⛪ Washington National Cathedral
United States
About This Sacred Site
The Washington National Cathedral is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world and serves as America's unofficial spiritual home. Built over 83 years from 1907 to 1990, it was constructed using traditional Gothic methods with Indiana limestone and no structural steel. The cathedral has hosted state funerals for presidents, national prayer services, and memorial events including after 9/11. Its 215 stained-glass windows include one containing a piece of lunar rock brought back by Apollo 11 astronauts. The cathedral stands on the highest point in Washington, D.C., and its central tower rises 301 feet.
Key Facts
- •Sixth-largest cathedral in the world, built entirely of Indiana limestone without steel
- •Contains a stained-glass 'Space Window' with a piece of actual moon rock from Apollo 11
- •Construction took 83 years, from 1907 to 1990
- •Has hosted state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, Ford, H.W. Bush, and McCain
- •Features over 200 angels and 112 gargoyles, including one shaped like Darth Vader
Location
Coordinates: 38.9306, -77.0708
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