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Since its founding, the Monastery has welcomed visitors wishing to make a pilgrimage, to tour the church and catacombs, or to sit or walk peacefully in its gardens.
Tours of the Monastery and shrines begin on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. On Sundays, tours are at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. No tours are given between 12 noon - 1 p. m. and after 4 p.m.
Guided tours are only available of the interior of the Main Church. Tours of the gardens are self-guided. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes. Groups of six or more must make reservations. The first part of the tour comprises the Upper Church and the second part the Lower Church, where the catacombs are located.
Please note: Tours of the Lower Church including the catacombs are only given to two or more people. When in the Lower Church, visitors must remain with the guide at all times. The Lower Church is only accessible by stairs. It is not wheel-chair accessible nor is there an elevator. Walk-ins are welcome. Visitors are welcome to join a tour in progress. There is no tour fee, but donations are greatly appreciated. Tours in Spanish are available by reservation only. To schedule a tour, call 202-526-6800 or email us at
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For Educators and Students:
School Groups
We will host an annual Youth Day for seventh and eighth graders on October 6, 2010. The day includes a tour as well as discussions led by Franciscan Friars on St. Francis and on vocations and by a Poor Clare nun about St. Clare.
We also offer Student Lenten Pilgrimages to elementary and high school students. During the visit, students and teachers tour the church and catacombs in addition to praying the Stations of the Cross. Weather permitting, Stations are prayed in the Lower Gardens at the outdoor Stations with the group leader conducting the service. While here, students are also encouraged to take advantage of confessions held on the hour all day (except at lunch time) in the Main Church. To commemorate their visit, students and teachers are presented a certificate of their participation in the yearly pilgrimage. Please call 202-526-6800 to enroll in the 2011 program. Prior arrangements are required.
Teaching Resources
We are in the process of creating teaching resources that will enhance students’ experiences while visiting the Monastery. These resources can be used as a way for teachers to prepare students prior to their visit, to keep them engaged during the tour, and to lead the students in a post-discussion following their visit. These tools are aimed at encouraging lively and meaningful dialogue that will extend beyond their time at the Monastery. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks.
Note for visitors:
At all times, regardless of where you are in the Monastery, be respectful of others who might be praying and/or in confession. No loud talking is allowed. Clothing should be respectful. Eating and drinking are not allowed in church. Cell phones must be silenced, put on vibrate or turned off. Photography for personal use is allowed. Commercial photography, video recording and/or tape recording are prohibited. Personal belongings must remain with visitors at all times. No items may be left in the lobby-this includes umbrellas, lunch bags, backpacks, strollers, etc. The Monastery is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
There are no eating facilities on the premises. There are, however, several restaurants and an organic market located nearby on 12th St, N.E
Location & Directions:
The Franciscan Monastery is located near the Brookland Metro stop on the Red Line. From the metro station, you can walk to the Monastery (ca. 15 -20 minutes). Recommended walking directions: When exiting the station, walk to the bus depot and proceed to Kiss & Ride lot. From the lot, head towards Newton Street N.E. Make a left at the corner of Newton Street N.E. onto 12th Street N.E. (The CVS Pharmacy will be at this corner.) Make a right at 12th Street N.E. onto Quincy Street N.E. (The Yes Organic Market will be at this corner.) The Monastery will be at the top of the hill. You can also take the H6 Metro Bus from the bus depot. The bus will drop you off in front of the Monastery. For directions from other locations, please click here for instructions.
Nearby points of interests include:
The Basilica of the National Shrine, John Paul II Cultural Center, and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration Convent.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Interested in becoming a tour guide? Join our team; volunteers are always welcome. Call 202-526-6800.
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