Washington D.C.,United States of America
Washington National Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, commonly known as the Washington National Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church located in Washington, D.C. Construction began in 1907 and spanned 83 years, concluding in 1990. It is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world and the second-largest in the United States, designed in the English Neo-Gothic style.
The structure serves as a national house of prayer and a site for significant state funerals, presidential inaugural prayer services, and other major national events. Its architecture features intricate stone carvings, stained glass windows, and a central tower that stands as one of the highest points in the District of Columbia.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Indiana limestone, Steel, Concrete
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with ramps and elevators
- Date(s)
- 1907-1990
- Condition
- Active place of worship and national monument
- Original Function
- Episcopal Cathedral
- Key Figures
- Henry Yates Satterlee, George Frederick Bodley, Philip Hubert Frohman
Foundations and Early Planning
1893-1907The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1893. The site on Mount Saint Alban was selected for its elevation and prominence, and the foundation stone was laid in 1907 in the presence of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Construction Progress
1907-1990Construction proceeded in phases, heavily influenced by the Gothic Revival movement. Architects Henry Vaughan and George Bodley provided the initial designs, which were later refined by Philip Hubert Frohman. The Great Depression and World War II caused significant delays in the building process.
Completion and Modern Era
1990-PresentThe final pinnacle was placed on the cathedral in 1990, marking the official completion of the structure. In 2011, the building sustained damage during the Virginia earthquake, necessitating an extensive multi-year restoration project to repair the stone pinnacles and structural elements.
Cultural Significance
The cathedral functions as a symbolic center for American civic and religious life. It is frequently used for state funerals of U.S. Presidents and memorial services following national tragedies, positioning it as a non-denominational space for national mourning and celebration despite its Episcopal affiliation.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates occasionally arise regarding the appropriateness of its Neo-Gothic style in a modern American context, with some critics arguing it represents an architectural anachronism. Additionally, the inclusion of modern iconography, such as the 'Darth Vader' grotesque, has sparked discussions about the intersection of pop culture and traditional religious art.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open to the public for sightseeing and worship. Tickets are required for guided tours and general sightseeing. Modest dress is requested, and visitors must pass through security screening upon entry.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The cathedral hosts regular organ recitals and choral evensong services which are open to the public.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Tripods and professional lighting equipment require prior authorization.
Nearby POIs
16 shown- White House4.7 km
- Lincoln Memorial4.9 km
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum5.2 km
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial5.4 km
- National Museum of African American History and Culture5.5 km
- Washington Monument5.5 km
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History5.6 km
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History5.8 km
Key Facts
- Materials
- Indiana limestone, Steel, Concrete
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with ramps and elevators