Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and one of the ten largest in the world. Standing beside the Catholic University of America, its blue-and-gold dome and soaring Knights Tower campanile dominate the skyline of northeast Washington. Construction began in 1920, and the building was dedicated in 1959, though its mosaic decoration continued for decades, with the Trinity Dome completed only in 2017.
Designed in a fusion of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the basilica is famed above all for its mosaics, among the largest collections of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world. More than 80 chapels and oratories honor Mary under titles brought by Catholic immigrant communities from across the globe, making it a tapestry of the universal Church.
Designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and visited by multiple popes, the shrine welcomes around a million pilgrims and visitors annually. They come for Mass, devotion at the crypt church, organ recitals, and to marvel at the immense, glittering interior.
- Annual visitors
- ≈ 1,000,000
- Location
- 38.9333, -77.0006
- Local time
- 18:39 (America/New_York)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sun | 06:00–18:00 |
Open 365 days a year, 6:00-18:00 per official Hours page; guided tours Mon-Sat.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Saint
Has a dedicated oratory and is honored in the Mount Carmel Chapel and West Portico.
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Saint
First American-born saint; in the Trinity Dome mosaic, Hall of American Saints, and west facade.
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St. Katharine Drexel Saint
Depicted in the Trinity Dome mosaic, the Hall of American Saints, and the Crypt Church sacristy.
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St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Saint
Honored among the American saints in the Trinity Dome mosaic.
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St. John Paul II Saint
Visited the Basilica and is depicted among the heroes of faith in the Trinity Dome mosaic.
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St. Pio of Pietrelcina Saint
His relics have been brought to the Basilica for public veneration.
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St. Maximilian Kolbe Saint
Honored with a dedicated chapel/oratory among the Basilica's side chapels.
Care & donations
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Accepts donations and offerings online to support the shrine
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