For the time being, tours are available on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

Generally, a tour lasts from 45-60 minutes.

The monastery church is handicapped accessible. But to visit the lower church, you must be able to use steps. There are more than 20 steps descending, several in the lower church, and at least 20 ascending.

At this time, we are unable to provide tours in Spanish.

Yes, the Monastery has ample free parking in our parking lot across the street from the Church, 1400 Quincy Street. Buses must park on the street in front of the Monastery. The Security Guard will reserve spaces for buses on the street with parking cones.

A fair amount of walking is required to see the upper and lower church. But if you do not want to walk much, you may sit in the church, which includes several replicas, and wait.

Two weeks advance notice is required.

Respectful dress is required for the church. For summer, no short shorts or other inappropriate clothing is permitted.

There are a number of restaurants nearby including the establishments listed below. Check the individual websites for menu, prices and other details:

San Antonio Bar and Grill.3908 12^th Street NE, 202-832-8080.  This is the closest restaurant to the Monastery. It is located on 12^th Street between Randolph St and Quincy St.  There is free parking next to the restaurant. (Go down 14^th Street to Randolph Street and turn left. Follow Randolph Street two blocks to 12^th Street and turn left again.  The restaurant is on the right.)   There are large private sitting areas in this restaurant for groups but you should book in advance.  http://www.sabarandgrill.com/

Smith Public Trust, 3514 12^th Street NE, 202-733-5834.  Go down Quincy Street to 12^th Street. Turn left and follow 12^th Street for about 4 blocks.  This restaurant is on 12^th Street between Newton and Monroe Streets.

Brookland’s Finest.  3126 12^th Street NE, 202-633-0050. Parking is available on side streets. Go down Quincy Street to 12^th Street, turn left and follow 12^th Street beyond St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. http://www.brooklandsfinest.com/

Busboys and Poets. 625 Monroe St NE,  301-779-2787. Go down Quincy Street and make a left on 12^th Street. Go several blocks and make a right on Monroe St. Go over the bridge and Busboys and Poets will be on your left just before Monroe ends at Michigan Avenue. https://www.busboysandpoets.com/

Cafeteria at The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Michigan Avenue and Harewood Road, NE. The Basilica cafeteria offers special menus for large groups who wish to incorporate breakfast or lunch into their visit, including boxed lunches to-go. Arrangements for these meals require prior notice. Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@bnsic.org. From the Monastery, go down Quincy Street past 12^th Street to Michigan Avenue. Turn left on Michigan Avenue, go over the bridge, and past Catholic University Campus. You can drive up to the front of the Basilica and let people off and then park free in the big lot off Harewood Road.

The church closes about 4:45 p.m. The last tour ends about 4 p.m.

The gardens close at 4:45 p.m.

You may take photos for personal use in church. You may take photos during the tours, but without tripods. (Tripods require advance permission.) When taking photos during tours, you may not disturb the tour guide or other visitors, or you will be asked to stop taking photos. Any photos for other-than-personal use require advance permission.

No, there is no place for overnight visits.

Currently the maximum number of people allowed on a guided tour is 30.

Tours are given by Franciscan friars and by trained lay personnel, depending on the scheduling.

The Brookland Metro stop on the Red Line is several blocks away. From there, the H6 Fort Lincoln bus will take you directly in front of our building.

No, all tours must be given by one of the Tour Guides of the Monastery.

You can have a picnic in Angel Park which is just across the street from the Monastery and adjacent to the Visitor Parking Lot.  This is a large area with picnic tables that can seat up to 42 people. There is no charge for parking or use of the site.  Please contact tours@myfranciscan.com or 202-526-6800 ext 364 in advance if booking a group of 10 or more.  

There are no hotels near the Monastery. However, there are many hotels in the downtown area, in nearby College Park, and close to the Red Line metro stops.

Since the tour requires a certain pace to be accomplished within the time frame allowed, it is not possible to stop and pray for long periods in the lower church. However, you are encouraged to offer short prayers at each shrine along the way, and to remain in a prayerful attitude during the entire visit.

No, but a donation is greatly appreciated. Cash, or checks made payable to the Franciscan Monastery, may be deposited in the Tour Donation box. There is also a donation kiosk for credit card users next to the Tour Donation box.

The Monastery does not have a cafeteria. Groups are welcome to bring their own lunches and can eat outside in Angel Park, weather permitting. There are also meeting rooms at the Monastery that can be rented for a nominal charge for your group to eat lunch.  Contact tours@myfranciscan.com  or 202-526-6800, ext 364, for further information as to availability and cost.

Unfortunately, The Franciscan Monastery does not have guest accommodations. We encourage visitors to stay at area hotels, in College Park or, by Metro, downtown Silver Spring.

Housing for Priests/Consecrated Religious

Rooms are available in our friary for priests and male consecrated religious who are studying at CUA and other religious schools of higher learning. Please contact us at mail@myfranciscan.com for details.

Hermitage

Our on-site hermitage is intended solely for use a a spiritual solace and reconnecting with God. If you are seeking a personal retreat experience, you can learn more about the hermitage here or contact us at hermitage@myfranciscan.com to schedule your retreat.

Please note that the sole purpose of the Hermitage is for spiritual solace and reconnecting with God. Use of the lodgings for the sole purpose of accommodations is not in keeping with this purpose and mission.