{"id":1235,"date":"2025-06-27T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whattoseeinwashingtondc.com\/?p=1235"},"modified":"2025-06-27T10:33:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T15:33:51","slug":"visiting-the-catacombs-of-washington-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whattoseeinwashingtondc.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/27\/visiting-the-catacombs-of-washington-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting the Catacombs of Washington, DC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last weekend, we visited the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, right here in Northeast DC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The church’s golden dome peeks above the trees. Walking through the gates feels like stepping into another world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of our visit was the church tour. We started in the sanctuary, where a knowledgeable guide walked our group around, explaining the art and its significance. Pictures and questions were encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Church<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But below the monastery church was the part we really wanted to see. The recreated catacombs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to our guide, they’re made in the exact dimensions of the catacombs in Rome. The narrow passages and various underground shrines are fascinating, if unusual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the official tour, you’re free to wander the church grounds. Lower gardens, more shrines, and even a miniature church building are all waiting to be discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Church<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The church building is beautiful, the grounds are a quiet green oasis hidden from the noisy city, and the recreated catechisms are just odd. It’s a perfect combination for curious families to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Franciscan Monastery tour is a delightful, free experience I recommend. To learn more and schedule your own tour, visit their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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