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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Religious sites

Georgetown Visitation Monastery

A serene sanctuary of faith and education, this 1799 monastery is the first Catholic girls' school and first Visitation Convent in the United States, featuring a historic campus in Georgetown.

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Georgetown Visitation Monastery
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What is the Georgetown Visitation Monastery?

The Georgetown Visitation Monastery is a Visitation Order monastery in Washington, D.C., and is home to the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary, who live a life of prayer and community there.

What is it known for?

It is known as the first Visitation Convent in the United States and the first Catholic school for girls in the nation, founded in 1799.

Is it worth visiting for the architecture?

Yes, the campus features fourteen buildings on the historic registry, nine of which were built before the Civil War.

Where is it located?

The monastery is located at 1500 35th Street NW in the Georgetown Historic District of Washington, D.C.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Georgetown Visitation Monastery is a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.'s religious history, established in 1799 by Father Leonard Neale and three women from Philadelphia: Alice Lalor, Maria McDermott, and Maria Sharpe. As the first Visitation Convent in the United States and the first Catholic school for girls in the nation, it has flourished for over 225 years, serving as both a thriving college preparatory school and a residential religious community. The campus is a treasure trove of architecture, spanning 22.4 acres and situated within the Georgetown Historic District. The grounds feature fourteen buildings on the historic registry, nine of which were constructed before the Civil War. A notable example of the site's longevity is the Academy Building, which was erected in 1873. The monastery is home to the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary, who dedicate their lives to prayer and community. While the Order's roots trace back to St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal in 1610 Annecy, France, the Georgetown community has evolved to become more diverse, now welcoming younger members from Kenya and Vietnam. Unlike a museum, the monastery functions as a private residential religious community. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance of the campus as a pioneer of female education in the early American republic, and as a site of enduring spiritual devotion.

Visitor tips

  • Since this is a residential religious community, maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while on the grounds.
  • Walk the perimeter of the 22.4-acre campus to view the historic registry buildings from the street.
  • Allow time to explore the surrounding Georgetown Historic District to complement your visit.

Nearby context

Located at 1500 35th Street NW, the monastery is bordered by P Street and Georgetown University to the south, placing it in the heart of the historic northwest section of Washington, D.C.

Sources

Evidence and links