The dome was constructed using the 'Guastavino system,' a technique involving layers of thin clay tiles bonded with mortar.
No steel or iron was used in the construction of the dome to ensure it was completely fireproof.
Rafael Guastavino, who worked on the Biltmore Estate and the Boston Public Library, was interred in the church's side chapel.
The church houses a significant collection of original artwork and stained glass imported from Munich, Germany.
The floor plan is shaped as a Latin cross, common in traditional ecclesiastical architecture but adapted for the elliptical dome design.
The Basilica was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence in Asheville features the largest free-standing elliptical dome in North America. Designed by Rafael Guastavino and Richard Sharp Smith, the structure was completed in 1909 using fireproof tile construction techniques. It was designated a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1993, the first such designation in North Carolina. The interior is characterized by the absence of steel structural reinforcements, relying instead on interlocking clay tiles. Rafael Guastavino's tomb is located within the chapel, as he oversaw the construction of the building until his death. The exterior utilizes a mix of brick and terra cotta, reflecting the Spanish Renaissance influence favored by the architect. It serves as an active parish church within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte.
Stand near the main entrance looking toward the altar to capture the full scale of the elliptical dome and the central nave.
Observe the ceiling closely to see the unique tile pattern that characterizes Guastavino's signature construction method.
Check the parish calendar for wedding or funeral services which may limit access to specific areas of the sanctuary.
Visit the small chapel containing the architect's tomb for a quiet, historical perspective.
Avoid visiting during private liturgical events or weddings; do not use flash photography inside the sanctuary.
The basilica is occasionally closed to the public for private ceremonies or liturgical functions; check the parish website for weekly updates.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is expected.
