Baltimore Basilica
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption
The first Catholic cathedral in the United States, a neoclassical building designed by Latrobe, with a domed skylit interior of beautiful light.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption was built between 1806 and 1821. It was the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after independence, designed by Benjamin Latrobe, architect of the U.S. Capitol. Inside, the white dome is lit by skylights that create soft light, and the crypt holds the tombs of former archbishops and can be visited. Admission to the basilica is free, guided tours are available, and visitors are asked to keep quiet during Mass. It is located near Mount Vernon and can be combined with a visit to the Walters Art Museum.
Opening hours
About 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Walters Art Museum
- Washington Monument & Mount Vernon Place
- Lexington Market
- Westminster Hall and Burying Ground
- USS Constellation & Historic Ships in Baltimore
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
- Inner Harbor