Basilica of St. Josaphat

The Basilica of St. Josaphat is a house of worship with a distinctive copper dome and stone walls designed after Rome's St. Peter's Basilica. The structure rises prominently with vaulted interior spaces, tall ceilings, and detailed stonework throughout its main chapel and side galleries.

Polish immigrants established the congregation in 1888 as a center for their Catholic faith in the city. The building was completed around 1901 under architect Erhard Brielmaier's design, incorporating salvaged materials to reduce construction costs.

The interior decoration reflects the artistic vision of Polish immigrant communities who shaped its religious imagery and devotional spaces. Visitors can see how the ornamental details throughout the church embody the faith traditions that were important to those who built it.

The basilica holds regular worship services throughout the week and on weekends at different times each day. Visitors should check service times before arriving to plan their visit and show respect during active prayer or religious ceremonies.

The construction incorporated carved stone blocks and architectural elements salvaged from the demolished Chicago Federal Building. This reuse of materials from another major structure gives the building an unexpected layer of architectural history from a different city.

Location: Milwaukee

GPS coordinates: 43.00239,-87.91915

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41