St. Matthew's Cathedral is one of the most impressive houses of worship in the United States. The red brick church, designed by C. Grant La Farge in 1893, has eclectic features inspired by Italian churches. The simplicity of the exterior contrasts with the rich decorations of the interior. Its imposing copper ribbed dome is one of the visual focal points of the Washington skyline. The cathedral has been the site of a number of important services, most notably the funeral of President John F. Kennedy on November 25, 1963. (from Washington, DC, A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary)