Baltimore Basilica

From BaltoCo

The Baltimore Basilica

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

www.BaltimoreBasilica.org | Site_Map | Sacred_Buildings

The oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States, the Baltimore Basilica reopened on November 4, 2006, marking the structure's 200th anniversary. The opening celebration followed a $34 million renovation intended to restore the original design and vision of 19th century architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Latrobe designed the Basilica while completing his work as the architect of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.

The renovation features restoration of Latrobe's 24 skylights, which had been painted black during World War II and later removed. Latrobe's skylight design was influenced by his long-time collaboration and correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, who designed similar dome skylights for his home in Monticello. The Basilica's skylights, however, are not visible to most visitors. The skylights make up the inner layer of a unique double dome, which creates diffuse lighting that fills the chamber below. "The idea, basically, is for there to be a glow hovering high over the head of the spectator ... and you don't fully understand where it's coming from. It creates a very solemn effect," said Charles Brownell, art history professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, as quoted in the Washington Post.

Formally known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cathedral is situated at the corner of Cathedral and Mulberry streets, across the street from the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Central Library. The Basilica is located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore (see: Washington Monument).

John Carroll, the nation's first bishop, laid the cathedral's cornerstone on July 7, 1806; the building was completed in 1821. Carroll was laid to rest in the cathedral's crypt.

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