While the $12 fee for admission to the Washington National Cathedral is not unreasonable and the included tour highlights an incredible journey into the spiritual and architectural roots of this DC institution, a far more intimate experience can be had attending a service here.

On a recent Wednesday, the noon Holy Eucharist service was scantily attended, giving us all the opportunity to sit in the nave and soak up the spirituality of the soaring windows and architecture up close and personal. The organ master also hosts musical tours of his magnificent instrument, followed by a chance to see the organ. Evensong, held at 4:30 on Sunday and 5:30 most weekdays, is another chance to experience the Cathedral in its full glory, when the choirs of nearby St. Alban’s and National Cathedral School perform in the nightly musical prayer service. It might just be the most soulful hour in all of Washington.

If you do bypass the admission and tour however, do consider a donation, especially given the damage sustained by the structure in a 2011 earthquake, slowly being remediated as funds become available.