The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic temple in the United States. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Washington Church inaugurated in 1959 is a basic destination for travelers – religious or otherwise – who want to breathe the soul of the United States.
We separate some curiosities that you need to know before you know the building, whose neo-Byzantine architecture architecture causes a sense of immediate admiration.
- The tallest building in DC
The Shrine is the tallest building in Washington DC. Its 100 meters high is an exception to the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, an act approved by the United States Congress that limited the height of the buildings in the capital to 40 meters in height. But pay attention to one detail: the Basilica is the tallest building, but not the tallest construction in DC. This status belongs to the Washington Monument, which measures 169 meters and boasts American pride.
- Top 10 worldwide
It is natural that the largest church in one of the most Christian countries in the world is in the top 10 in a global comparison. The Shrine is the largest Catholic temple in the whole North America, which is makes it the 8th largest Roman apostolic building on planet Earth.
- Crowdfunding
The construction of the Basilica of Washington DC only ended thanks to the help of the faithful. And by help, we mean financial and effort help. Let us explain it: the project was started in 1914 and carried on until 1953. However, due to the US efforts in two consecutive world wars in the previous decades, there were no resources to complete the upper part of the building. It was then that in 1953 the bishops of America – under the leadership of John Noll, Archbishop of Fort Wayne, and Patrick O’Boyle, Archbishop of Washington – pledged to raise the necessary funds. On November 20, 1959, thousands of Catholics met with their bishops for the dedication of the Great Church, the fruit of the efforts of a united community for the common good.
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