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Washington National Cathedral
Western entrance of National Cathedral
Closest Metro stop:
Cleveland Park
Red Line
View Metro Route
Map
History of the National Cathedral
 On
January 6, 1893, Congress granted a charter to the Protestant
Episcopal Cathedral Foundation of the District of Columbia, allowing
it to establish a cathedral and institutions of higher learning.
Signed by President Benjamin Harrison, this charter was the birth
 certificate
of Washington National Cathedral. In 1907, the foundation
stone was laid and later became the longest running construction
site in the nation's capital. The completion of the west
towers in September 1990 marked the end of eighty-three years of
construction.
Observation Deck
There are free group tours offered daily as well as the
opportunity for self exploration. Don't forget to ride the
elevator to the 7th floor where there is an observation deck
offering sweeping views of the city. You can get a great view
of both sides of the National Cathedral from this vantage point as
well as browse informative displays and old photos about the history
of this building.
Location and Directions
The National Cathedral (official
website) is located at the corner of Wisconsin Ave and Woodley
Rd. in NW DC. If you are driving, the main entrance to the National Cathedral
is from Wisconsin Ave where you can enter the parking garage or
drive up to the circle at the main entrance (from the west).
Additionally, Woodley Road offers entry from the north where there
is an alternate entrance, but you must park street-side. Also,
you may find street parking along S-Rd, which winds behind the
Cathedral on the eastern side.
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View of the Cathedral
from the front entrance (Wisconsin Ave) |
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Shady path winding behind
the Cathedral |
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Stained glass windows
inside the Cathedral |
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View of Altar from within
the Cathedral |
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Wide-angle view of the
Wisconsin Ave entrance to the National Cathedral |
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Detailed, close-up view
of the ornate entrance to the National Cathedral |
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Light shines through the
stained glass windows |
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Intricate exterior
architecture |
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Left door of western
entrance |
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Sculpture above center of
western entrance |
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One of the famous
gargoyles (elephant) at the Cathedral |
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Another very creative
Cathedral gargoyle |
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Light reflecting colors
through the stained glass windows |
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View of eastern church
spire from observation deck window |
Cathedral viewed from the north
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