| World / USA / District of Columbia / Washington, 3 km from center | Coordinates: 38°55'59"N 77°0'2"W |
The Basilica is actually taller than the US Capital building, so the church must pay a yearly fine to have a building taller than the Capital. In DC, it is illegal to have a building taller than the Capital, unless a yearly fine is paid.
Construction was started on a plot of land that was formerly part of the Catholic University campus prior to Vatican II. The lower or Crypt Church was completed prior to Vatican II, while the upper church (the Basilica proper) was completed after Vatican II. Interestingly, this means that all of the inscriptions in the Crypt Church are in Latin, while those in the upper church are in English.
It is the largest Catholic church in all of the Americas.
Category: university church basilica catholic religion
place comments: |
21 months ago Michael | 0 |
 
|
|
Actually that is incorrect... No building in DC can be taller than the Washington Monument, and the clarrion tower at the Basilica is shy of that by several feet. I know I used to work there and give tours there. | ||||
|
15 months ago NM | +7 |
|
|
This place is definitely worth a look if you are in town, Catholic or not. A truly incredible church. | ||||
 |
12 months ago lwnf360 | 0 |
|
|
Michael, the author said "US Capital building"...the part about it being illegal to have a building taller than the dome of the US Capital without paying a fine is correct. You are correct that the Washington Monument is the tallest structure in DC at 555 feet. | ||||
|
1 day ago Waren Harding | +1 |
|
|
This is the most beautiful church in the nation and the biggest Catholic Church in the nation, too! | ||||
 | add your comment in English |