Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville, Catholic basilica in Asheville, United States
The Basilica of St. Lawrence is a Catholic church in the Spanish Renaissance style in Asheville, North Carolina, completed in 1909. It is built entirely of tile, stone, and copper, with no wood or steel framing, and features a large freestanding elliptical dome over the nave.
The church was designed by Rafael Guastavino and his son, who also worked on the nearby Biltmore Estate, and was completed in 1909. In 1993, the Vatican granted it the title of basilica, recognizing its long standing role in the region.
The basilica sits in downtown Asheville and is easy to reach on foot from many other city center attractions. Guided tours are available on most mornings and afternoons, giving visitors a closer look at the building and its art.
The dome of the basilica is said to be the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America. The entire building, from the walls to the roof, was constructed without a single piece of wood or steel.
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