15 interesting facts about the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Beautifully situated in the Northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception attracts thousands of people each day. The National Shrine is the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America. 

Interested to learn more? 

15 interesting facts about the National Shrine

1. In 1913 a national shrine was approved by Pope Pius X to be built in the United States. The cornerstone for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was laid in 1920. The Crypt Church was completed in 1926 and the rest of the Crypt Level was finished in 1931.

2. The Church is Romanesque-Byzantine style and is made entirely of stone, brick, tile and mortar. There are no steel structural beams, framework or columns found in this building. It was believed the Romanesque-Byzantine style fit in well with the other architecture found in Washington, D.C. 

3. Several architects were involved with this major project. From the 1919-36 construction, they were: Maginnis and Walsh of Boston, with associate Frederick V. Murphy, Professor of Architecture at CUA, Timothy F. Walsh of Massachusetts, and Frederick Vernon Murphy. Post-WWII, the architects from 1954-59 were, Maginnis and Walsh and Kennedy of Boston, Charles D. Maginnis of Massachusetts, and Eugene F. Kennedy, Jr., also of Massachusetts.

4. The first Mass was held in 1924, on Easter Sunday.

5. Construction for the National Shrine was ongoing but was temporarily put on hold during the Depression and World War II. Build for the Great Upper Church superstructure resumed in 1954 and was completed in 1959. Its dedication took place on November 20 of that year.

6. Pope John Paul II was the first reigning Pope to visit the National Shrine; this took place in 1979. He would later elevate the National Shrine to the status of minor basilica in 1990. Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2008. He gave a rare bestowal of “a Golden Rose for Our Mother Mary”. This is an honor that dates back to the 11th century.

7. Every year about 1 million people visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to attend Mass, tour the church, or visit one of its many beautiful chapels. 

8. There are over 70 individual chapels to be found within the Basilica’s walls.

9. The National Shrine is more than 200 feet above sea level. Its exterior is 459 feet long, 240 feet wide, and the Great Dome’s diameter is 108 feet.

10. Seating capacity of the Basilica’s Upper Church is 3,500 people with a total capacity of about 6,000 people.

11. In addition to being the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America, did you know the National Shrine is also listed in the top 10 largest Roman Catholic Churches in the world?

12. The Great Dome features five Marian symbols: Fleur de lis, Cedar of Lebanon, Tower of Ivory, Star of the Sea, Intertwining Monograms of A and M (Ave and Maria).

13. The Knights Tower is 329 feet tall and has a 56-bell carillon

14. Bishop Thomas J. Shahan, the National Shrine’s founder, is buried in the Founder’s Chapel, located in the Crypt Level. He is the only person buried in the Shrine.

15. The Basilica is often referred to as “America’s Church”.

If you are Catholic or of another religion, this is a wonderful place to visit with its spirituality, no matter your beliefs. Several Masses and Confessions are held daily in the Basilica. However, even if you aren’t religious, the amazing architecture and artwork found in and out of the National Shrine are simply amazing; the interior is stunning. You can self-tour or take a guided one.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is located at 400 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017. Parking is free and relatively easy to access. To take the Metro, use the Red line (Brookland/CUA station); it is a .04 mile walk according to Google Maps.

Sources:

Visit to the Basilica
Links from the National Shrine websites, here and here [PDF]