Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception image

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Tourist attraction Catholic church Church Shrine Religious destination Basilica

One of the Best Places To Visits in Washington


Address

400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017

Website

www.nationalshrine.org

Contact

(202) 526-8300

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (4.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beautiful (22) church (19) visit (16) mosaics (10) basilica (10) Basilica (10) recommend (9) shop (9) gift (8) mass (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nick G. 2 years ago on Google
    Probably my favorite church to visit. Incredibly beautiful and detailed and will take your breath away. The lower level crypt has multiple chapels where you can always find a quiet place to escape to even with the crowds. The main level has beautiful mosaics and a huge captivating ceiling. I always love getting a chance to visit here. Highly recommend to visit if in the D.C. area!
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ajimon T. 3 months ago on Google • 589 reviews New
    What a peaceful place! The architecture is amazing as well. Loved all the small chapels from different regions around the world. Parking is free. They have a couple of shops to buy stuff as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason H. 10 months ago on Google
    My second time here. Visited about 10 years ago and spent more time in the gift shop than in the church. This time I arrived at 7a and took in the serenity of the Mary Garden, the cool breeze blowing through the trees, and the squirrels playing from afar. Headed into main church and it was nice to take photos of the artwork and see the wonderful architecture inside and outside. I soent about 2 hours here and easily could have spent another two if I didn't have other plans. Well worth the visit.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura H. 5 months ago on Google • 406 reviews
    In the top 10 for largest religious structures in the world. Largest in America. Stunning, wonderful bookstore & gift shop. Be aware daily masses are below and not in the main basilica.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary 4 months ago on Google • 119 reviews
    This church, renowned as the largest in the country, is truly a sight to behold! Its vast interior is complemented by breathtaking art and design, with the tile artwork being a particular highlight. The church spans two levels, each offering its own unique perspective, so I highly recommend exploring both. For those interested, the cafe is open on weekends only. If you’re looking to take a piece of this experience home, the gift shop is open until 5 PM, though the church itself welcomes visitors until 6 PM. The sheer size and beauty of this place make it a must-visit destination.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul P. 1 year ago on Google
    Our visits to this beautiful and inspirational basilica always leave us with a feeling that we have undergone a truly religious experience. Constructed over the last 100 years with beautiful mosaics and statues, wonderful altars in the main church and the crypt, and organ music that reverberates through the high spaces. We missed our visits during the pandemic, but were happy to be back for Easter.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dhruv 8 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    The basilica is amazing and beautiful. The free tour guide was informative and it was really beautiful with countless statues, murals, and altars. They also have various murals and altars from all across the world. The bathroom was clean and the full basilica was tidy. All in all, it was an amazing experience and I will totally recommend this place if you are around the area.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeung Hwa H. 1 year ago on Google
    This basilica was more than I expected it to be. It was awe-inspiring and even as someone who’s not that religious, I found it absolutely breathtaking. They offer tours, look up when they’re happening. It really helped me understand and appreciate the space so much more. My favorite alcove was for Our Lady of Guadalupe, what a beautiful space for peace and reflection
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MILKOS D S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen in my life. Every time I enter I am overwhelmed by an atmosphere of peace and faith. The most striking thing about this cathedral is its giant size and its colorful mosaics. All the vaults are adorned with these majestic mosaics. The church has the main floor and the crypt. As its name indicates, it is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception but inside it has dozens of chapels to the numerous dedications of the Virgin Mary that are venerated in various countries. Of course, being Cuban, I must rule out that one of them is dedicated to the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, patron saint of Cuba. This image is located very close to the Altar on the right side. Another peculiarity is that the cathedral houses various objects of great historical and spiritual value. Among them are some of the chairs used by the last Popes on their visits to the US. You will also be able to appreciate the last Papal Tiara that was used before the Second Vatican Council. Although the cathedral is not located in a central part of the city, you can easily get there by car or bus. It has big space for parking. If you plan to visit Washington DC this is a place you cannot miss. If you found this review helpful, please like it and follow me here on Google Maps for more recommendations. Thank you 🙏🏻
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 UGOCHI O. 1 year ago on Google
    Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate conception is such a big, beautiful place. From the entrance to the inside, it is magnificent. A very massive tourist site. Its got a lot of chapels/prayer rooms you can just stop at to lit a candle and pray. There are brief stories to most of the pictures or statues you see in the building. There is like a kitchen/dinning area where people can go and eat after mass (it wasn't open when we came, because we came on a Saturday. So I guess that only functions on Sundays). The number of tourists in the building was mind blowing. There is also the Catholic University of America in the same compound with the Basilica. It is so huge. Please, what ever you are doing in Washington DC, ensure you visit the Basilica, it is magnificent.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adoration T. 2 months ago on Google • 68 reviews New
    Have been here a few times. The Bishop Conference, USCCB, center across the street as well. The Bottom Floor is a must see first. They have Adoration morning until noon time daily upstairs in open church. A must visit for a deeper Spiritual experience. God Bless, Let The Light In Ministry Www.adorationtoday.tv Suzanne M. DeCarolis
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George B. 1 year ago on Google
    This has to be the most beautiful church in the US if not the world. Absolutely gorgeous architecture covered in wall to wall(and ceiling!) mosaics. The diversity of scenes that capture Mary green various global perspectives is are inspiring. Just an absolutely magical place. I highly recommend a Mass here or at least a stop and self guided tour.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 GRAMS 1 year ago on Google
    Architecture , stained glass, expansive mosaics... such ornate beauty. A very culturally inclusive site where Mary makes an appearance in so many cultures and is welcomed in this space a a collective admiration to the Great Mother in many representations.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Satyajit G. 1 year ago on Google
    I am not a church person, I am a photographer that appreciates art, humankind, culture, civilization and nature. When I decided to come visit this church, I intend to spend no more than an hour or so. But I was so amazed and moonstruck by its grandeur, impressive architecture, each and every beautiful and meticulously curated sculptures that I spent 5 hours. I'll definitely come back on a regular basis and, recommend anyone to please visit at least once to appreciate the creation.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanessa D. 2 months ago on Google • 136 reviews New
    Beautiful Homegoing for friend Andre 🧡 I've never attended a funeral there. The holiday decor made it so much more breathtaking. Rest in peace Andre 🙏

  • 5/5 George P. 2 months ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    A bucket list Basilica that one should visit at least once. Also St Mathews Cathedral, Franciscan monastery with amazing 3D murals and catacombs replicas and the Pope John Paul 2 center are in town. The Basilica has an upper and lower churches, multiple side chapels, large gift shop and book shop, parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aroh B. 1 month ago on Google • 128 reviews New
    It's an incredible basilica. It's certainly new in architecture and design, having been fully completed within the past decade. But it brings in cultural input from across the globe.

  • 5/5 Anita A. 5 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Fantastic, beautiful, restorative. This deeply spiritual place of worship is both a museum with art, rich history, statuary of religious icons, and a treasured shrine. With 80 chapels, a full day can easily be spent reflecting on the surroundings. Mass is offered daily as well as tours. Although Catholic, it is meditative and can be enjoyed by a variety of religions. On the premises is a cafeteria where you can grab a sandwich, cup of coffee or other beverages. Nice giftshop and bookstore too. Located in the heart of Washington DC, it simply cannot be missed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miriam P. 2 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    Gorgeous! Exceptional! Worth a visit even if you are not religious. Virgin Mary grottos from all over the world. Make sure to go downstairs too. If you go during a high holiday service, awesome pipe organ and exquisite choir. Even if you are not Catholic, sense of ritual is awesome-inspiring.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason O. 1 month ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    Simply extraordinary!! And larger than life... we couldn't begin to describe its breathtaking beauty. The interior ceilings look almost Eastern Orthodox-like, they are painted in such elaborate detail. We attended Sunday mass there on New Year's Eve and were captivated by the chorus and proceedings. After the mass, we walked around the exhibits and memorials; we saw the 14 Stations of the Cross in the Crypt Church, along with several decorative shrines. While we are not from DC, we'd want to go at least once again in our lifetimes.

  • 5/5 Jeanette E. 10 months ago on Google
    Incredibly beautiful and detailed and will take your breath away!! The lower level has multiple chapels and has a gift shop there as well.The main level has beautiful mosaics that are very detailed. Highly recommend to visit if in the D.C. area! Free to visit and can spend at least 30 min to an hour there. There is a rosary garden that’s across the street from the basilica as well located by the visitor parking area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MattiasFen 1 year ago on Google
    I didn't get to see too much, but what I saw blew me away. I came on a pilgrimage from Allentown to see a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. That was very nice, but what really amazed me was the Latin choir. I felt very connected to god, not even being a Christian. When I closed my eyes I felt like I was in ancient Rome. The stained glass and paintings are also incredible.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pablo B. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing church, in my opinion way more beautiful than the National Cathedral, and almost the same in size. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in the US. The interior is beautifully decorated with Byzantine style mosaics. One of the mosaics shows dinosaurs with the other animals, I added a picture of it. This building feels a lot more like a church to me than the National Cathedral because it is usually less crowded and has less of a touristy place feel. I would recommend visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine over the National Cathedral.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken F. 1 year ago on Google
    This is by far the most beautiful church we've ever been in. The mosaics and statues were stunning. We didn't have the opportunity to go here for mass but I can only imagine how beautiful it would be.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin P. 6 months ago on Google
    Absolutely unreal. Rivaled the Basilica in Venice. Soaring ceilings, glittering murals, comprehensive sorry telling. Very easy to spend 2 or 3 hours here, just taking everything in. I went around 1pm on a weekday, and had the place nearly to myself! There is a very, very large gift shop with many religious articles, trinkets, and books. Lovely, friendly staff. Truly an amazing stop. A must-see, regardless of faith!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean 10 months ago on Google
    There are free tours hourly. Even just walking around the basilica is enough of you don't walk in. They have a book in the gift shop that explains every chapel and piece of art. Definitely worth paying $5 for. Also try and do the first tour of the day because it's usually empty. I recommend going during the week especially when school is out between May - September
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eliette M. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Being at the Basilic is one of the most spiritual humbling experiences. But it's as well an architectural journey; so many different atmospheres that still integrate with each other and has a soothing effect on the visitor. You will also benefit from a whole cultural journey through several countries, and they Marian spirituality. Lovely choir, super bookshop, and lovely coffee shop. Amazing services.

  • 5/5 Christopher W. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful and very peaceful house of worship. As beautiful as the upper church is, the Crypt Church is just as beautiful. A wonderful place with so many books to sit at peace and pray, meditate, and/or reflect. Truly a special place regardless of one’s religious beliefs.

  • 5/5 Adam H. 10 months ago on Google
    Attended for the baccalaureate mass for the graduates in Spring 2023. It's a gorgeous basilica with a rich history, gorgeous stained glass, and friendly staff. As a Catholic, I was pretty blown away by. Be sure to check out the crypt on the lower level! Pretty cool!

  • 5/5 RyDawg084 4 months ago on Google
    Stunning! Had the pleasure of having Mass at this most beautiful Shrine! There is also a lovely Rosary garden adjacent to the Basilica.

  • 5/5 Alan A. 10 months ago on Google
    What a truly wonderful gift to our nation. We spent mother's day weekend in DC and getting to celebrate mass at the Basilica. The priest was awesome, the experience was just so welcomed in our weekend getaway. The "museum" was just as solemn and we as a family would highly recommend Catholics and non Catholics alike to attend mass and or just visit!

  • 5/5 Aravinthan A. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a Beautiful church ever see in my, i had a great time and good photography 📸. If anyone want DC. They have too visit this'll church ⛪️.

  • 5/5 Luis P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place. I find it more solemn and peaceful than the National Cathedral, but that's just me. It's a beautiful place to visit as a tourist and an amazing place to attend regular mass services.

  • 5/5 nelson raul armas g. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing, beautiful and peaceful place. I love that basilica. If you wanna pray and spend time with Jesus, this is a very appropiate place to be.

  • 5/5 Yefer C. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is magical to reflect and renew your spirituality. They have services in English and Spanish. Plenty visitor parking spots, restrooms are located downstairs. Just bring your great attitude and energy!


Call (202) 526-8300 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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