Timeline
15:39
Grab a bite at San Antonio Grill. The Tex-Mex menu is reliable, and the margaritas are famous for a reason. It is a short walk from the monastery and opens early enough to beat the rush.
16:24
Mount St Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
Walk to the Mount St Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. Arrive with plenty of time to wander the flower gardens and the Rosary Portico. The grounds are free, though donations are encouraged.
17:09
Mount St Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
Find a spot in the lower gardens or near the portico to watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, casting long shadows across the replicas of holy sites. The golden light starts around 16:29, making the stone structures glow.
17:39
Mount St Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
Stay for a while as the light fades. The atmosphere shifts from bright and bustling to quiet and reflective. If you need a tour of the Catacombs, remember they require a guided visit on the hour, but the grounds themselves remain open.
Local tip
The monastery grounds are open from 10AM to 5PM daily. If you plan to visit the Catacombs, check the tour schedule as they are only accessible via guided tours starting on the hour.
Check before you go
- San Antonio Grill is open Mo-Th, Su 11:00-23:00 and Fr-Sa 11:00-23:00.
- Mount St Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land grounds are open 10AM-5PM daily.
- Catacombs visits require a tour on the hour (Mon-Sat 10AM, 11AM, 1PM-3PM; Sun 1-3PM).
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).