Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves NW. Bus #30, #32, #34 or #36 from Pennsylvania Ave (downtown) or Wisconsin Ave (Georgetown), or #N2, #N4 or #N6 from Farragut Square. MonFri 10am5pm, Sat 10am4.30pm, Sun 8am4.30pm (open until 9pm on weekdays MaySept). Suggested donation $3. tel 212/537-6200, www.cathedral.org/cathedral .
The twin towers of Washington National Cathedral the world's sixth largest cathedral are visible long before you reach the church's perch on the heights of Mount St Alban in the northwest of town. Built from Indiana limestone and modeled entirely in the medieval English Gothic style, the Protestant church took 83 years to build and measures more than a tenth of a mile from the west end of the nave to the high altar at the opposite end. Among other things, you'll find the sarcophagus of Woodrow Wilson , the only president to be buried in the District, and the Space Window , whose stained glass incorporating a sliver of moon rock commemorates the flight of Apollo 11. From the south porch (near the Washington statue), an elevator ascends to the Pilgrim Observation Gallery , which affords stupendous city views.
For a floor plan and information, descend to the crypt floor, where there's an information desk and gift shop. Guided tours are available on request at the west entrance (MonSat 10am3.15pm, Sun 12.302.30pm; suggested donation $3); ask one of the purple-hatted docents.