"Washington National Cathedral"

The structure is of Neo-Gothic design closely modeled on English Gothic style of the late fourteenth century. It is the second-largest church building in the United States, and the third-tallest building in Washington, D.C.

From its earliest days, the cathedral has been promoted as more than simply an Episcopal cathedral. Planners hoped it would play a role similar to Westminster Abbey. They wanted it to be a national shrine and a venue for great services. For much of the cathedral's history, this was captured in the phrase "a house of prayer for all people." In more recent times the phrases "national house of prayer" and "spiritual home for the nation" have been used. The cathedral has achieved this status simply by offering itself and being accepted by religious and political leaders as playing this role.

The cathedral is unique in North America in having both a carillon and a set of change ringing bells.

Just a few of the notable American citizens are buried in Washington National Cathedral are Helen Keller and her tutor Anne Sullivan, Admiral Dewey, President Woodrow wilson and his wife Edith.