The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.)

USA / District of Columbia / Washington / Washington, D.C. / Michigan Avenue Northeast, 400
 basilica, shrine, 1961_construction, Roman Catholic church
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, and third largest church of any kind in the United States.
www.nationalshrine.com
 Add place (company, shop, etc.) to this building
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_the_National_Shrine_of_the_Immaculate_Conception
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   38°55'59"N   77°0'2"W

Comments

  • 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.
  • This place is definitely worth a look if you are in town, Catholic or not. A truly incredible church.
  • 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.
  • This is the most beautiful church in the nation and the biggest Catholic Church in the nation, too!
This article was last modified 2 years ago