Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, National Catholic shrine at Michigan Avenue, Washington, D.C., United States.
The Basilica spans over 77,500 square feet and stands as the largest Roman Catholic church in North America, featuring Byzantine Revival architecture with brick construction.
The foundation stone placement in 1920 initiated construction after American bishops designated the Blessed Virgin Mary as United States patroness under Immaculate Conception title.
More than 80 chapels and oratories within the Basilica display ecclesiastical art collections representing different Catholic traditions from numerous countries worldwide.
The Basilica provides six daily masses, five hours of confessions, guided tours, shops, a cafeteria, and free admission four blocks from the nearest Metro station.
The structure received the Golden Rose award and contains the most extensive collection of modern ecclesiastical art, with space for 2,500 people in its theater setting.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Inception: 1961
Architects: Maginnis & Walsh
Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture
Made from material: brick
Website: http://nationalshrine.com
GPS coordinates: 38.93333,-77.00056
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:18
Washington DC, the capital of the United States, houses the three branches of federal government and the nation's most significant political institutions. The White House serves as the presidential residence, while the Capitol building hosts Congress and the Supreme Court represents the judicial branch. The National Mall extends 2 miles (3 kilometers) and connects historic monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument, which commemorate the nation's founders. The city holds an exceptional concentration of museums, many belonging to the Smithsonian Institution and offering free admission. The National Air and Space Museum displays the history of aviation and space exploration, while the National Gallery of Art presents an extensive collection of European and American art. The Library of Congress preserves over 170 million items and ranks as the largest library in the world. Memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial honor significant events and figures in American history. Historic districts like Georgetown and Embassy Row, along with green spaces such as the Tidal Basin and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, complement the capital's cultural and natural offerings.
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