Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington)

The largest Catholic church in North America

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., is the largest Catholic church in the United States and North America. It was designated a minor basilica on October 12, 1990. It is the national Marian shrine of the Catholic Church in the United States.

Main data

History

The Basilica of the National Shrine is the largest Catholic church in the United States and one of the ten largest churches in the world. Construction began in 1920, and the crypt was completed in 1926, but the upper church wasn't finished until 1961. Designated a minor basilica in 1990, it seats over 10,000 people. Its Neo-Byzantine architecture and more than 70 chapels and altars make it a museum of American sacred art. It is visited by millions of pilgrims each year.

Location

This church is located in Washington DCAmerica.