Above It All – Washington National Cathedral

• Visit the second largest cathedral in the US and the 6th largest in the world

• See where presidential state funeral are held

• See a piece of the Moon

• Visit the tomb of the only president buried in Washington

Washington National Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. Perched on a hill overlooking the city it is the second largest cathedral in the country and the 6th largest in the world. It is a living work of art filled with stained-glass, hand-carved wood, and wrought iron. While a modern structure (finished in 1990) it is constructed in the old-world way and has no structural steel.

While massive, Washington National Cathedral can be a hidden to many visitors to Washington. Which is unfortunate because it is truly mind-boggling in its size and beauty. Huge stained-glass windows fill this space with colored light that changes as the sun moves across the sky. Come in late afternoon as organ practice fills the nave with sound perfect for the surroundings. This is a place where the nation gathers to celebrate inaugurations and mourn at state funerals. It is where Martin Luther King preached his last Sunday sermon from the Canterbury pulpit before his assassination. It’s a whimsical place with a Darth Vader gargoyle, a giant Lego replica that’s under construction, and hidden humorous pieces of stained glass, wrought iron, and carved stone. But you’ll only see them if someone helps you find them!

Tour Highlights

• See the site of presidential state funerals
• Visit the tomb of the only president buried in Washington
• See a moon rock given to the cathedral by the crew of Apollo 11
• Take the elevator up the South Tower to get a spectacular view of the city
• Try to find the Darth Vader gargoyle on the North “dark side” of the cathedral
• Take in the Rose window with its 10,000 pieces of glass
• Stroll through the Bishop’s Garden

• Admission

• Guided walking tour with a local cathedral certified guide

• Photography

• Tip

• Water