Photo Guide to the National Cathedral, Washington, DC

Written by
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions.
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Rachel Cooper

Updated 06/26/19

The entrance of the National Cathedral in DC

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain

The National Cathedral, with its gothic style architecture, is an impressive structure that sits at the highest point in Washington, DC. It is a popular tourist destination and an interesting place to explore. Public tours are available daily. The Cathedral is non-denominational and has long served as a spiritual center where Americans unite to worship and pray, mourn the passing of world leaders, and confront moral and social issues.

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Inside the National Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral

The official name of Washington National Cathedral is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. In this photo, children proceed down the aisle during a prayer service.

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Stained Glass

Close up of stained glass windows in the National Cathedral

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain 

The Cathedral was built in 1907. The principal exterior building material is Indiana limestone. The interior has many unique features, among which are beautiful stained glass windows.

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Bishops Garden Gate

Bishops Garden Gate
Rachel Cooper

This is the entrance to the Bishops Garden, one of the gardens on the grounds of the National Cathedral.

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Bishops Garden

Bishops Garden
Rachel Cooper

Bishops Garden is beautifully maintained and features a wide variety of flowers and plants.

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Gazebo at Bishops Garden

Gazebo at Bishops Garden
Rachel Cooper

A gazebo is a gathering place at Bishops Garden, on the grounds of the National Cathedral.

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Flowers and Shrubs

Flowers and Shrubs at Bishops garden
Rachel Cooper

The gardens at the National Cathedral are a beautiful place to explore.

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Grounds of the National Cathedral

Grounds of the National Cathedral
Rachel Cooper

Visitors are free to explore the beautiful grounds of the Cathedral.

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National Cathedral at Night

Washington National Cathedral at Night
Edward H. Pien/Getty Images

The National Cathedral is beautiful at night when it is illuminated.

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