Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America Tours

Formally named the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, this Byzantine-style church and religious retreat near Catholic University and the Basilica was designed to resemble the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul, Turkey. Opened in 1899, the elegant Franciscan Monastery also features Romanesque porticos, a cloister, and 42-acres of gardens with a greenhouse and re-creations of various shrines found in Israel.

Hour-long tours are offered on Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The garden is open daily to the public from 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. On its grounds, the Monastery offers a $70/night cabin called The Hermitage for one guest to take a personal retreat. This cabin includes a washer-dryer and kitchenette, as well a private outdoor deck.