St. Matthew's Cathedral

Washington, D.C., United States

The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington D.C., most commonly known as St. Matthew's Cathedral, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

St. Matthew's is dedicated to the Apostle Matthew, who among other things is patron saint of civil servants, having himself been a tax collector. It was established in 1840. Originally located at 15th and H Streets, construction of the current church began in 1893, with the first Mass being celebrated June 2, 1895. Construction continued until 1913 when the church was dedicated. In 1939, it became the cathedral for the newly established Archdiocese of Washington.

The structure is constructed of red brick with sandstone and terra cotta trim in the Romanesque Revival style with Byzantine elements. Designed by architect C. Grant La Farge, it is in the shape of a Latin cross measuring 47 m × 41 m and seats about 1,200 persons. The interior is richly decorated in marble and semiprecious stones, notably a 11 m mosaic of Matthew behind the main altar by Edwin Blashfield. The cathedral is capped by an octagonal dome that extends above the nave and is capped by a cupola and crucifix that brings the total height 61 m.

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Founded: 1893-1913
Category: Religious sites in United States

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Taras Colopelnic (2 years ago)
Beautiful Cathedral. Mass was wonderful. Well worth the visit!
Conrad (3 years ago)
Beautiful and peaceful. Masses every day...great to see the history and take a break from the craziness in this sanctuary. Thank you tothose many folks who keep it in such good shape after all these years!
Christopher Woods (3 years ago)
A beautiful church! I didn't attend Mass here, but got to explore around. Some great artwork, and definitely a prayerful & holy place.
G C (3 years ago)
Awesome Cathedral with amazing acoustics for the organ but horrible echoes for voice. Cardinal Gregory was able to pause so he could be understood. The cantor and lectors could not. If you are Catholic you need to experience Mass here at least once. Go early and enjoy the mosaics.
Cynthia Fore (3 years ago)
Gorgeous Church. Sunday Mass was beautiful and the homily was well done. They are a welcoming, warm Catholic family. I spent some time in the Church afterwards and spoke with the Deacon at length about the Church and various matters. He had great suggestions for dinner. If I lived here, this would most definitely be my home parish. I hope to return one day!
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