Washington National Cathedral was way more to us than we expected. First of all, the bus ride from the Metro red line train stop was interesting. The streets around this area are curvy but jut out with new streets from all points. Some places a lane was taking out on each side of the road and tables with canopies set out for restaurants. It made it very narrow. We were very happy we didn’t drive here! We could have driven it just fine but it would have been stressful. Much nicer to sit back and enjoy the scenery. 🙂
The Cathedral is surrounded by houses and we saw several people outside doing yard work. The Cathedral started being built in 1907, so it is newer than we both thought. The architecture is gothic but to us it isn’t gaudy like other places. It is beautiful. The stain glass windows, many telling stories, let in beautiful light. The columns and archways are stone.
We learned about how the stone was hand cut. https://cathedral.org/discover/art-architecture/gothic-architecture-101/ tells about it.
The stain glass colors are so pleasant and peaceful, in our opinions. It was an overwhelming feeling there in places: so many president funerals here, other notable people had funerals here as well and some are buried here. (Picture above this paragraph is President Woodrow Wilson’s grave. It is on the main floor of the Cathedral, off to the side.)
Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy, are buried downstairs. There are about 200 people buried in this place.
On the 7th floor (thanks to Chris & Paul for telling us about this) you have views out every direction. I got a picture of the U.S. Capitol Building and the Washington Monument.
Beauty, peace, power, humble, grace…these are words that come to my mind about the Washington National Cathedral.
Travel Means Life 
These are beautiful shots, Charla! I appreciate the way you chose your focus for each, and how you captured both movement and detail. My favorite is the one where the blue and purple from the stained glass windows and the lighting are reflecting off the columns. The final of hall and arches is beautiful–creates the sensation of walking through the arched hall!
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Aw, thank you so much! I love taking pictures. On that last picture, do you also see the sunshine through the diamond window panes? At the end you see some of the windows. That is on the 7th floor with views in our every side. Such a beautiful place.
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I was so focused on following the depth, I never even looked at the floor! Thank you for pointing it out–that gives it a different perspective entirely. I did note the windows at the end of the hall. Your photograph of DC through one of the diamonds was very pleasing, too.
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Thanks! I am so happy to share. Thanks for looking and reading.
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Charla, your pictures are stunning. So beautiful. After seeing these photos, I have thought we really must get back to D.C. and stay at Cherry Hill for at least 2 weeks! Maybe more. You have sold me! I must go there and say my prayers; it is surely a short trip up to heaven. 🙂 It is amazing to think of the history of the National Cathedral. I recall learning Helen Keller insisted Anne Sullivan also be buried at the National Cathedral. You have captured its impressive beauty magnificently. Thank you for your post!
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Kevin and I said our prayers there, as well. It sure is a special place. Thank you for your kind words.
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I love gothic architecture. Beautiful photos!
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Thank you. It was interesting to learn it took 83 years to build the entire cathedral.
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What beautiful pictures of a lovely place. I have not been there, but if I do, I’ll try to remember to visit the 7th floor. This cathedral puts me in mind of many we’ve seen in Europe.
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I am sure you have seen some incredible ones in Europe. Do you have a favorite?
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Too many to name just one!
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