Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conceptions is a catholic basilica in Washington DC which honors the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church is the largest Catholic Church in the United States and the eighth largest religious structure in the world. Approximately one million people visit the basilica each year.

Construction began in 1920 of the church, it was opened unfinished though not until 1959, and the architecture style is Neo-Byzantine. The exterior of the church is 459 feet long, 237 feet wide and 237 feet tall to the top of the cross located on the dome. The main dome of the church is only seven feet taller then the dome on the United States Capital. The church is designed much like Basilica of St. Mark in Venice, on this basilica is larger. It features numerous domes that are decorated in mosaics, along with many art works including the fourteen Stations of the Cross.

The basilica received a visit from Pope Benedict XVI in 2008; he bestowed his Golden Rose upon the Basilica. The Basilica is a place for visitors to worship pilgrimage or reconcile, it is also the nation's preeminent Marian shrine due to the dedication to the patroness of the United States the Blessed Virgin Mary.

There are six Masses offered each day at the Basilica, along with five hours of Confessions, there is also Special Occasion Masses, Pilgrimages and Concerts held throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to participate in a guided tour of the Basilica, or visit the Catholic Gift Shop, Book Store or Cafeteria.