The Washington National Cathedral dates back to 1907 and since then, it has been a spiritual center and gorgeous landmark within the nation's capital. In addition to the gorgeous architecture, the grounds are also beautiful and open year-round with cultural activities as well as spiritual ones. Inside this breathtaking church you will find varying exhibits, such as photographs and those related to the church's history.
This church is the mother church for the Episcopal Diocese in New York as well as the Bishop Seat. There are over 30 services each week and the church is truly part of the community as it runs a soup kitchen serving about 25,000 meals a year. The Cathedral dates back over 120 years and is still unfinished, yet remains the largest cathedral worldwide. During a visit to the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, be sure to spend some time on the gorgeous Close, the 11.3-acre grounds and buildings. This area offers a respite from the city and features theater performances and outdoor music.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis was designed by four architects, with another designing the Chapel for the Blessed Virgin and All Saints as well as their unique mosaics, which were then created in 1912 by Tiffany Company. The balcony level stained glass windows were created by yet another designer, but the entire structure remains uniform. You can attend one of the weekly masses at the cathedral, take a tour, or visit the Mosaic Museum, which also includes historic items.
The St. Mary of the Angels parish dates back to 1899 and the first building began construction during the same year. Work on the new church lasted from 1911 to 1920 and was designed to resemble the Roman St. Peter's Basilica. Many people claim this cathedral is one of the top pieces of Roman Renaissance architecture in the country, making it well worth a visit. After being neglected for several decades, the church restoration began in 1991 and included repairs to the stained-glass windows and dome. There are now 26 fully rebuilt roof angels catching the eye of passersby.
The current Cathedral of Saint Paul is the fourth church with that name and the building was completed in 1958, at which point it was consecrated by Archbishop William O. Brady. The cathedral's exterior walls are made of Saint Cloud Granite while the interior walls are American Travertine from Mankato. The church also has seven bronze grilles around the altar and has Italian Botticino marble on the Chapels' main walls. There is also a beautiful Resurrection window facing east. The exterior of the cathedral has rounded arches and domes, straight lines, and a floor plan in a symmetric cross with the 120-foot dome of steel beams catching the eye. There is also a Cathedral Museum and the ability to go on a tour of the church.
