Baltimore Basilica
"The worldwide symbol of religious freedom." - Pope John Paul II
The Baltimore Basilica by night. Public domain.
Pretty as a picture: view from the northwest. Photo
Mark.
Bishop John Carroll and architect Benjamin Latrobe. Public domain.
Benjamin Latrobe's cross-section drawing of the planned basilica.
View from the south today. Photo
Matthew Kuhnert.
The sanctuary, looking east to the altar. Photo
Michael Burton
Roark.
The archbishop's throne (cathedra). Photo
Michael Burton
Roark.
The brick crypt, opened in 2006. Photo
Matthew Kuhnert.
John Carroll laying the cornerstone of the cathedral in 1806.
Known as "America's First Cathedral," the Baltimore Basilica (in full: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) was the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after the adoption of the Constitution. A Catholic cathedral in a prominently Protestant nation, it became a symbol of the nation's religious freedom. It was built in a Neoclassical style in 1806-1821 and underwent major restoration work in 2004-2006.
History
The Basilica of the Assumption was founded not long after the adoption of the United States Constitution (1788), in celebration of the Catholic Church's newfound religious freedom. The project was overseen by John Carroll (1735-1815), Archbishop of Baltimore and America’s first bishop. His cousin was Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The architect was British-born Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764-1820), who designed the United States Capitol for Thomas Jefferson and is called the "Father of American Architecture."
The cathedral of Baltimore went on to play a central role in the development of American Catholicism, hosting several important councils and developing an authoritative catechism. In 1937, Pope Pius XI raised the cathedral to the rank of a Minor Basilica.
In 1972, the Baltimore Basilica was declared a National Landmark and in 1993, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the Cathedral a National Shrine. Over the last few decades, visitors to the Baltimore Basilica have included Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.
The basilica was closed from April 2004 to November 2006 for major repairs and renovations, which included opening the crypt, adding a museum, and providing full disabled access. It reopened with great fanfare, just in time to celebrate its 200th anniversary.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Baltimore Basilica; Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Basilica of the Assumption |
| Dedicated to: | Virgin Mary (Annunciation) |
| Location: | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Categories: | Cathedrals; Catholic Shrines |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1806-1821 |
| Architect: | Latrobe, Benjamin Henry |
| Architecture: | Neoclassical |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 39.294404° N, 76.616163° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 409 Cathedral St., Mount Vernon, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 |
| Phone: | 410-727-3565 |
| Website: | contact form |
| Hours: | Mon-Fri: 7am-4:30pm Sat-Sun: 7am-6:30pm Memorial Day, Independence Day (unless it falls on a weekend), Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day: 8am-10am Gift shop: Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm, Sun: 11am-4pm |
| Tours: | Mon-Fri: 9am, 11am, 1pm Sat: 9am, 11am, 1pm (Call ahead for availability) Sun: 12pm |
| Cost: | Free. Donation of $2 or more requested for group tours. |
| Photography: | Permitted for personal use only. |
| Services: | Mon-Fri: 7:30am, 12:10pm Sat: 7:30am, 5:30pm (Vigil for Sunday) Sun: 7:30am, 9:00am (Latin), 10:45am (Choir), 4:00pm (Music), 5:30pm (Music) |
| Parking: | Street parking or the Franklin Street Garage (on Franklin Street between Charles and Cathedral Streets) around the corner from the Basilica. |
| Accessibility: | Wheelchair ramps and elevators make the entire basilica accessible. |
Travel Resources
- Baltimore Map - our detailed interactive map of Baltimore, plus hand-picked links to more
- Baltimore Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Baltimore
- Baltimore Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Baltimore Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Baltimore Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Baltimore Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Baltimore Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Baltimore tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Baltimore Basilica. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Baltimore Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- The Baltimore Basilica - official website
- Minor Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - National Historic Landmarks Program
More Information
- John Carroll - Wikipedia
- Benjamin Henry Latrobe - Wikipedia
Article last updated: 06/19/2009.
