A frequent site of nationally significant memorial services, the National Cathedral is open to worshipers of all denominations. Under construction for most of the 20th century and completed and consecrated in 1990, this Gothic cathedral is the sixth largest in the world. Flying buttresses, gargoyles, crypts, a 98-foot vaulted ceiling and many intimate chapels contribute to this architectural maste... Morerpiece. The grounds invite exploration with curving walkways, well-kept hedges and spacious lawns from which to view the city.
The cornerstone of the Cathedral was laid in 1907, and the final finial was set in place in 1990. The Cathedral was built and is operated solely on the support of private donations. The Cathedral receives no support from the federal government or any national church.
Officially named the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Cathedral serves as three-fold mission:
A National House of Prayer for All People
A Great Church for National Purposes
The Chief Mission Church of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington
This walking tour outside of the National Cathedral looks at the gargoyles that guard and protect the Cathedral, as well as some of the Christmas carvings that decorate the largest church in the DC area. Tour Guide Mark was good friends with Constantine Seferlis, one of the stone carvers who did more than 100 of the gargoyles, saints, dogs and other creatures. Learn more...
What better place to experience the Christmas season than at one of the more renowned places that celebrates it best this time of year: the Washington National Cathedral? This tour will explore the story of Christmas through the art and architecture, and humorous anecdotes involving some of the more secular topics--grotesques and gargoyles--will be included. Learn more...
A special, never seen before tour of the grotesques on the outside of the National Cathedral. Grotesques are not grotesque! They are fun, imaginative and creative little carvings designed to keep the rain water off of the building. At the National Cathedral, a team of sculptors created some of their best carvings in the form of angels, animals and each other. Learn more...
The Folger Consort helps kicks off the citywide Shakespeare in Washington festival with a concert featuring the works of William Byrd and John Dowland, two of Shakespeare's greatest musical contemporaries. They will also perform music associated with the Bard's plays. The concert will be held in a truly spectacular setting, the great English Gothic nave of the Washington National Cathedral. Learn more...
This tour looks at the gargoyles that guard and protect the National Cathedral, as well as some of the carvings that decorate the largest church in the Washington area. Tour guide Mark was good friends with Constantine Seferlis, one of the stone carvers who did more than 100 of the gargoyles, saints, dogs and other creatures. His sense of humor comes across in his work! Learn more...
Tomas Luis de Victoria's 1605 Requiem is a stunning masterpiece -- passionate, refined and distinctly Spanish. The Requiem will be complemented by rich and resonant works for winds and strings, with dazzling variations for all the players. This concert will be performed by Orpheus, a chamber choir led by Philip Cave, instrumentalists Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall, and the Renaissance wind band Piffaro. Learn more...
The Folger Consort, soprano Rosa Lamoreaux, countertenor Roger O. Isaacs, soprano Ah Young Hong, the Cathedral choir, and a Baroque orchestra led by violinist Robert Mealy perform the music of Vivaldi. On the all-Vivaldi program will be the composer's most famous sacred piece, the "Gloria", along with other selections Learn more...
Map and Directions
For information on directions and parking, please visit:
http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/visit/
Handicap Information
Handicap seating may be available.
Please contact us before buying tickets to make arrangements.
