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Washington National Cathedral


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 281 attractions in Washington DC
Traveler Description:
This Gothic-style cathedral is the sixth largest in the world and is put to all sorts of national purposes, such as President Wilsons funeral and a...... more » This Gothic-style cathedral is the sixth largest in the world and is put to all sorts of national purposes, such as President Wilsons funeral and a prayer vigil for American hostages during the Iranian crisis. « less
Familiar with Washington National Cathedral? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Religious site, Architectural building, Other
Address: Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves. NW
Entrance on Wisconsin Ave. Washington DC, DC
Tel: 202 537 6207

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
thkshp   1 contribution
Salt Lake City, Utah
Oct 20, 2009

We got passes on the OTS double decker bus which travels to the Cathedral. A friend recommended we see it, and boy was it worth it. Really surprised at the grandeur and humor in some of the glass work and gargoyles! Very interesting for us. Not sure kids would love it, but we did! more

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5 of 5 stars
jrdnjstn   2 contributions
Austin,TX
Aug 12, 2009

I went with my son's and they loved it just as I did. We went Saturday around 6pm and they were more interested in finding the Darth Vader gargoyle. We couldn't go inside because they close at 4pm (I think). We also went to the gardens and they have beautiful roses that smell wonderful. I am trying to teach my... more

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5 of 5 stars
Prd2BDinks   5 contributions
Indiana
Jul 28, 2009

This is worth the trip (from the Monument, Memorials) if you like architecture and serenity. You can take a self tour up to the "top" and have awesome views of surrounding areas as well as the serene spots to just sit and reflect. The basement has a great and quite large gift shop with loads of different things. more

Very nice
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4 of 5 stars
planktonrules   34 contributions
Bradenton, Florida
Jul 21, 2009

While this cathedral is very large and high on the cool factor, it naturally lacks the history and charm of many of the European cathedrals. Of course, most folks in the states can't visit York's or Cologne's cathedral, so it is still quite awe-inspiring and grand. However, it is odd that so many go to see this place and miss... more

Beautiful
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4 of 5 stars
Dand978   173 contributions
Mass
Jul 19, 2009

The architecture here is truly stunning. We arrived too late to take one of the guided tours, but just roaming around unguided is also good. The place is enormous with several smaller alters within. Bring a camera that takes good night shots because they keep it pretty dark. more

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5 of 5 stars
sweetmc   33 contributions
Fremont, California
Jul 9, 2009

we arrived to late to be able to go take a guided tour and to go to the 7th floor. we actually enjoyed the taxi ride up as we got to see embassy row and drove past the vice presidents home. This cathedral took my breath away! Some of my colleagues and i actually stayed for the evening prayer and... more

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5 of 5 stars
traveleralso   12 contributions
Maine
Jul 2, 2009

I had always wanted to visit this world renowned cathedral - second largest in the US - and was not disappointed. The tour given by a very knowledgeable docent was informative and well done. She pointed out many things of interest and gave special attention to the stained glass windows which i was most interested in. We also had a... more

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5 of 5 stars
KellyGreen065   6 contributions
Augusta
Jun 17, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

The Cathedral is not within walking distance of the most frequently visited places in DC, but it is definitely worth the effort to get there. I have visited many of the grand cathedrals in Europe, and this one is right up there among the best. It is unique in many ways while still displaying all that is traditional in a... more

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5 of 5 stars
half-Brit   303 contributions
Oregon Coast
Mar 18, 2009
2/3 found this review helpful

We have seen many big cathedrals in the UK, so weren't sure this was worth bothering with, but our friends wanted to see it, so we went. Oh, it is really so beautiful! Everything is clean and bright. The cathedral is built so that the light shines through the stained glass windows on each side all day long as the... more

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5 of 5 stars
MiamiTravelers_7   31 contributions
Miami, FL
Mar 2, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We could of spent all day there. So much to see and take in. The tour guide David gave us great insight and history as to what we were seeing. The size and scope cannot be captured on film, it was beyond expectations. Truly a piece of heaven on earth. The staff was more than welcoming, they love to share... more

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Washington National Cathedral Address

Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves. NW, Entrance on Wisconsin Ave., Washington DC, DC
Tel: 202 537 6207