Skip to main content
Sightseeing

the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

📍 Washington · USA
No photos yet
4.3/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Washington
Category
Sightseeing
Coordinates
38.8970, -77.0340

Introduction

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, commonly known as Washington National Cathedral, is located in Washington, D.C. It is the sixth-largest cathedral in the United States and one of the tallest structures in Washington. This Neo-Gothic Episcopal cathedral was begun in 1907 and completed 83 years later in 1990, making it the second-largest such cathedral in the United States after New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Built in Washington Gothic architectural style with Indiana limestone, the cathedral features a magnificent and solemn exterior and exquisitely decorated interior. The cathedral blends traditional Gothic elements with modern religious art, featuring multiple chapels, stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and unique space-themed sculptures including a piece of moon rock in the Space Window. The cathedral is not only an active place of worship but also a national memorial site, having hosted state funerals and memorial services for multiple U.S. presidents, making it a must-visit landmark in Washington.

✨ Highlights

1
Neo-Gothic Masterpiece
Built over 83 years, 6th largest cathedral in US, among Washington's tallest
2
Exquisite Stone Carvings
Interior carvings are exquisite, blending traditional Gothic with modern religious art
3
Stained Glass Windows
Numerous beautiful stained glass windows including the famous Space Window with moon rock
4
Presidential Funerals
Hosted state funerals for multiple U.S. presidents, a national memorial site
5
Multiple Chapels
Features multiple independent chapels, each unique and worth visiting
6
Observation Tower
Tower offers panoramic views of Washington D.C., one of city's highest points

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration:Recommended 1-2 hours for in-depth visit
→Best Time:Daylight best for stained glass, can attend Sunday mass
→Notes:Security screening required, no large bags or food/drink inside
→Opening Hours:Monday-Sunday 9:30-17:00, Sunday mass 8:00 and 11:15
→Ticket Information:Suggested donation $15, under 12 free
→Transportation:At Wisconsin and Massachusetts Ave, take Red Line to Tenleytown then bus

💡 Tips

• Recommend official tour to learn about architecture history and art details
• Space Window contains a piece of moon rock, a unique highlight
• Climb the tower for panoramic Washington views and skyline photos
• Combine with nearby Embassy Row and Glover Park for touring

FAQ

What are the opening hours of the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul?

Monday-Sunday 9:30-17:00, Sunday mass 8:00 and 11:15

How much is the admission for the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul?

Suggested donation $15, under 12 free

Any practical tips for visiting the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul?

Recommend official tour to learn about architecture history and art details Space Window contains a piece of moon rock, a unique highlight

📰 Guides for the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

All Guides →