Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
This famous Gothic building is the focus of public spiritual life. The struc-
ture - the sixth largest cathedral in the world - was completed in 1990, with
a 10-story-high nave and a central tower 676 ft (206 m) tall, the highest
point in the District of Columbia. This Episcopal church, officially named
the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, will be undergoing
renovations until 2016 following earthquake damage.
Massachusetts &
Wisconsin Aves NW • 202 537 6200 •
www.nationalcathedral.org
• Open
10am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat, 7:45am-4pm Sun (weekend
hours subject to change for special events) • Donation • Dis. access
Google Map
1. EXTERIOR
The architecture of the cathedral is predominantly English Gothic, created using au-
thentic methods preserved since the Middle Ages, including a cross-shaped floor-
plan, flying buttresses, and multispired towers.
View photo
2. MAIN ENTRANCE AND CREATION
The west entrance is centered within a high Gothic arch containing a lovely rose win-
dow. Above the bronze double doors is
“Ex Nihilo,”
a relief sculpture by Frederick
Hart portraying the creation of humankind from chaos.
View photo
3. HIGH ALTAR
The imposing high altar at the east end of the nave is made from stone dug from So-
lomon's quarry outside Jerusalem; the altar is also called the Jerusalem Altar.
