The Trinity Dome mosaic covers 18,300 square feet and features 14 million pieces of glass.
The Basilica was constructed without a steel frame, utilizing only masonry, stone, tile, and concrete.
Pope Francis canonized Junípero Serra on the grounds of the Shrine in 2015, the first canonization held on U.S. soil.
The interior contains the Papal Tiara of Pope Paul VI, donated to the Shrine in 1968.
The Shrine is a major center for American pilgrimages, attracting nearly one million visitors annually.
The Great Upper Church features a 3,600-foot-long mosaic floor made of marble and gold leaf.
The building's architecture intentionally lacks a traditional spire, opting instead for a dome structure to distinguish it from the nearby Washington Monument.
The Shrine houses a collection of relics from various saints embedded in altars throughout the chapels.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and one of the ten largest in the world. Located on the campus of The Catholic University of America, it serves as a minor basilica and a national sanctuary. Construction began in 1920, with the Great Upper Church dedicated in 1959. The structure is built in a blend of Neo-Byzantine and Neo-Romanesque architectural styles. It contains over 80 chapels and oratories dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The exterior is notable for its massive dome and the Trinity Dome, which is covered in mosaic tiles. The building reaches a total height of 329 feet to the top of the cross on the dome. It functions as a place of worship and a repository for religious art, including extensive mosaic collections.
The view from the front entrance steps looking up at the mosaic-adorned façade.
Download the official audio tour app or pick up a printed guide at the information desk to navigate the dozens of chapels.
Check the schedule for organ recitals or choral performances which frequently occur in the Great Upper Church.
Allow time to visit the Crypt Level separately, as it features distinct architectural details and historical significance.
Avoid visiting during major national holidays or holy days unless attending mass, as the building becomes highly restricted for non-worshippers.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Silence is expected throughout the interior.
