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Washington National Cathedral

Church and Performing Arts Venue

Woodley Park, Washington

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9.1^/10

486

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Ranked #3 for tours in Washington
"amazing hidden stuff like moon rocks and a Vader gargoyle"(4 Tips)
"The gargoyle tour is awesome."(3 Tips)
"Spot the Darth Vader gargoyle"(3 Tips)
"231 stained glass windows"(3 Tips)

76 Tips and reviews

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Guido GybelsSeptember 3, 2016
Impressive, large, if not genuinely old, building. Quiet neighbourhood. There is a large parking lot right underneath the Cathedral, first 30 min. parking for free, ideal if you just want pics.
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
NASASeptember 12, 2012
Did you know that one of the windows contains a moon rock? There is a tiny piece of the moon embedded in the 'Space Window,' delivered there personally by the astronauts who brought it back. Read more
Alex Lazo VasquezAugust 13, 2014
When I arrived in Washington my eye caught this beuautiful building. It has 2 tours. The regular tour is the best. The behind the scenes tour is very interesting too, more suited to architect fans
Karin MillerSeptember 16, 2013
The gargoyle tour is awesome. Set aside lots of time for this awesome place - I easily could have spent all day learning all the fun history, listening to the organ and choir, and discovering secrets.
Samir LJune 29, 2016
Spot the Darth Vader gargoyle, and go here during the fall/winter (when the trees have shed their leaves) for an awesome vantage point of DC (see also: L'Enfant's Grave)
AnnieMarch 15, 2014
If you're a student visiting, remember to bing your student ID for a discounted admission. Be sure to take advantage of the highlight tour (free with admission, offered every 30 minutes)
SkifchikJune 4, 2016
The majestic structure, copying the classics of Notre-Dame de Paris. Be sure to check out!
Lydia StevensonSeptember 29, 2015
The guided tour is awesome. There are 16 chapels in the cathedral. The building design is 14th century Gothic, and it is a completely original design and not copied from another building.
Norman EllisMay 13, 2016
Take the guided tour and then roam around on your own. So much to see!! So much history!
shiftyNovember 24, 2014
Actual name is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is the seat of both the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese Washington and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Karina ValverdeJanuary 22, 2014
Been here 5+ times
$10 admission fee. Beautiful 360 view of DC and nearby burbs. The cathedral is one of the highest points in the city.
MsTwixt MsTwixtMay 2, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Girls will love hunting for the Girl Scout trefoil in the Cathedral, and all kids look for the Darth Vader grotesque on the exterior (ask a docent for help). Tower Climbs are back as of May 2012
April MartinFebruary 24, 2018
Breathtakingly beautiful and also a very touching prayer time for Florida High School while we were there.
KarenApril 3
Stunning. Well worth the time and effort to spend time here.
Hassan SarayaAugust 15, 2014
AMEN—A Prayer for the World 48 premier Egyptian and Western artists. Thursday, September 4, 20147 to 8:30 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/467632383373724/
The Ritz-CarltonJuly 14, 2011
The cathedral offers spectacular views from its towers, but check for details of the gargoyle tours. Yes there are plenty of traditional monsters but look out for a stone-carved Star Wars villain.
C-SPANFebruary 14, 2011
It took 83 years to construct the National Cathedral (began in 1907). It has 231 stained glass windows, 112 gargoyles & a Darth Vader sculpture in the west tower. Watch this video for more history. Read more
Kiley KDecember 10, 2016
This place is so cool there are amazing hidden stuff like moon rocks and a Vader gargoyle
Isaac PachecoAugust 6, 2011
Breathtakingly beautiful grounds are often overshadowed by the Cathedral itself. Take time to walk around the outside too!
Nick PatzerOctober 10, 2010
The Darth Vader gargoyle is on the NW tower, east face, near the top, between the arches. Bring binoculars or a camera with good zoom.
Adam KOctober 26, 2013
Great views of DC and Virginia, and a perfect spot to get good photos of the buttresses and towers.
Amy CummingsApril 22, 2019
Get tickets ahead of time for the Easter service!
Charles AltmanApril 3, 2019
This is one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen
Hard RockerOctober 3, 2019
A must visit. Great to walk around the grounds.
Erin RathFebruary 28, 2015
Amazing stained glass! Beautiful service music. 🎼 No admission Sundays.
NYIPJune 8, 2011
Check out the mosaics in the Resurrection Chapel and be sure to use a tripod and a long exposure to capture their iridescent beauty.
T StarkAugust 10, 2015
don't forget to visit the garden!
Kevin MenardApril 25, 2012
This is the 6th largest cathedral in the world! Must see when you visit DC!
Boxfire PressJune 15, 2011
This cathedral welcomes people of faiths and perspectives, even Darth Vader. See if you can find him in the west tower. Watch this video for some more details. Read more
Jade RyanAugust 22, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Great view from the garden. Great place to relax and enjoy the weather during a cooler summer day.
Kristen LuppinoAugust 24, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Leave a couple bucks in the donation bin. The Cathedral has a long way to go in repairs from the earthquake.
John TaylorMay 15, 2012
At night, you can park right next to the building and explore the grounds with no one hassling you or looking over your shoulder.
DoraJuly 21, 2010
Families can take self-guided tours and gargoyle treasure hunts with free brochure guides picked up at the information desk at arrival. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
Monica HJune 27, 2017
We went through so fast... Wish we could had a specific tour like the gargoyle tour... #Mommy2Five
Amber Davis-SatoAugust 20, 2012
The Highlight tour is wonderful, informative and covers a lot of the cathedral
Allys CurrieApril 28, 2015
I liked the souvenirs :)
Lisa TurzaiJune 26, 2016
A Must-see when visiting Washington DC!!
Shane PhillipsJune 20, 2012
The tour was great. Artwork is amazing. But our guide was very rude
Shannon JeropkeNovember 15, 2021
Definitely a must visit in DC!
Deb LAugust 8, 2015
A beautiful cathedral in every way!
Dirty BirdAugust 9, 2014
Took almost 100 years to build and is just awesome
Rebecca PresseSeptember 28, 2012
The Moon Rock was a great surprise, I have heard it is worth more than Gold.
Corey RMarch 30, 2013
Find a quiet place with no one around to snap a picture.
SunnyJune 25, 2011
Find the courtyard with the fountain and benches for a refreshing and cool stop.
Rhina GuidosJuly 31, 2012
best time to go is as the sun sets.
Rick RoudebushSeptember 11, 2017
9-11 Remembrance Service
Victor GollahonOctober 5, 2012
Been there but missed the moon rock in the stained glass window. Such is life.
CaraJuly 9, 2023
Free on sundays
Presidential LibrariesNovember 3, 2011
2,107 people were admitted by ticket to the funeral services of Dwight Eisenhower held here on March 31, 1969.
Somebody's Mother's Chocolate SauceJuly 16, 2011
We love The Gift Shop in the Herb Cottage!

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