Washington National Cathedral, the second-largest neo-gothic cathedral in the United States, stands tall as both a place of worship and a renowned tourist destination.
Due to Japan’s relatively small Christian population, it is not typically included in package tours. Nevertheless, the vast green surroundings and the neo-gothic architectural marvel of the cathedral make it worth a visit.
This time, let’s focus on Washington National Cathedral as a tourist attraction.
Located about 2 miles north of Georgetown, the upscale shopping district in the western part of Washington, D.C., wher...
The Typical Structure of a Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral encompasses the fundamental elements of a cathedral in a well-balanced manner. Its facade is located on the west side, serving as the main entrance, while the eastern side houses the main altar. This design is reminiscent of Western European cathedrals, where the altar is placed towards the direction of Jerusalem.
On the western facade, there are two towers of equal height, with the north tower dedicated to Saint Peter and the south tower to Saint Paul. These names are derived from the official name of the cathedral, “Washington National Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul.”
The inside of the cathedral consists of an entrance or narthex, a nave for the congregation, side aisles flanking the nave, a cruciform crossing at the center of the cathedral, transepts extending north and south from the crossing, and a chancel housing the choir and the main altar. General tourists can explore up to the transepts, and guided tours offer access to the choir area and several chapels located on both sides of the chancel.
Not Limited to Above Ground – Numerous Chapels Below
While many visitors are captivated by the grandiose main worship hall, stained glass windows, and the vastness of the main altar, Washington National Cathedral also holds hidden charms underground.
By descending through the northern staircase or using the southern elevator, visitors can explore various chapels of different sizes. Among them, the Bethlehem Chapel, located directly beneath the main altar, stands out with its equally impressive decorations as the main altar.
Moreover, the Bethlehem Chapel hosts early morning worship services every Wednesday, drawing many local worshippers.
Continuing westward through the passageways on the north or south of the chapels, visitors will encounter a descending staircase leading to the Resurrection Chapel. The mosaic artwork on the altar gives the feeling of being transported to an Eastern church.
The Tombstone of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan
As visitors head further west towards the gift shop, there is a significant place worth noting. Embedded within the massive supporting columns of the cathedral is the burial site of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The tombstone includes Braille inscriptions, which have been touched by numerous visitors, causing the color of the tombstone to change. This serves as a testament to how much Helen Keller continues to be loved and remembered worldwide.
Not Just a House of Prayer – A Beloved Tourist Destination
Washington National Cathedral is revered not only as a house of worship but also admired as a beloved tourist destination, where visitors can delight in the architecture of the cathedral itself. The diverse and uniquely designed chapels evoke a sense of wonder and enrichment.
While the National Mall and its surroundings attract many tourists, consider exploring a different side of Washington, D.C., by visiting this magnificent cathedral during your travels.
There are numerous cathedrals and churches in and around downtown Wash...
