Basilica of the National Shrine Review

It was the best experience of my life the cathedral is beautiful and its surroundings and the chapels on the sides and south terraces are beautiful, I will return again. If God allows it, I invite you to go, it is unforgettable.

All the art gathered in to the largest Church in North America is beautiful!

A breathtakingly beautiful spiritual place in our nation's capitol. I stopped here tonight on my way home from Hyattsville, MD.

Blessed by the visit.
Perfect place for silent prayer

A staple landmark visit for anyone visiting Washington, DC, and especially for fellow Catholics of various rites.
The upper church has so much to offer in terms of spaces to pray and stand in awe of the beautiful architecture and artwork, especially the massive domes overhead.
In the undercroft, one can find little areas displaying many other rites that are in full communion with Rome and the Holy See. I personally am a huge fan of the iconography, while being of the Latin Rite.
The lower church also offers a place for a number of beautiful daily Masses served by different priests, and Confessions take place nearby.
All in all, the Basilica truly speaks to the Universal nature of The Church.

Was walking by and heard beautiful music coming from the well lit building, so I walked up the steps to check it out. The doors were unlocked so I walked in and saw a large choir on stage and a few people sitting in the audience. I was taken by the beauty of the building, but before I could even absorb it all, a harsh man sitting in a pew called out to me in a stern voice and said, "We're closed". I thought I had misunderstood, so I said, "what?", and in a more forceful, angry voice, he said, "WE'RE CLOSED". I thought, "how bizarre, this is a house of God, a place of worship, a hospital for the soul, a place of sanctuary.....and this man had no idea what my situation is. Do I need help? Am I suicidal? Do I need to speak to a priest?" He didn't care, he just wanted me out of his place of worship. He then followed me to the door, walked out on the steps and stood there and watched me as I walked away....like I was some kind of criminal. Not a very good representation of the God I love and serve! I hope he reads this and learns something about humility and compassion for strangers.

This is a must for any Catholic or church enthusiast! It's a beautiful church with lots to see including many handmade mosaics (it's amazing how it was accomplished!). There are numerous statues, special items that were used by different Pope's and a huge gift shop. They also hold mass here with plenty of space, one is held downstairs and another upstairs (the upstairs is much bigger). The building is wheelchair accessible. They also have an area to grab a meal, trust me, if you're there for the first time you will probably be there for at least one meal. They do provide free tours so you can learn more about the facility. I felt it was a very holy place where I felt at pease the whole time. I would highly advise anyone to go while in DC. This is the biggest Catholic Church in the northern hemisphere!

Great spiritual community. Long historical role in Alexandria

The place was absolutely beautiful. It's so serene and calming, the different saints, ladies and different sculptures really gave the place a beautiful unique atmosphere. I recommend sitting at one of the benches and just closing your eyes. It gives a very soothing aura, and makes you happy immediately. Definitely recommend going.

Beautiful ... place to pray ... in silence ... although the gentlemen who clean make a lot of noise when you are praying ... I don't like it ... it's good it's your job ... but a little ... .. of silence ..... thanks

A must visit church! Magnificent!!! Our Mother Mary is all over the place. Great bookstore, Cafeteria, parking etc.

Definitely worth a visit. Beautiful side chapels and main Church, as well as lower level crypt, gift shop, and cafeteria. Confessions are available multiple times.

I have been here several times. And every single time I am awestruck. From the moment you cross the door, you see people full of kindness and love. Daniel, your friendly demeanor, truly makes the experience even greater. He is one of the security guards. We are grateful for him.

This is the type of experience that you expect to see in this magnificent place of worship. An environment that reflects the love of God. Thank you to everyone who helps make the Basilica a place where people can encounter God in His beauty. You are builders dedicated to the mission of building the Kingdom of God as the Father said in his homily last Sunday.

I admire all the work required to serve the great Basilica. We are incredibly blessed by Mother Mary to have it in our neighborhood. Thank you again to all the staff, beginning with Msgr. Rossi, fathers, lectors, heavenly choir, security guards and my personal favorite Daniel for this experience. You are all generous hosts and so hospitable to us each time. How I wish I knew everyone s names, but God knows them. Only God knows how to say thank you. Amazing place!

Beautiful Sanctuary, the feel of God's presence is in that Basilica Shrine.

The basilica and grounds of The Catholic University are an amazing living tribute to Catholicism in the United States. Easy to get to by Metro from downtown D.C. The basilica tour was very informative and well worth taking. The tour is fast-paced as there is so much to see. The faith-inspired art everywhere, stone sculptures, the paintings, mosaics, on walls domes and ceilings, the 70 chapels dedicated to Mother Mary from all over the world, and solemnity of the Basilica were awesome and uplifted my spirit! There is an excellent gem of a cafeteria and bookstore underneath! I would love to attend a mass next visit. A must see when touring Washington for Catholics and non-catholics alike.

Largest Church in Americas that offers everyone a glympse into the life of Mary, the Catholic faith in a very large, yet peaceful location

A beautiful Roman Catholic church in DC. From the grounds to the church, it is immaculate and the perfect place for meeting and relaxing as well as attending services. The archetecture is unique because it combines Byzantine with the usual Gothic style. The highlight is the shrine to Mary, which is just breathtaking in its beauty. Whatever your faith, do not fail to visit here.

I have visited only two times but wish I could to more often.Our Diocese sponsor's trips and it is usually very rushed and you cannot see all you want to see and do. Regardless, the experience is always very wonderful because it much about prayers, meeting other faith families that make the visits worthwhile.

Can't say how much I love going here.. so many things to see other than just visiting to pray and attend mass.. there is a crypt that is filled with many shrines and historical things.. there are guided tours daily for free too.. worth more than one visit for the largest catholic church in North America!

Beautiful place of worship. There are several chapels that offer an environment of prayer and peace. Very little distractions. A must do in Washington DC regardless of your faith.

I I'm very peaceful with my experience on the beautiful basilica.thank you God

Just a beautiful Basilica to visit, especially if you are Catholic. It's free parking lot across the street from the Basilica. It has a religious book store, and a cafeteria in the lower level.

Wonderful mosaics. Very quiet on a Friday afternoon. No admission fee.

As a Catholic I was both proud and inspired by this treasure.

Beautiful church, lots of different shrines to sit and and enjoy. This place wasnt crowded at all, I was able to sit alone in a few different areas and not be bothered. They had a tour going on and I stumbled in on it, I was quite pumped up and motivated after listening in for about 5 minutes, whoever thebguide was knew his stuff and had a lot of charisma. Please go and enjoy

Absolutely gorgeous. However, if you'd like to go to mass on Sunday during covid, you'd better arrive an hour early. They're only allowing 100 people in this massive, beautiful church.

I've visited mosques, churches and temples around the world, including the Vatican. I am not Catholic. Yet, the experience here was awe-inducing, magical, unforgettable. Unlike any other sacred site I have yet visited. Mary, and the sacred feminine, are on full display in a way not normally seen in such a patriarchal religion. Your soul will be nourished here.

The basilica is huge with upper level and the crypt. It s the largest church in the United States. The architecture is amazing and you ll notice mainly blue, gold colors almost everywhere. There are so many chapels that you could go there and get lost for days. It s so quite and peaceful.

Haven't been there yet, but I think it's a very nice place to visit

I definitely recommend planning your visit since there is so much to see and appreciate.

Since I arrived with only an hour left until closing, and there are an impressive 70 chapels and a fantastic book store to visit, I had to choose my stops accordingly.

What drew me in the first place was hearing a friend speak about seeing The Universal Call to Holiness frieze in person. This is a Call for all of us, and a Call only possible because we have the protection of a Humble and Loving Patroness. A visit will fill you with serenity and warmth. And it is definitely a pilgrimage.

For the perfect West Coast bookend, if possible, you should also visit The Grotto in Portland, OR. The Shrine and Chapel to Our Lady of Leche in Saint Augustine, Florida is a beautiful and serene place as well (I have reviewed both of these as well).

Quite an experience. If you want to see it at night be sure you get there early enough (before 11) or you won't be able to see the colorful dome.

A must see in DC beautiful architecture and great atmosphere to worship in.

Beautiful. That's all I can say. As for the visitors, this is still a church and your voices should be kept down.

Truly makes you feel like you enter the spiritual world it is cooler and has three different levels be prepared for a new refreshing experience

The most beautiful building in Washington D.C. We only wish we could have been there for Mass

How splendid and lovely, that a monument, like this, exists. Beautiful.

Amazingly beautiful basilica with many side chapels to explore.

Basilica Cattolica, the largest in America, a must visit. Modern style, built in the 1920s with an immensity of Madonnas from all over the world

Nice for a visit. I don't agree/like with some of the artwork (huge buff blond haired blue eyed Anglo Jesus etc). But the crypt church is really special, and so are the Marian shrines, especially the lordes grotto. At times this place feels a little too opulent. Also, it is pretty empty. Something just feels off about the whole place. Perhaps it's the seeming contradiction with our lady's humility.

The church is very decorative and great food like the macaroni and cheese splendid.If you ask me

this place is excellent

Great! Cleanliness of the mind is most important to humans!

Very nice ,great to be around history of the Catholic church and a very beautiful building .

A must see for Catholics, the art and beauty is great , also a very tranquil place,

It's beauty takes my breath away. I visit the gift shop, food Mart, or Confessional.

The Basilica is one of the best place to see, it is so beautiful, the architectural structure is great, the organ in the main Sanctuary and the Cryptic chapel is an added beauty of the church.

One of the largest churches in the world, it is really over the top in terms of interior detailing.

Wonderful building and very touching experience. Visit together with JP2 Shrine nearby.

This is such a beautiful structure. The mosaics are amazing. People of all faiths will enjoy the beauty and majesty of this church.

Amazing!! One of the most beautiful churches in the Americas.

A beautiful shrine with many varied side altars. Really worth a visit.

Always a blessed place to go, ....minus the occasional rude tourist.