Trip Planner: USA / District of Columbia / Washington DC / Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC

4.9

#6 of 54 in Historic Sites in Washington DC

Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Church

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The largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and the eighth largest church building in the world, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception houses over 70 chapels and oratories. Over a million pilgrims travel to this large Neo-Byzantine building every year to admire its dome filled with mosaics. Colored marble shrines and altars throughout pay homage to saints. The baldacchino altar takes particular prominence under a green mosaic dome. Be sure to view the statuary depicting the pope and Pope Benedict XVI's gift of a golden rose displayed in the chapel. Six masses are held daily. Put Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and other Washington DC attractions into our Washington DC vacation planner, and watch your holiday take shape.

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Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception reviews

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4.9

By drkjw

I’ve been to some impressive churches in Europe, and the National Shrine is comparable in many ways. There were shrines to Mary in the actual Basilica that were beautifully adorned and a must see...

I’ve been to some impressive churches in Europe, and the National Shrine is comparable in many ways. There were shrines to Mary in the actual Basilica that were beautifully adorned and a must see... more »
By Jane L

Beautiful church. Mass in the crypt church was great. Had a great tour guide! So much beauty to see. Loved it! Walking down in the crypt and hearing multiple masses at once was wonderful. Put it on..... more

Beautiful church. Mass in the crypt church was great. Had a great tour guide! So much beauty to see. Loved it! Walking down in the crypt and hearing multiple masses at once was wonderful. Put it on..... more »

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By Nick Graham

Probably my favorite church to visit. Incredibly beautiful and detailed and will take your breath away. The lower level crypt has multiple chapels where you can always find a quiet place to escape to even with the crowds. The main level has beautiful mosaics and a huge captivating ceiling. I always love getting a chance to visit here. Highly recommend to visit if in the D.C. area!

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By UGOCHI OBIJURU

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate conception is such a big, beautiful place. From the entrance to the inside, it is magnificent. A very massive tourist site. Its got a lot of chapels/prayer rooms you can just stop at to lit a candle and pray. There are brief stories to most of the pictures or statues you see in the building. There is like a kitchen/dinning area where people can go and eat after mass (it wasn't open when we came, because we came on a Saturday. So I guess that only functions on Sundays). The number of tourists in the building was mind blowing. There is also the Catholic University of America in the same compound with the Basilica. It is so huge. Please, what ever you are doing in Washington DC, ensure you visit the Basilica, it is magnificent.

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