originated
in a quarry that George Washington once owned.
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