Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the national Catholic church of the United States
In addition to being beautiful, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic church in the United States and the official Catholic church for the patron saint of the U.S. – the Virgin Mary. Although the Basilica is built in the shape of a cross, it is not a cathedral. A cathedral is the home church for a bishop while a basilica has a connection to the Pope. Often confused with the more well-known Washington National Cathedral, the Basilica is the national Catholic church while National Cathedral is an Episcopal church.
Many think the U.S. Capitol is the tallest building in DC, but it is actually the Basilica. (The Washington Monument is taller than both, but it is considered a “structure” rather than a building.) Unfortunately, visitors are not able to check out the view from the top of the Basilica, but the clock tower at the second tallest building in DC, the Old Post Office, has fantastic views of downtown. The diameter of the Basilica’s central dome (the Trinity Dome) is only seven feet smaller than the Capitol dome.
The Basilica has the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world. In keeping with its Romanesque-Byzantine style, this includes many intricate mosaic murals, stained glass windows, and figurative sculptures. There are more than 70 chapels dedicated to Mary, other saints, and martyrs from around the globe. Even non-religious adventurers will enjoy wandering around the Basilica looking at the art in each chapel. Don’t miss your chance to take a selfie with a cardboard standup of the Pope; he was on the Crypt level on the day of my visit.
I recommend adventurers avoid visiting on a Sunday as it gets quite busy, and you won’t be able to go into spaces where mass is being held. The smell of incense can also be a bit overwhelming after multiple masses in a row. When you enter the Basilica, pick up the free welcome brochure with a brief overview of the shrine’s history and a map of the many chapels. Guided tours are offered several times a day and last about an hour. My tour did not offer much more information than you’ll find in the brochure, so I recommend exploring on your own instead. Free audio tours can also be borrowed out from the information desk.
Although an estimated one million people visit the Basilica each year, many locals have never made the pilgrimage to check it out. I enjoyed the tour at the nearby Franciscan Monastery more, but the Basilica is worth checking out for its unique art collection and ornate building. They’re only a mile apart, so adventurers can easily stop by both.
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Address
400 Michigan Ave NE
Metro Station
- Brookland-CUA (RD)
Accessibility
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is wheelchair accessible. The handicapped parking spots and accessible entrances are well-marked. Each floor has elevator access, and almost all of the chapels are accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis.
Cost
Free
Hours
April to October from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
November to March from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tours on Monday to Saturday at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Length of Adventure
1 hour
