Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius

The basilica features travertine marble walls, a vaulted tiled ceiling, terrazzo floors, and an intricately carved marble altar with baldachino surrounded by oak pews.

Built during the Great Depression and dedicated on October 17, 1939, the church was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope John Paul II on June 30, 1989.

The basilica houses life-size mosaics of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century Byzantine brothers who created the Glagolitic alphabet and evangelized Slavic peoples.

Located at Villa Sacred Heart convent complex at coordinates 40.9626°N and -76.6028°W, the basilica serves as both a worship site and pilgrimage destination within the Diocese of Harrisburg.

The church was constructed entirely through donations from working-class immigrants, including coal miners, steel mill workers, and farmers who contributed precious materials like marble, gold, and silver.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1939

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.96260,-76.60280

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18