Houses of God

How about some positive attention for the world of organized religion? This past summer I photographed the various cathedrals and other large houses of worship in the Washington area. Regardless of what faith I do or do not practice, architecturally it just doesn’t get much better. Below there are a little over a dozen samples covering all three of the major western religions. Links throughout the post will take you to thumbnail galleries containing more pictures of that building. As usual, click the photos to see them full size...


The National Cathedral is the 6th largest church in the world.



The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in America.


Its Byzantine stylings are rare for an American building.


It contains a large collection of ecclesiastical art.


The Franciscan Monastery is big enough to be a cathedral itself, but its courtyard and gardens are the real treat.


Saint Matthew's Cathedral reflecting off a nearby office building.


The inside is one of the most beautiful rooms in Washington.


The National Islamic Mosque strikes an exotic note amidst the embassies of Massachusetts Avenue.


Sixth & I Synagogue is the most significant in Washington.


Trinity College is one of many small Catholic colleges and seminaries.


The spire of National City Christian Church.


The Unification Peace Center.


The National Baptist Center (and below).




Last and certainly least is Arlington Methodist, which doesn't get its own webpage. I only post it because of its quirk.


Do you see anything weird?


Look closer.

Tags: religion photography urbanism