Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
A serene oasis in DC, featuring stunning gardens, Holy Land replicas, and a peaceful monastery church. Free to visit!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene oasis in DC, featuring stunning gardens, Holy Land replicas, and a peaceful monastery church. Free to visit!
"One of DC's true hidden gems! The monastery feels like stepping into another world."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for catacombs & context. Check schedule online; walk-ins possible.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot, especially in the gardens and catacombs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Contemplative Gardens
Outdoor grounds
Lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and peaceful pathways offer a serene escape. A true oasis in the city.

Holy Land Replicas
Church and grounds
Explore faithful reproductions of sacred sites like the Tomb of Gethsemane and the Nativity.

Underground Catacombs
Lower church level
Discover a unique subterranean experience with chapels and shrines, part of guided tours.

Monastery Church
Main building
Admire stunning architecture, life-size crucifixion murals, and intricate art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Free to Explore, Rich in Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for catacombs & context. Check schedule online; walk-ins possible.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot, especially in the gardens and catacombs.
📸 Photography Friendly
Capture the beauty of the gardens and architecture.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Peace
It's a place for quiet reflection and a break from city noise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for catacombs & context. Check schedule online; walk-ins possible.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a lot, especially in the gardens and catacombs.
📸 Photography Friendly
Capture the beauty of the gardens and architecture.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Peace
It's a place for quiet reflection and a break from city noise.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking lot on-site for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Franciscan Monastery as a 'hidden gem' and an 'oasis of tranquility' in DC. Highlights include the beautifully maintained gardens, the fascinating Holy Land replicas, and the informative guided tours. While some find the catacombs a bit underwhelming, the overall experience is described as peaceful, spiritual, and architecturally stunning, offering a welcome escape from the city's hustle.
"Garden around the monastery is pretty and well taken care of. There is a very informative tour of the Monastery. I was by myself and visited on a work day so I didn't book it in advance. The tour is about 45 minutes and takes visitors to the catacombs. Even if you go on a guided tour, you will have a good visit of the Monastery. There are multiple QR codes around with informative short videos with explanations."
Lena R
"One of DC’s true hidden gems! The monastery feels like stepping into another world — the architecture is gorgeous, the replicas of Holy Land sites are fascinating, and the gardens are peaceful. The free guided tour gave so much context and made the visit even better. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just want a quiet escape from the city, this spot is absolutely worth the visit"
Iriana Cruz
"A hidden gem in the heart of the city, the Franciscan Monastery is an oasis of stunning tranquility. We spent a serene afternoon wandering the beautiful, contemplative gardens and exploring the quiet reverence of the monastery itself. It is the ultimate escape from the relentless noise of urban life."
Rachel Barker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Franciscan Monastery is located in Brookland, NE DC. You can reach it by car, with a free parking lot available.
Public transportation options include buses and the Metro (closest station is Brookland-CUA, a walk away).Yes, there is a free parking lot available for visitors, making it convenient for those driving.
Yes, you can reach the monastery via public transport. Several bus lines serve the Brookland area, and the Brookland-CUA Metro station is a walkable distance away.
The address is 1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC 20017.
While it's a hidden gem, it's well-signposted once you're in the Brookland neighborhood. Following GPS or using the provided address will guide you there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the gardens and the monastery itself is free.
However, guided tours, which are highly recommended, may have specific schedules and booking requirements.The gardens are typically open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm or 5 pm. The interior of the monastery is generally open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Always check their official schedule for any changes.
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is free to visit.
Donations are welcome to support their work.Access to the catacombs is typically only available through guided tours. These tours have specific days and times.
While booking online is recommended for guided tours, walk-ins are sometimes allowed if space permits. It's best to check their website or call ahead.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore beautiful gardens, replicas of Holy Land shrines, the monastery church with impressive art, and the underground catacombs (on guided tours).
Most visitors recommend at least two hours to fully appreciate the gardens, church, and potentially a guided tour. Some could easily spend longer.
Opinions vary. Some find them a bit kitschy, while others find them fascinating and a unique part of the experience. The gardens and grounds are universally praised.
The gardens are partially stroller friendly, but there are stairs to navigate to get back to the top from certain paths. You might need to backtrack.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, especially in the gardens. Be respectful of any services or prayer times within the church.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the monastery itself. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit in the surrounding Brookland neighborhood.
You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the gardens, but please be mindful of keeping the area clean and dispose of trash properly.
The Brookland neighborhood offers various cafes and restaurants, from casual eateries to sit-down dining, providing options for a meal before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer beautiful floral and landscape shots, especially in spring and summer. The intricate architecture of the church and the Holy Land replicas also make for stunning photos.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and any ongoing services. Avoid using flash if it might be disruptive.
Visitors often capture landscape photography in the gardens, architectural details of the monastery, and close-ups of the religious replicas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens and Grounds
Beyond the main gardens, the grounds feature the Rosary Portico, adorned with 15 chapels commemorating the mysteries of the rosary. Each chapel displays the 'Hail Mary' in numerous languages, showcasing a global connection. The monastery also offers a free parking lot, making it accessible for those arriving by car. While generally serene, be aware that some garden paths may involve stairs, which could be a consideration for those with mobility challenges or strollers.
The Monastery Church and Holy Land Replicas
Guided tours are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the church's history, art, and the significance of the Holy Land replicas. These tours often include access to the underground catacombs, which feature reproductions of Roman catacombs and other shrines. While some visitors find the catacombs a bit 'kitschy,' they are a unique part of the experience for many. The monastery also hosts regular mass times and occasional concerts, adding to its spiritual and cultural offerings.
Planning Your Visit: Tours and Timing
When planning your trip, consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring and summer when they are in full bloom. Allow at least two hours for your visit to comfortably explore the gardens, the church, and potentially join a tour. Remember that while the gardens have longer hours, the interior of the monastery closes earlier, so plan accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit