Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Greenbelt

This is by far the most beautiful church weve ever been in. The mosaics and statues were stunning. We didnt have the opportunity to go here for mass but I can only imagine how beautiful it would be.

The tour guide was fantastic. She knew so much about the history and the different chapels. The gift store and book store were great. Ill be back to attend Mass someday I hope

An amazing church, in my opinion way more beautiful than the National Cathedral, and almost the same in size. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in the US. The interior is beautifully decorated with Byzantine style mosaics. One of the mosaics shows dinosaurs with the other animals, I added a picture of it. This building feels a lot more like a church to me than the National Cathedral because it is usually less crowded and has less of a touristy place feel. I would recommend visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine over the National Cathedral.

It is breathtaking and spectacular. We went to Mass and toured around after. It is truly a must see and especially so if you are a Christian. Even if you are not Catholiic!

Probably the most beautiful Catholic church in the USA. LOVE this shrine!

Gorgeous Church. If you appreciate art and architecture do not pass.

Wonderful, sacred space dedicated to the patroness of our country. We were on a pilgrimage with our local bishop. It should be a must see for DC visitors. Having said that, its not in the city so arranging transportation to the site is a must.Our only negative was we arrived with a caravan of five buses filled with church goers who had traveled just over five hours to find the cafeteria closed. No food and nowhere obvious to walk to. Guess they expect pilgrims to stay hungry. Arnold should be proud; stay hungry is practically his slogan.

I didnt get to see too much, but what I saw blew me away. I came on a pilgrimage from Allentown to see a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. That was very nice, but what really amazed me was the Latin choir. I felt very connected to god, not even being a Christian. When I closed my eyes I felt like I was in ancient Rome. The stained glass and paintings are also incredible.

Wow! The enormous size inside makes the outside look small!I got to have a tour and then walked on my own.It does help to have some Catholic knowledge, but for the art and architecture, be yourself! Free parking, free tour. A must see for anyone!

Perhaps not the most historically significant, but certainly the most beautiful basilica or cathedral Ive seen. Im still amazed.

Wow!!! Even prettier than I imagined! I’ve been driving past it daily for a year. I liked the art (stained glass and tilemore than many murals I’ve seen in Europe!

Architecture , stained glass, expansive mosaics... such ornate beauty. A very culturally inclusive site where Mary makes an appearance in so many cultures and is welcomed in this space a a collective admiration to the Great Mother in many representations.

Beautiful amazing Basilica take time to visit and plan for at least half a day

The Basilica looks lovely at night. Next time we are in the area, we plan to spend more time there and see it inside.

Very beautiful! I recommend having a guided tour, there is so much meaning in the art and architecture that you would miss just by walking around. Ample parking. Just as an FYI they do not have food right now. Large gift shop with a lot of interesting material.

The most beautiful church I’ve ever been!

Absolutely beautiful and perfect, Its like being in heaven. I love it. Definitely go visit .

Late post. Visited the Basilica last month. It’s normal for a Catholic to say “I fell in love with this Church.” This place is just that.

This basilica was more than I expected it to be. It was awe-inspiring and even as someone who’s not that religious, I found it absolutely breathtaking. They offer tours, look up when they’re happening. It really helped me understand and appreciate the space so much more.My favorite alcove was for Our Lady of Guadalupe, what a beautiful space for peace and reflection

This has to be the most beautiful church in the US if not the world. Absolutely gorgeous architecture covered in wall to wall(and ceiling!mosaics. The diversity of scenes that capture Mary green various global perspectives is are inspiring. Just an absolutely magical place. I highly recommend a Mass here or at least a stop and self guided tour.

Thanks to Dee for the help. Both bus loads were very happy to visit such a beautiful place.G B

Inspiring, awesome, beautiful and peaceful. Go please

It is such a BEAUTIFUL church!! A must see if youre in the area.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen in my life. Every time I enter I am overwhelmed by an atmosphere of peace and faith.The most striking thing about this cathedral is its giant size and its colorful mosaics. All the vaults are adorned with these majestic mosaics.The church has the main floor and the crypt. As its name indicates, it is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception but inside it has dozens of chapels to the numerous dedications of the Virgin Mary that are venerated in various countries. Of course, being Cuban, I must rule out that one of them is dedicated to the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, patron saint of Cuba. This image is located very close to the Altar on the right side.Another peculiarity is that the cathedral houses various objects of great historical and spiritual value. Among them are some of the chairs used by the last Popes on their visits to the US. You will also be able to appreciate the last Papal Tiara that was used before the Second Vatican Council.Although the cathedral is not located in a central part of the city, you can easily get there by car or bus. It has big space for parking.If you plan to visit Washington DC this is a place you cannot miss.If you found this review helpful, please like it and follow me here on Google Maps for more recommendations. Thank you 🙏🏻

Must- visit Basilica, with beautiful gold art on the ceilings. Stunning chapels in the basement.

Stunning below are multiple Mary depictions from different artists around the world. I went to mass downstairs and ngl it was kinda a letdown the priest was quite and not very interesting… the building was breathtaking definitely visit but not the best place to attend mass

Beautiful place for meditation and it has a very interesting history the tour guides are very knowledgeable and caring.

Such a Beautiful church ever see in my, i had a great time and good photography 📸. If anyone want DC. They have too visit thisll church ⛪️.

Beautiful Basilica. The architecture and gardens are amazing.

As a Catholic I love the place, it reminds me of how my spirituality was shaped since I was born.

Nice architecture, well maintained, with a lot of parking space across and near to Washington DC.

Amazing big and very Beautiful!!!Sad to say I was only at the lower Part because Basilika Cathedral was use only for Sunday Holy Masses.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate conception is such a big, beautiful place. From the entrance to the inside, it is magnificent. A very massive tourist site. Its got a lot of chapels/prayer rooms you can just stop at to lit a candle and pray. There are brief stories to most of the pictures or statues you see in the building. There is like a kitchen/dinning area where people can go and eat after mass (it wasnt open when we came, because we came on a Saturday. So I guess that only functions on Sundays). The number of tourists in the building was mind blowing.There is also the Catholic University of America in the same compound with the Basilica. It is so huge.Please, what ever you are doing in Washington DC, ensure you visit the Basilica, it is magnificent.

Beware of the Basilica Visitor parking LotWe went to the Basilica on April 19th, 2022, the first day of our DC vacation. We parked at the church parking which has cameras and a security guard. We were driving from CT and had all our luggage in the car. We wanted to run in quick into the church and start our trip with a prayer. The security at the parking just waived us in. We went to church saw how majestic and beautiful it was. When we came out of church we were shocked as our car windows were broken and we were robbed. We ran to talk to the guard and a landscaping person told us he just left. I called 911 and they told me that in DC police will not come to help us. We ran back to the church to ask the security to help us, and they just shooed us away and would not even open the doors. We had to clean the glass with our hands and the landscaper seeing this, gave us gloves. Another lady was in the parking lot gave us phone numbers of mechanics around.My young kids learnt some hard truths on this day. The police who should be there to protect and serve never turned up. The church that talks about helping people never even opened their doors. But random strangers tried to help us. I have been calling the church asking for security footage. I keep getting a response that they need their camera person to still investigate it. I gave them date and specific time. I ask anybody new to DC to be safe and not assume that the church parking is safe seeing that it has a guard and cameras all around. When I called the church security and spoke to Mr. Wharton head of security and I told him our experience, he said this happens a lot. I wish the guard could have informed us that this happens. I don’t understand why they could not have signs in the parking about theft. I have still not heard from Victoria from the Basilica, with whom I have left messages asking if they could inform other patrons using the church about this safety issue and if their security could be of some help to people who are in this kind of situation. My children are still scared every time we park. This was a horrible and terrifying experience in the designated parking lot of a massive church with enormous security.

Our visits to this beautiful and inspirational basilica always leave us with a feeling that we have undergone a truly religious experience. Constructed over the last 100 years with beautiful mosaics and statues, wonderful altars in the main church and the crypt, and organ music that reverberates through the high spaces. We missed our visits during the pandemic, but were happy to be back for Easter.

This place is magical to reflect and renew your spirituality. They have services in English and Spanish. Plenty visitor parking spots, restrooms are located downstairs. Just bring your great attitude and energy!

There are no words for how beautiful the whole experience is. Ive never seen anything to this extent in the US. This church is a must see- its jaw dropping.

Amazing, beautiful and peaceful place. I love that basilica. If you wanna pray and spend time with Jesus, this is a very appropiate place to be.

Very very beautiful, full of art and music. The mass I attended was beautiful! Everyone should put this on their to do list!

Probably my favorite church to visit. Incredibly beautiful and detailed and will take your breath away. The lower level crypt has multiple chapels where you can always find a quiet place to escape to even with the crowds. The main level has beautiful mosaics and a huge captivating ceiling. I always love getting a chance to visit here. Highly recommend to visit if in the D.C. area!

Very beautiful artwork. Very fancy masonry. Lots of stories of Mary of many cultures. I found it extremely commercial, however, and much of the commercial side seemed inappropriate.

What a beautiful basilica! Can only be compared to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.Staff are nice and will give you a tour if you want to, a lot of history and different chapels to walk about.

Beautiful place regardless of your belief system. In my opinion a visit is worth it. Regardless if you are Catholic or not. Very grand and majestic.

What can I say about this Basilica? It’s just stunning, beautiful and Holy. This is a must place to visit for any Catholic. The gift store inside the Church has a lot of items too, I got the chance to look around and shop some things at the end of my visit.

This place is huge! It is a bit difficult to navigate - but once youre inside - its very intricate and can take you by surprise. You honestly need a full day to see everything - its a peaceful area in a busy place. Enjoy!

Excellent. I had the opportunity to participate in the mass in the Catholic Church that took place at 4:30 pm. Very beautiful inside and out all its architecture and allegorical paintings of biblical passages. I recommend your visit.

We have visited the National Shrine many time over the years. Amazing that something whose construction started a hundred years ago can still have things yet to do. One of those things was just recently complete: the Trinity Dome.The Trinity Dome is absolutely spectacular. Even if you are not Catholic treat yourself to a visit to this amazing work of art and architectural amazement. It is stunning.While you are there, visit the Catholic University and some of the other religious sites in the area. You wont be disappointed. Try to go in the Spring when the various gardens are starting to bloom.Nearby, there is also the Lincoln Cottage. Talk about history...visit the house where President Lincoln tried to get some peace during the tough times of his administration.Remember, DC is more than the National Mall which unfortunately is starting to look a bit like a war zone!

An architectural gem and an awe-inspiring environment filled with beautiful artwork—exquisite mosaics, statuary, paintings, and more! As someone who doesn’t drive, it’s a bit a ways away from the center of town/the more easily accessible areas, but it’s always worth it. For me, it brings back memories of the church affiliated with my elementary school back in the day. Pre-COVID, it seemed there was always a sizable group of visitors. It definitely was/is a place of gathering, bringing people together. Despite this though, I felt I could always find privacy and calm—my own space—to reflect and meditate. The basilica is incredibly peaceful and serene with a number of chapels showcasing beautifully crafted altars devoted to the Virgin Mary. I usually go to the Sunday noon Mass, which has a great, moving choral accompaniment.By the way, it warmly welcomes people of all backgrounds, even those who aren’t Catholic. I’ve brought many friends there over the years, who enjoyed the visit.

This is one Architectural Masterpiece, beautiful in and out with a peaceful atmosphere. AMAZING!!!The bookstore and gifts shop are fully stocked. I purchased a mug with my favorite bible verse. Yay!I highly recommend a visit or several to all tourists and locals. First time here and I shall definitely revisitGood Service✅Very Friendly and Courteous Waitstaff✅Restroom ✅Tourist Attraction ✅

This was my first Christmas and this place happened to be a place to visit. It is really beautiful. The interior was all lit and the ceremony was really ecstatic.This place has a really scenic view. You could see in the images how the view looks mesmerising in both day light and at night. Plan a visit to this historic monument when you are in DC.