Washington Travel Diary | National Cathedral

I had to exchange some skincare products, so I met up with a brilliant Duke student and we decided to visit the nearby Washington National Cathedral. We spent several hours exploring the intricate details of this magnificent structure—from the breathtaking stained glass windows and the cathedral’s history to the hidden chapels on the main level, lower level, and crypt level. We even climbed up to the seventh floor to overlook Washington, D.C., blanketed in snow, pointing out the city’s landmarks. The cathedral’s intricate architectural beauty left us in awe. At one point, we turned around and saw the perfect light casting colorful shadows on a statue at the end of a staircase. The straight window grids projected soft, interwoven shadows on curved surfaces, and even the iron gates were adorned with exquisite carvings… Every detail made us gasp with delight. 🏰✨ There was a church right outside my high school, and over the years, I’ve visited many famous churches known for their architecture, history, or stained glass. They were beautiful, but without understanding their deeper meaning, I often forgot them quickly. However, here, I found some stained glass windows that I absolutely loved! The large rose window in Figure 1 is the biggest and most famous, but the fresh color palette of Figure 3 and the delicate, less vibrant yet intricately designed older windows in Figure 6 were equally impressive. The window in Figure 2 depicts the cosmos and stars, with a rich color scheme that, under sunlight, reveals layers unlike any other window. Countless stars sparkle brilliantly, and the details suggest billions of stars orbiting larger planets. It’s like a scene from Chinese opera, where one person or object can evoke the grandeur of an entire army. The profound beauty of this window is truly soul-stirring. 🌌🌟 Photos simply can’t capture the shock of seeing it in person. This is where the true meaning of travel shines. I love having a travel companion who can explore museums at a leisurely pace, especially one who can share knowledge along the way. Sadly, my friend had to head back after finishing her errands. As the sixth-largest cathedral in the world and the second-largest in the U.S., both my friend and I agreed that the $15 admission fee was well worth it. Staying at the Glover Park Hotel, the cathedral is within walking distance. The snow has mostly melted, making the walk much easier. If you have the time, come here to experience the beauty of architecture. ❄️🚶‍♀️ #ClassicalArchitecture #ArtAndArchitecture #HistoryAndArt #HistoricalBuildings #CenturyOldBuildings #WashingtonDC #WorldCulturalHeritage #USA #USTravel