Washington DC Churches and Cathedrals

(Washington, District of Columbia - DC, USA)

There are an enormous number of beautiful and historic churches and cathedrals in Washington, Alexandria and the surrounding area.

Many of these old buildings stand out, since they reside alongside contrasting modern architecture and featuring imposing facades, bell towers and tall spires

Christ Church

Address: 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia VA, 22314, USA
Tel: +1 703 549 1450
Completed in 1773, the important Washington church was originally known as 'The Church in the Woods'. Christ Church has been in continuous service for over 200 years and is best known for pew number 15, which was the family pew of George Washington. The church is Georgian in style and much of the building has been carefully restored. Guided tours of Washington's Christ Church are available.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 16:00

Washington National Cathedral

Address: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia D.C., 20016, USA
Tel: +1 202 537 6200
The Washington National Cathedral is situated in the Cleveland Park district of Washington DC, in the northwest corner of the city. Also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Washington National Cathedral shares its serene grounds with the campuses of the prestigious St. Albans School, the National Cathedral School and the elementary-level Beauvoir School. Construction of Washington National Cathedral has spanned three centuries and was first planned in 1791, although building work did not actually begin until 1893. Although the first service was held here in 1912, Washington National Cathedral was actually only finally completed in 1990.

The impressive cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and is built entirely out of stone in Gothic tradition. Washington National Cathedral is situated on a hill and looks down from the highest point in Washington DC. The tower provide stunning panoramic views of Washington and is actually the highest point in DC. Highlights include well planted gardens, numerous individually designed gargoyles and the much-admired stained-glass Space Window, which actually contains a piece of lunar rock. Guided tours are available and there is also a gift shop at the cathedral.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:30, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: donations suggested

Mount Zion United Methodist Church

Address: 1334 29th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia D.C., 20007, USA
Tel: +1 202 234 0148
Mount Zion United Methodist Church is located in the Georgetown area of Washington and has a mainly African-American congregation. Founded over 100 years ago, Mount Zion United Methodist Church has a wealth of history and is a popular community church in Washington.

St. John's Church

Address: 1525 H Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia D.C., 20005 USA
Tel: +1 202 347 8766
Washington's St. John's Church can be found in the McPherson Square area of Washington DC, close to the famous White House. Also referred at the 'Church of the Presidents', St. John's Church was founded almost 200 years ago and many of America's presidents have attended services in this church. Pew 54 is actually known as the 'Presidents Pew'.

New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

Address: 1313 New York Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia D.C., 20005, USA
Tel: +1 202 393 3700
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church is situated in the McPherson Square area of Washington DC and was founded in the late 18th century. This is one of Washington's most famous churches and over the years the church has been an important part of many of America's leading politicians and presidents, who have worshipped at this Washington church, which is near to the White House. These include John Quincy Adams and also President Abraham Lincoln, who used to attend masses with his family. Highlights include the original draft of America's 'Emancipation Document', which is displayed in the church's Lincoln Parlor.

Falls Church

Address: 150 South Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia VA, 22046, USA
Tel: +1 703 532 7600
Falls Church is situated to the south of Washington, in a modest suburb, home to a large Vietnamese community. The church was constructed in 1767 and Falls Church has much historic interest. Falls Church served in the Revolutionary War as a recruitment agency and also in the Civil War as a stables.