Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
Franciscan monastery from 1898 offering tours & a landscaped garden, plus regular mass & concerts.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is rated 4.9 / 5 from 1,198 Google reviews and sits about 2.2 km (27 min walk) from Fort Totten station.
General overview
About Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is a Roman Catholic place of worship and historic religious site in Northeast Washington, DC. Its Byzantine- and Romanesque-inspired church, chapels, gardens, catacombs, and replicas of Holy Land shrines make it a distinctive destination for visitors interested in architecture, history, art, gardens, and Christian pilgrimage. Information below is based on general training knowledge and has not been live-verified.
- Historic Franciscan church modeled in part on Holy Land pilgrimage sites
- Indoor replicas of shrines and sacred places associated with the Holy Land
- Extensive gardens with seasonal flowers, grottoes, statuary, and walking paths
- Religious art, mosaics, murals, icons, and architectural details
- A peaceful setting near Catholic University and the Brookland neighborhood
Things to do here
Visit the Monastery Church
Explore the main church and its chapels, religious artwork, mosaics, and devotional spaces. Visitors should observe an appropriate level of quiet and respect during worship.
Holy Land shrine replicas
See the monastery’s replicas and representations of sites connected with the life of Christ and the history of Christianity in the Holy Land.
Guided monastery tour
Guided tours have traditionally explained the church, chapels, catacombs, art, and Franciscan history. Tour schedules and availability may vary.
Monastery gardens
Walk through the landscaped gardens, which include statues, grottoes, devotional features, and seasonal plantings. Garden access may be affected by weather, events, or maintenance.
Attend Mass or prayer
The monastery is an active Catholic religious site and may offer Mass, devotional services, confession, concerts, or other programs. Check the official schedule before planning around a service.
Pilgrimage and reflection
The site is suitable for quiet personal prayer, reflection, and religious pilgrimage as well as general sightseeing.
The monastery is in Northeast Washington near Catholic University and the Brookland area. Allow extra time for parking, security, orientation, and finding the correct entrance. Dress modestly and be prepared for walking on paths and uneven surfaces.
Individual visits may not require reservations, but groups and visitors seeking a guided tour should contact the monastery in advance. Confirm opening hours and tour availability before traveling.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is about 2.2 km (~27 min walk) from Fort Totten station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America from Fort Totten station?
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is about 2165 m (roughly 27 min walk) from Fort Totten station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America rated?
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America has a Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 1,198 reviews.
What's near Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Walmart Supercenter, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Walmart Supercenter.
Is Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Is there parking near Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America?
Google lists these parking options near Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America: free parking lot, free street parking.
Is admission free?
General access has traditionally been free, with donations welcome. Guided tours and special programs may have different arrangements; confirm before visiting.
Do I need a reservation?
Individual visitors commonly can visit without a reservation, but advance contact is advisable for groups, guided tours, school visits, and visitors with accessibility needs.
Can I attend Mass?
The monastery is an active Catholic church and may offer Mass and other services. Check the current worship schedule and arrive early, especially for popular services.
How long should I spend there?
One to two hours is reasonable for the church and a brief garden visit. Allow longer if taking a tour, attending Mass, or exploring the grounds slowly.
Is the monastery suitable for children?
Yes, provided children are supervised and visitors maintain quiet and respectful behavior in worship areas. The grounds and architecture can be engaging for families.
Is it accessible by public transportation?
The monastery is in Northeast Washington near the Brookland/Catholic University area and can be reached by Metro and local bus connections, followed by a walk. Check current transit routing before travel.
Can I take photographs?
Photography may be permitted in selected areas, but restrictions can apply during services and private events. Ask staff before photographing people, ceremonies, or using professional equipment.
Are the gardens always open?
No opening should be assumed. Garden access can vary with season, weather, maintenance, events, and the daily operating schedule.
What should I wear?
Modest, respectful clothing is appropriate because this is an active church and religious shrine. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the grounds.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.