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Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
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1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,893 reviews
Reviewed By MargaretMary_Z - Washington DC, United States
You will want to spend your time in place, you might even feel compelled to sit and wonder, pondering the great and powerful love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Oh, yeah, and you'll see every icon of every title you've ever heard of the Holy Blessed Mother of God. Mass at the Crypt church is extraordinary, Mass at the Upper Church will expand your Spirit, reconciliation will reunite you to God and you might even be blessed enough to get some spiritual direction! You will see nuns, monks, students, teachers and seekers,. You will feel the breath of God, and you will hear Angels sing!
2. Saint John Paul II National Shrine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
The Saint John Paul II National Shrine is a place of pilgrimage, learning, and prayer. It was designated as a National Shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2014. Visitors are welcome to attend daily Mass in the Redemptor Hominis Church, and to pray in the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, which contains a first-class blood relic of Saint John Paul II. Both sacred spaces are adorned with intricately beautiful mosaics that glorify and praise God. Our permanent exhibit, "A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II," lets visitors to walk in the footsteps of John Paul II by tracing his life and legacy. More information can be found on our website.
Reviewed By CharlesP1904
The place is solemn and peaceful to communicate with God. The shrine is divided in three areas: A Gift of Love Exhibit- showcases the Life and artifacts of St.John Paul II, Redemptor Hominis Church- it hosts daily masses with beautiful mosaics, and the Luminous Mysteries Chapel-houses a 1st class relic of JPII for veneration. Each has a different amazing experience. I am so blessed to visit this shrine. I also experienced a first hand miracle and answered prayer. After 2 months that I visited the shrine I was able to obtain a first class relic of St. John Paul II. I was so happy to be a custodian of his relic. To God be the glory!
3. Friends Meeting of Washington DC
4. Sixth and I Historic Synagogue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By barbaraschaper - Baltimore, United States
Wonderful historic site for a more intimate concert setting with decent acoustics. Fantastic Negrito and his band was awesome. $15 parking after 5 p.m. available across the street and plenty of good restaurants within walking distance.
5. St. Ann Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
St. Ann's Church is a non-profit parish that serves more than 600 Catholic families in Northwest Washington, D.C. We serve the local community through fundraising projects and service activities, provide education to youth in grades K-12, and serve the spiritual needs of our members through church services and opportunities that enable members to be the Body of Christ. Through annual and biannual campaigns, we support organizations like Friendship Place, which aims to end homelessness, and partner with groups like the Tenleytown Historical Society to promote events for the community. The church is located one block south of the Tenleytown/American University red line metro stop. St. Ann is the oldest Catholic parish in the part of Washington, DC which lies west of Rock Creek Park and north of Georgetown. The present-day church is the third on the site, and is a larger version of a church designed by the same architect who designed the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
6. Washington National Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,071 reviews
This Gothic-style cathedral is the sixth largest in the world and is put to all sorts of national purposes, such as President Wilsons funeral and a prayer vigil for American hostages during the Iranian crisis.
Reviewed By ufallie - Fort Worth, United States
Strolling the grounds and seeing the Gothic architecture is wonderful. If you can, go during visiting hours, pay the admission and see the beautiful windows, altars and inscriptions. The 7th floor observation deck is a great addition to your time there.
7. St. John's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
I was in DC in February and had been to the Cathedral several times so I found this church next to the White House. It was a great place to visit with its cozy feel and Presidential history. Every President since it opened had attended a service here. I really enjoyed this visit and believe it is a wonderful parish.
8. Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Experience the Holy Land. Dedicated in 1899 and designated a National Historic Site in 1991, the beautiful Monastery church and gardens include unusual, full-size replicas of Holy Land shrines and are the U.S. home of the Franciscan friars who have served in the Holy Land for 800 years, caring for the shrines and people. Free daily tours of the church, Tomb of Christ, and catacombs. Free garden tours on Saturdays, April-September.
Reviewed By ITRT
The Franciscan Monastery is located off the beaten path in Washington, DC. Its official name is Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. The Franciscans wanted to provide replicas of Holy Land shrines for people to see replicas of different shines found in the Holy Land. Because of Covid-19, the church is not open but anyone can walk around the grounds and gardens or sit, pray and reflect. When we were there, I saw several people praying at the Grotto of St. Bernadette. There are porticos on both sides of the church that are small chapels depicting the mysteries of the rosary. Here you will see plaques in different languages containing the Hail Mary. The Stations of the Cross are located in the upper gardens and end at the lower gardens. In the lower gardens, you will find replicas of a grotto, the Garden of Gethsemane, Tomb of the Virgin Mary, a Jewish tomb and more. The Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary has many rosary beads draped on the statue by visitors. A small, simple chapel building near the church is open for prayer. A few roses and other flowers were in bloom. We will need come back again in the spring or summer to enjoy all of the rose gardens. There is an event venue called Francis Hall across from the parking lot. Free parking and a picnic area are available across the street. Indeed, this is a beautiful refuge and all are welcome. Recommend visiting this hidden gem.
9. St Patrick's Catholic Church
10. Foundry United Methodist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
On my recent DC visit, I was staying just up the street from this beautiful old church. As I was walking past, I asked a churchgoer if I could have a quick look at the beautiful organ. They invited me in for service, even after I explained I was actually on my way to Catholic mass at the nearby parish. The artwork, architecture and setting were beautiful and the choir sounded delightful. After services, I was also invited for food and drink in the church hall. A very welcoming congregation to this out if area visitor. And a very inclusive ministry. All are welcome.
