Baltimore Basilica (The) - America's First Cathedral

Information

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Baltimore Basilica, is a Catholic cathedral and active parish in Baltimore. It was the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after the nation’s founding, and was among the first major religious buildings constructed therein after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.

The Basilica was constructed between 1806 and 1863 to a design of Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764-1820), America’s first professionally trained architect and Thomas Jefferson’s Architect of the U.S. Capitol.The Basilica was blessed and opened for use on May 31, 1821, by the third Archbishop of Baltimore, Ambrose Maréchal. 

If you have a chance, check out the undercroft which reveals the magnificent masonry system supporting the church!

• Accessibility: Fully Accessible
• Parking: Street Parking
• Photography: Private Use Only