Free Photos of Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

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The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, rooted in Washington D.C., is famous as one of the world's ten largest churches. It was built to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

Construction of the church began in 1920 and took almost 100 years to complete, with the last of the intricate mosaic designs added as recently as 2017. Today, the basilica serves as a pilgrimage site and a center of worship for Catholics around the country.

The interior of the basilica is truly breathtaking, featuring intricate artwork, ornate chapels, and beautiful stained glass windows. The Great Upper Church is a large, open space with a towering dome and 70 smaller chapels along the sides. Tours are available to those who want to learn more about the history and significance of this magnificent building.

One of the most interesting features of the basilica is the many shrines located within it. The shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe is particularly stunning, featuring a beautiful mosaic of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can also find shrines dedicated to the saints of the Americas, as well as chapels honoring St. Joseph, St. Peter, and the Holy Angels.