The
Basilica of the
National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
is numbered among the ten largest churches in the
world. It measures a total of 459 feet long and
covers an area of 77,500 square feet. The height of
the nave, from the marble floor to the apex of the
central dome is ten stories. The Knights' Tower, a
gift of the Knights of Columbus and was completed in
1959, it rises 329 feet from ground level -- from
its base to the top of the cross it is as tall as a
32 story building.
The interior of the Great Upper Church is 399 feet
long and can accommodate more than six thousand
worshipers. By way of analogy, the
Statue of Liberty, which measures 306 feet 8
inches from the foundation of the pedestal to the
torch could easily fit lengthwise in the Upper
Church.The Crypt Church is 200 feet long, 160
feet wide and can comfortably seat more than 400
persons.
The Basilica of the National Shrine has much to
offer souls hungering for closeness to God. We
welcome you to the Virtual Tour of the Basilica of
the National Shrine, a shrine built in honor of the
Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in honor
of her Immaculate Conception.
If you are able, spend some time here in
Washington and visit this wonderful Basilica. Take
a tour of its numerous chapels, and gain an
understanding of the titles by which Mary has been
honored over the centuries.
If you are unable to visit, this virtual tour
will guide you through its chapels and displays. We
invite you to undertake this tour in prayerful
spirit. Each page within the Virtual tour ends with
a prayer, where possible. If, at a future time, you
have a chance to visit, you will find that the
Basilica of the National Shrine is a wonderful place
of prayer, where you can spend time in meditative
silence. |
