Basilica of Saint Mary, Catholic minor basilica in Loring Park, Minneapolis, United States.
The Basilica of Saint Mary is a Renaissance Revival church in Minneapolis featuring a grand portico supported by marble columns and a dome soaring to 138 feet high. Inside, sixty stained glass windows fill the interior with colored light and religious scenes.
The building rose after fire destroyed the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with construction beginning in 1907 under architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray. Work was completed in 1914, establishing this as a major architectural landmark for the city.
Eight bronze doors display Catholic symbols throughout the building, while interior colors carry meaning—white represents purity, blue stands for truth, and red expresses love. These choices shape how visitors experience the sacred space.
The basilica is generally open Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM, with extended weekend hours during religious services and special events. Planning a visit during quieter weekday periods helps you see the interior details more clearly.
Pope Pius XI granted this the distinction of being the first basilica established in the entire United States when he bestowed the title in 1926. This honor reflects its special role in American Catholic history.
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