Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception

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  • Address
    400 Michigan Ave NE, Northeast DC
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  • Phone
    526 8300
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: Brookland-CUA

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Lonely Planet review

The largest Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere (and some say the Catholic answer to the Washington National Cathedral), this huge church accommodates 6000 worshipers. In addition to its unearthly size, the Marian shrine sports an eclectic mix of Romanesque and Byzantine motifs, from classical towers to a mosque-like dome, all anchored by a 329ft minaret-shaped campanile. A large gift shop sells religious literature, rosaries and statues.

Downstairs, the original Eastern-style crypt church has low, mosaic-covered vaulted ceilings lit by votives and chandeliers. Upstairs, the main sanctuary is lined with elaborate saints' chapels, lit by rose windows and fronted by a dazzling mosaic of a stern Christ.