This a nice place to decompress - they allow public access to the upper and lower gardens and there are paths to walk or jog. It is not a big piece of property, but it is well maintained and it has always been very peaceful.

Brookland’s Franciscan Monastery is for the people. The public is welcome to wander through the gardens reflecting in the shrines found in caves. The church’s high ceiling and underground catacombs welcome all. There’s a concert on Sundays at 4pm and anyone can rent for $100 a night one of two tiny homes on the property to use as silent retreats. Saint Francis Hall is one of the most affordable wedding venues in the city. While monks attend to the bee community and gardens, the public are free to roam.

Super picturesque and a great place to meditate/pray with a gorgeous garden. The replica of Virgin Marys tomb, however, was practically infested with flies. Hard to feel reflective and pray in there when theres a cacophonous hum of flies around you

This place has amazing gardens throughout its property. Voted one of DC’s top ten I specifically choose it when I’m doing photography.

Quiet place for a relaxing stroll, reading or meditating. This place is small but very pretty with small doses of religious artifacts throughout. There are lots of benches. The koi pond is popular with the kids. There is free parking lot right across the street.

Lots of family enjoying the grounds. Lot of different things to do around the monastery. Enjoyed the time here.

Not only one of the most peaceful places in D.C., it has one of the most amazing rose gardens Ive ever seen with hundred of very well maintained bushes of every type, color and variety imaginable. Also all the various translations of Ave Maria were quite interesting to read. Roses were definitely at peak bloom in late May, but I am sure they will bloom throughout the summer.

This was a very interesting place. The guided tour of the church and catacombs was very interesting. The tour guide, Tom, was very informative and conducted the tour in a very friendly manner

A little hidden gem. The Monastery is a little unique tucked away gem in the Nations Capital. In the area of the National Basilica, well worth a visit for Catholics and non-Catholics alike; anyone who appreciates unique architecture, gardens, and solemn places in general. The guided tour is worth taken, if only because you cant view the basement spaces without a guide. The church is beautiful inside, easy to spend at least an hour just admiring all the art work and details. The Gardens are very peaceful to walk through. Highly recommended.

A beautiful church with replicas of different shrines throughout the Holy Land, and of Rome. The Franciscan Brothers running it are very friendly and give excellent tours. I would highly recommend the tour so that you are able to view all the crypt shrines as well as the catacomb recreation and the relics.

Amazing place O visit the grounds with my kids have been inside. It’s beautiful very well kept just amazing

It takes more than a quick walk-through to appreciate the scale of the Monastery interior, and even then, I was unable to view the Crypt area. The upper Church has so much beautiful artwork in each of the four main alcoves, and the Tabernacle is in a tomb-like setting that requires one to kneel in order to gain entrance, and thus helps remind one to be duly reverent. My one regret from my visit (apart from not seeing the crypt) was that the dome above the altar appeared to be under construction, so I have yet to see it in its fullness. That being said, all the more reason to return next time Im in DC.

The public gardens are open and free to visit. Theyre well maintained and very serene.

A gorgeous place with its own history and wonderful tour guys that are quite entertaining for the kids. Enjoy the special tour under the monastery. Make sure to check out the gardens anytime of the Year especially in may. We enjoyed chatting with the nuns who are getting ready for ordained several deacons in May. All in all a very special place to visit

Beautiful garden. Nice to walk around.

Beautiful, peaceful, inspiring. This Catholic monastery and the gardens are full of beautiful, thought-provoking artwork. The mosaics in the garden are particularly impressive. The church is remarkable for its varied shrines along the walls illustrating important events in the Churchs history. Be sure to pick up a pamphlet at the door explaining the artwork. Worth visiting and revisiting.

I took my camp kids there today they really enjoyed their self let of social distance lot of shade.

An absolutely lovely place to visit. Take a tour of the crypts and beautiful Cathedral. Walk the Gardens and take in all the symbolism. Dont miss the Hail Mary prayers etched in all languages outside. The tiled artwork is amaxing. There is a tiny gift shop, and no vending machines or snack bar, so bring snacks and hydration and ask where you can eat on thess sacred grounds. A great day to also visit The National Basilica within walking distance!

A special, holy place. They recreate the Holy Land in a stunning way. Ive been on a number of occasions, including for Stations of the Cross. So much to see, so much to pray with and through, the Crucifixion, the Sepulcher, the Ascension...

Its a beautiful place to visit, many things to see like the replicas of Jesuss tumb, The Grotto of Lourdes, the life like painting of Mt. Calvary

Peaceful, beautiful, well shaded for hot summer days

Beautiful replicas of the holy land I was blessed to have seen this past April. Gorgeous Monastery.

One of the most beautiful hidden treasures in DC. A repeat visit for us.

This is a beautiful landmark in DC and the staff are super friendly and helpful

Absolutely magnificent. A beautiful place to contemplate. The grounds are stunning, the replicas of the holy land are stunning. And everyone is so kind and helpful. I will definitely return.

Beautiful and peaceful place for visiting, prayer, contemplation or simply a rest. A true oasis of peace in a corner of DC to reconnect and retreat from daily duties and reflect on spiritual matters in a beautiful setting of gorgeous gardens tucked away in the corner of DMV. The guided tour is a great way to learn more about the monastery and view the catacombs.

Great tour, not very long but very informative, also the have relics, very intresting

Such a beautiful place! I hope to visit for the tour one day.

Peaceful garden. Tour replicas of the Holy Land catacombs and several holy land grottos. Great visitor center & gift shop. Beautiful church.

The experience was very interesting and it was clear how passionate the guide was. This is so much more than an underground burial site, with families remains stacked in niches.

Very awesome observatory for spiritual Catholic and community participation ..awesome Greenhouse lovely prayer Garden Grotto and catacombs display

You can feel the sacred place as you enter it. Friars and Fathers are very friendly. Recommend to save a full day to be able to visit everything. To visit the catacombs you will need a guide, so check website to see guided tours times. Light up a candle and leave your intentions there with a donation.May the peace of God be with you!

Excellent place to visit, a must and the same goes for worshiping.

Peaceful and lovely. Inner garden closes at 4:45pm

Great gardens pretty flowers and trees tells the story of Jesus.

We were a group from the George Brent Council of the Knights of Columbus, Manassas, VA, along with our Pastor - Father Lee - along with a Docent from the Monastery, they led on a tour which was very informative an inspiring. Replicating places and events in the Holy Land, and many events on the life of Christ. A day Ill not soon forget.

Great place if youre in for a religious and divine walk through the history of Christianity

Always a peaceful place to pray. When the weather is good its nice to walk around the gardens and communicate with nature.

Novela place with beautiful garden. However, they have a chapitel from an old Jerusalem building, laid in the garden with no care. Its situation contrasts with the sign explaining its origin. It should be better kept and even returned back.

Well as a kid I imagined heaven would look like this ..lol

Lovely spot for some quiet time and reflection! Awesome garden and Lourdes grotto. Beautiful mosaics of the mysteries of the rosary!

Quiet beautiful sanctuary, beautiful flowers

Photographs do not do the monastery justice, carvings and statues are all around you as well as a cript below but the cript has hours, call to see when it is open. The serenity inside is complimented to the wonderful gardens outside.

A beautiful and historic religious site for Washington DC. Close to the Basilica but decidedly different flavor. Tour the crypt for an especially cool experience or enjoying the well tended gardens. The yearly Tenebrae service during holy week is unmatched

Lovely Mass and great acoustics along with the gardens and church.

Peace and holy place ... any one who give less tgan five is pur sick :)

Very beautiful and solemn during holy week we did our station of the cross you dont have to go to holy land its a replica of itself ..nice place to visit.

Replicas of the Holy Land, great place to make a retreat! Reconciliation is offered all day long. Check the website for current times.

The monastery is one of my very favorite places to visit. It is a beautiful oasis of spiritual and natural beauty in the heart of the city. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the nations capital. It is one of the unique places that is off the usual list of sites.Also be sure to support the good work of the friars when youre there. They keep the Christian presence alive in the Holy Land.

Very quiet and spiritual place. Very well done representation of the Holy Land sites.

One of ther most beautiful places Ive ever visited.

A hidden gem with interesting history. the concert series was wonderful,featuring the organ in an intimate setting

Wonderful Franciscan crown built into the cloister surrounding the monastery.We were able to see some reproductions, including reproductions of ancient Christian catacombs, Bethlehem and the Holy Sepulchre.The gardens are also worth a trip in and of themselves.The staff is friendly, entrance and parking are free. Give yourself at least an hour.

Great place to visit without having to go to the Holy Land. It has many replicas of important sites in the Holy Land and catacombs. The tour was great and mass was beautiful.

Love it! Nice and peaceful.

Confessions here Monday through Saturday at 9, 10, 11, 1, 2, 3 and 4 oclock. Early morning weekday mass in chapel. Beautiful garden with stations of the Cross. Gift shop in back, way back to right of main building. Super clean public restrooms inside too.

So peaceful place

I went thinking an hour would be enough time, it was not. The beauty and richness of history are breathtaking. Ask questions and enjoy yourself!

The gardens are spiritually renewing. The presence of God is manifested in the trees, plants, and flowers. Additionally, commemorations of the life of Christ contribute to spiritual uplift and peace.

Lovely place to visit if you are into architecture. The inside of the Monastery is absolutely beautiful. The craftsmanship is great. Also the grounds of the Monastery is covered in flowers and plants. During spring it is just filled with beautiful colors. They do keep the garden maintained all year round. It’s also I nice place to hold a wedding. I actually shot a wedding here.

Beautiful, peaceful place!!! A hidden gem!

Warm and welcoming staff. Knowledgeable guide.

Calm place to worship.

A truly incredible experience. Everything about the church and grounds are incredible and enhanced with a dedicated tour guide. The church is a recreation of many sights existing in the holy land. Often exactly what exists there. I think it is impossible to visit here and not get a sense of calm and well being. I hope this place lasts forever for future generations.

Inspirational place but not handicapped accessible

Beautiful place with lots of history

Gettin right with God

An endearing place to say and see the Rosary on every pillar around the monastery, written in various languages all over the world . . .

Beautiful place.

It is a must see Holy Place.

Very peaceful place for prayer and religious contemplation.

Very neat place to visit and learn the history and revaluations of Christianity. The tour was one of the most special parts, learning and seeing what was displayed made it easy to enjoy and allowed for better understanding. Great place to go on your own, with a friend, or even the whole family. This place is something unique and special, just like the story behind it all!

Lovely place with a beautiful garden and lots of nooks and crannies to explore. The plant sale was great as well and we definitely want to return.

Beautiful place to visit ! So many little areas to explore!

Amazing peaceful garden

A piece of heaven on earth

Beautiful piece of property with tours outside. The church is beautiful inside, good music during liturgies, but the public speaking system has an echo, sad to say.

Wonderful place to walk and say a rosary.

What a gem, hidden in our nations capitol! This monastery is a celebration of the spirit of Christian pilgrimage to the holy land. It replicates the interior proportions of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to be exact, like a number of other churches around the world. But I was very pleased at the beautiful, baroque statuary and other sanctuary appointments, which creates a unique atmosphere for prayer and contemplation. Dont miss it. Daily Mass is here, as well.

Beautiful garden!

Probably the best, coolest, most beautiful hidden gem in DC. Dont have to be religious to see the amazing catacombs and appreciate the stunning architecture.

Nice monastery. Nice gardens!

Peaceful place to pray and keep the evil out of your heart

It was absolutely amazing. Everything was incredibly beautiful. Id love to go again one day.

Love the Franciscan Monastery! Visited most recently on Holy Thursday, which was very moving. Everone there is so helpful and go out of their way to make your pilgrimage most meaningful!

Wonderful placeThe tour with Tom was great. He is very knowledgeable

Phenomenal time spent with a Christian brotherhood !

Beautiful gardens.

Uplifting, truth be told the mass experience for me is awesome. After receiving Holy Communion @ the noon Mass, there is an angel in the church or at least thats how she sounds too me, so soothing and alive. I love the Monastery always have. Visit you will walk away with a deep spiritual gift of love.

The tour is great. A stroll through the gardens is very relaxing.

The Monastery is a must see for visitors of D.C.

A peaceful little getaway from the city, in the city, a walk through the gardens will reset your mind.

Really calm and peaceful place.

This place is BEAUTIFUL!!!! A visit that you MUST DO !!!! WOW everything in this church was incredible. We loved it very much !!! The tour of the church was very informative and so cool !!! You are also able to take pictures during the tour. They have a small store and restrooms. This church is a perfect place to pray, inside or out, you choose !!! No excuses !!!

Tour guide covered the early history of the Franciscan order. The tour covered the alters and chapels of the monastary church. It also led through the catacombs under the church and a history of the catacombs in Rome.

Beautiful gardens, serene, quiet and one of the top places to visit while in Washington DC.

Attended the Christmas Vigil here. Luminarias surrounded the exterior of the church. Beautiful interiors. Choir voices leading the liturgy. Rejoice! A Saviour is born to you.

Majestic gardens and paths that are impeccably kept up. awesome annual plant sale in April.

This place is very pretty and peaceful!

Beautiful monastery and gardens. I love coming here for Mass and confession.