Franciscan Monastery

Not only is this place beautiful but the Monks make it so easy and convenient to go to the great Sacrament of Reconcilliation! I rarely visit DC without a trip to the Monstery. These guys are SAINTS! I love this place. GO and confess,you will feel GREAT! Bob

The Monks are so kind and humble. The place is beautiful..wonderful for retreats, I think. AS a child my friends and I played on the grounds, visited the gift shop and saw the catecombs. Are the topiaries gone??

I visited the monastery during construction, but it was still remarkable. Although one passes through some run-down neighborhoods to get there, it is worth the journey. the gardens are magnificent - be sure to go when the roses are at peak (by September most are still in flower but showing signs of wear from drought). The tour is well worth seeing the replica catacombs and relics, even for a non Catholic. Bring a book and plan to stay in this peaceful place of contemplation. The interior of the church is magnificent and reminds one of the basilica at Notre Dame U. with its ornate ceiling, exceptional stained glass windows depicting the saints and altar. Plan to visit the monastery store which is loaded with items pertaining to the saints. Please do leave a donation to support the work of the Franciscans in the Holy Land.

I have been visiting the Monastery for 37 years and it is frozen in time. The wonder and beauty of the place still take my breath away and I have been fortunate enough to share the magic with my children and pass the tradition on. A must see for anybody especially Catholics.

I went on a tour given by the Knights of Mt. St. Seplucher and they did a great job explaining about the wonderful chapels! Thanks Bill!

Peaceful and awe inspiring. Worth the effort to see the monks and daily lives. It's a beautiful experience. If you are Catholic/Anglican this is a must visit.

it was a holly experience. it was like taking a trip to nazareth i would recommend everyone to see the catacumb. nobody should visit washington dc and not visit the franciscan monastery.

The Monastery's full scale replica's of holy land shrines and especially it's full scale replica of the Lourdes Grotto I found inspring and even religious. I would say that while not necessarly a must for DC visitors, it is certainly something Catholics should consider on their visit. This site and the National Shrine of Basilica will have great meaning to oberservant catholics. The Monastery itself is also wonderful, but the gardens and holy site replicas steal the show. Visit in the summer for a cool break from the DC madness.

Visiting this place is a very unique and special experience. It doesn't require that you be Catholic to enjoy it or be touched by it's beauty or it's serenity. The grounds are beautiful. The interior tour a remarkable experience steaped in history and charm. The tour docents are pleasant, charming and very informative. I highly recommend this opportunity to all.

This place is great. In the past, we would go whenever our relatives from NY were in town. It holds many memories for me. I am going this Saturday. There is a replica of the catecombs and any age would love it. There is a room where they have books, crosses, rosaries, etc. for sale. The grounds are well kept and serene. You won't regret going