Washington National Cathedral
Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
The second-largest Gothic cathedral in America, completed after 83 years of construction, with moon rock embedded in its stained-glass windows and a 'Darth Vader' stone gargoyle on the northwest tower.
Its cornerstone was laid in 1907 and construction was completed in 1990. National funerals and prayer services for presidents have been held here. Highlights include the Space Window, which contains moon rock fragments brought back by Apollo 11; the Darth Vader gargoyle on the outside of the northwest tower, which you can find with a telescope; and the Bishop's Garden and observation levels, which offer views over the city. Visitors must buy tickets, about $15 to $20, and worship on Sundays is free. It is about 6 km from downtown, and you can take bus 31 or 33 to get there.
Opening hours
Usually 10:00–17:00 (shorter hours on weekends; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Smithsonian's National Zoo
- Georgetown
- The Phillips Collection
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- National Mall & Lincoln Memorial
- The White House