The nave is the central part of a cathedral (or church) separated from side aisles by columns. In the National Cathedral there is a baptismal font (where babies are baptised) in the center of the nave. This picture shows the nave floor and the font left of center. The front door, with rosette stained glass window, is visible at the left end of the picture, and the main alter at the right end ("liturgical east").

In this picture, the ceiling of the nave is shown. Again, the front door is on the left, and the main alter is on the right.

In this picture, we are looking down the nave toward the main alter. Note that the flags of all the States are posted on either side of the nave, consistent with its mission to be "a spiritual home for the nation. " Note the purplish glow from the stained glass windows.

In this picture, we are looking down the nave toward the front door, with its rosette stained glass window casting colors on the floor of the nave.