Conceived in 1792 by Pierre l'Enfant as a "great church for national purposes," actual planning and construction of the National Cathedral didn't begin until a century later, and it was not until a century after that – 1990 – that the cathedral was completed.
The reasons for its delay are many – two World Wars, financial woes of various kinds, changes in leadership and the resultant shifts in intent and focus – but perhaps the main reason is that the founding of the nation did not rest or rely upon a religion and therefore had no imperative need for a symbolic cathedral, unlike l'Enfant's homeland.
Nonetheless, the National Cathedral is an impressive structure; indeed, it is the 6th largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the U.S., and it is home not only to the traditional Christian methodologies but has also frequently been the locale for various events staged by other religions as well as many nationally significant memorial services.
Built in a richly-decorated Gothic style, the cathedral includes flying buttresses, gargoyles, crypts, a 98-foot vaulted ceiling, and several chapels. In a concession to the 20th Century, it also features several more modern references, such as a stained-glass window commemorating the flight of Apollo 11. The top of the tower is the highest point in D.C.
Since its opening, the cathedral has focused on a theme of openness, with its initial statement "Welcoming people of all faiths."
The cathedral is open for tours which last approximately 30 minutes and are offered on an ongoing basis without reservations, leaving regularly from the west end of the nave. You can also take a self-guided tour, using a brochure available in several languages.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- 10am-4:30p daily
- Admission:
- Free
- Metro Stop:
- Redline to the Tenleytown-AU Station
- Exit near intersection of Albemarle St Nw and Wisconsin Ave Nw
- Start out going South on Wisconsin Ave Nw towards Grant Rd Nw
- View Metro Map
- Contact:
- Location: 3109 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
- Phone: 202-537-6200
- Website: www.cathedral.org
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