The formal name of the Washington National Cathedral is “Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington.” This name is derived from the names of the two towers on the front facade.
The northern tower is named after Saint Peter, and the southern tower is named after Saint Paul, and visitors can climb each of these towers.
Located about 2 miles north of Georgetown, the upscale shopping district in the western part of Washington, D.C., wher...
Access to the observation deck is through elevators located in the Nave.
To climb the towers of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, you will use the elevators located in the Nave, which is the main entrance of the cathedral.
The entrance to the observation spot for tourists is close to the northern tower, Saint Peter’s Tower, near the gift shop, and the southern tower, Saint Paul’s Tower, is located near the Cafe. Each tower offers different views. From the northern tower, you can see scattered residential areas amidst vast green spaces in the northwest part of Washington, D.C. From the southern tower, you can enjoy a view of the city’s center, including the National Mall, Potomac River, and in the foreground, the Vice President’s Residence and the Naval Observatory.
The beauty of the flying buttresses
When you climb the towers of the Washington National Cathedral, take the time to carefully observe the exterior from the east side.
You will notice numerous flying buttresses, a characteristic feature of Gothic architecture. These flying buttresses help support the cathedral by transferring the outward force of the walls inward, reducing the load on the walls.
The flying buttresses allow for expansive windows without the need to thicken the walls and enable the cathedral to be even taller. They are a remarkable architectural technique that contributes to the beauty and stability of the cathedral.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Southern Tower
At the southern tower, which offers a view of the city’s center, there is a special observation space that doubles as a cafe, where visitors can enjoy Afternoon Tea.
Due to the limited space at the top of the tower, it’s essential to make a reservation in advance. The Afternoon Tea experience can be included in a guided tour, allowing everyone to participate. It is a highly recommended tour for those who may have reservations about attending a worship service or have limited time.
The pastries and desserts served during Afternoon Tea are moist and delightful, and they cater well to Japanese tastes. Spending the afternoon on top of the cathedral tower is a unique and memorable experience.
With a bit of luck, you may get a window seat where you can get a close view of the flying buttresses or enjoy a panoramic view of Washington cityscape. Hearing fellow visitors compliment your seat selection will undoubtedly bring joy to your heart.
Experience Afternoon Tea at Washington National Cathedral’s Tower
Both towers at the Washington National Cathedral are open for general visitors, and you can enjoy an Afternoon Tea experience by making reservations.
Please note that space is limited, and group tourists may not be able to climb the towers. However, for individual travelers, this should not be a concern, as Japanese package tours typically do not include a visit to the Washington National Cathedral.
Climbing the towers and enjoying the observation deck offers a unique perspective that complements the experience of exploring the cathedral’s interior and admiring it from the outside.
There are numerous cathedrals and churches in and around downtown Wash...
