Monastery Garden
Discover a serene oasis with free gardens and fascinating catacomb tours at the Franciscan Monastery in DC.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Monastery Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a serene oasis with free gardens and fascinating catacomb tours at the Franciscan Monastery in DC.
"A true hidden gem offering peace, beauty, and history for free."
🎯 Free Garden Entry
The beautiful monastery gardens are free to enter and explore daily! :seedling:
🎟️ Book Catacomb Tours
Catacomb and lower church tours are popular; book online in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Franciscan Monastery Gardens
Washington, D.C.
A tranquil escape with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, offering a peaceful respite from the city bustle.
Underground Catacombs & Lower Church
Franciscan Monastery
Journey into the historic depths of the monastery, exploring ancient burial sites and sacred spaces on a guided tour.
Stained Glass Windows
Franciscan Monastery
Admire the intricate beauty and vibrant colors of the monastery's stunning stained glass artwork.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Hidden Gardens & Catacombs
Best Times for Peaceful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Garden Entry
The beautiful monastery gardens are free to enter and explore daily! :seedling:
🎟️ Book Catacomb Tours
Catacomb and lower church tours are popular; book online in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the gardens and potentially on uneven surfaces in the catacombs. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens and architecture offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Garden Entry
The beautiful monastery gardens are free to enter and explore daily! :seedling:
🎟️ Book Catacomb Tours
Catacomb and lower church tours are popular; book online in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the gardens and potentially on uneven surfaces in the catacombs. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens and architecture offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Respect the Serenity
Remember this is a place of worship and reflection; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Franciscan Monastery's gardens as a beautiful, peaceful, and free oasis in Washington D.C. The historical tours of the catacombs are a highlight, though booking in advance is recommended. Some find the cafe closed on certain days, and the catacombs tour may not be suitable for all.
"What a lovely property with generous hosts. My husband and I cannot wait to return. All the comforts you might wish for on vacation. The spacious room was pleasantly decorated and had A/C which was a delicious after a day on the river. We didn’t get to try the sweet cafe downstairs because it’s closed Tuesdays/Wednesdays but that just made us want to return. The location was perfect to explore castle and shops and plenty of restaurants and bars surrounding it. I had forgotten to mention an allergy to down and both hosts found regular pillows and comforter for us. It’s clear they care about their guests. We cannot wait to return!"
Dawn Stern
"Loved it will be back!
Interior design is with a lot of love for detail, British Country House chic and each room has a mystery. 😊
The big round tables for coffee and food in the lobby give it a family cosy vibe which is really nice.
Breakfast menu is yum!
Location is superb, right next to the castle.
Quite place for a good night sleep :)
Staff was very helpful and lovely.
Highly recommend this place for a stay in Cesky Krumlov."
Sarah Marie Vokurka
"The Monastery Garden is a true hidden gem amongst the overwhelming options of places to stay in Cesky Krumlov. It is tucked away on a quiet side street within easy walking distance to everything that this little town has to offer. Our room was pristinely clean and came with all the amenities that we needed, most importantly...a comfortable bed! The building itself has been beautifully redone while maintaining its historical charm. Our host, Edward, was very knowledgeable about the area and helpful with suggestions, even providing some history and education about the absinthe cocktail we ordered one night. The breakfast was delicious, especially the vegetarian eggs benedict with asparagus. If we make it back to this area, we would definitely stay here again."
Tania S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Franciscan Monastery is located in Brookland, NE DC. You can reach it via the Red Line Metro to Brookland-Catholic University station, followed by a short walk. Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site.
Yes, there is parking available at the Franciscan Monastery. It can get busy, especially on tour days, so arriving early is recommended.
Many visitors find the Metro to be a convenient option, especially to avoid parking hassles. The gardens are also accessible by bus routes serving the Brookland area.
Absolutely! The monastery is easily accessible via public transportation, making it a great destination for those without a car.
The gardens are generally accessible, but the catacombs tour involves stairs and uneven terrain. Check with the monastery directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens themselves are completely free to visit and open daily. However, guided tours of the catacombs and lower church have a fee and require booking.
No tickets are needed for the gardens. For the guided tours (catacombs/lower church), it's highly recommended to book online in advance, though walk-ins may be accommodated if space is available.
The gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tour times vary, so check the official schedule for catacomb and lower church tours.
While the gardens are open to the public, visitors are expected to be respectful of the religious nature of the site. Large group visits may require prior arrangement.
The gardens are typically open daily, including holidays, but it's always best to check the official website for any specific holiday closures or altered hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the gardens for personal use. However, please be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially during services or tours.
Photography rules inside the monastery church and catacombs may vary. It's best to check for signage or ask a guide before taking pictures in these areas.
The blooming flower beds, the serene pathways, and the architectural details of the monastery itself offer beautiful photo opportunities. The stained glass windows inside are also a must-capture. 
Drones are generally not permitted at religious sites like the Franciscan Monastery due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check local regulations and site-specific rules.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for photography in the gardens, creating a soft, warm glow.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can wander through the beautifully maintained gardens, admire the architecture, and take guided tours of the catacombs and lower church. It's a place for quiet reflection and enjoying nature.
Yes, guided tours are offered for the catacombs and lower church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 PM and 2 PM, and on Sundays at 12 PM and 1:30 PM.
The catacombs tour takes you underground to explore historical burial sites and learn about the monastery's past. It's an atmospheric and informative experience.
While there isn't a cafe on-site, the surrounding Brookland neighborhood has several dining options. Information about gift shops or donations may be available at the monastery.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day, depending on whether you're just strolling the gardens or taking a guided tour. Allow extra time for photos and quiet contemplation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and allow children more freedom to roam. The peaceful environment is perfect for a family outing that combines nature, a bit of history, and a chance for quiet reflection. It's a great way to introduce children to beautiful gardens and historical sites in an accessible way.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
This allows you to enjoy a beautiful and peaceful experience in Washington D.C. without spending a dime. The only cost would be for the optional guided tours of the catacombs and lower church, which are reasonably priced and offer significant historical value. Combine your visit with a picnic lunch to save on food expenses. The serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon. It's a fantastic way to experience a unique aspect of D.C. that often gets overlooked, offering a rich cultural and natural experience without breaking the bank.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
You can wander at your own pace, find a quiet bench to read or meditate, and escape the city's hustle and bustle. The guided tours offer an opportunity to connect with history and learn something new, but the true magic for solo visitors lies in the serene solitude of the gardens. It’s a place to recharge, reflect, and enjoy a moment of quiet beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Franciscan Monastery's History
Beyond the serene gardens, the monastery offers a glimpse into its rich past through its underground catacombs and lower church. These areas are accessible via guided tours, which are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the monastery's significance. The tours provide insights into the lives of the friars, the history of the site, and its connection to sacred traditions. The stained glass windows within the monastery are also noteworthy, adding to the spiritual ambiance and artistic appeal of the architecture.
Many visitors are drawn to the Franciscan Monastery for its peaceful atmosphere and its status as a 'hidden gem' in the bustling city. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and spiritual significance, making it a compelling destination for both locals and tourists seeking a moment of calm and discovery. The free access to the gardens makes it an accessible and rewarding experience for everyone.
+1The Art of Medieval Gardening
Resources like the book 'English Medieval Gardens' offer insights into the layout and techniques used during this period. These gardens were not just about aesthetics but were functional spaces. Monastery herb gardens, for instance, were crucial for apothecaries within the monastery, supplying ingredients for remedies and healing. The types of plants cultivated would have included a mix of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, chosen for their utility, symbolism, or beauty.
While the Franciscan Monastery Garden in DC is a modern interpretation, the idea of a tranquil, cultivated space within a religious institution echoes the historical significance of medieval monastery gardens. The emphasis on peace, natural beauty, and a connection to the earth remains a timeless element.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit