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Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

400 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington DC, DC 20017-1566
202 526 8300
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Ranked #6 of 229 attractions in Washington DC
Type: Religious Sites, Churches/ Cathedrals
Traveller Description: The Shrine is a favorite spot to visit in DC. The awesome "Christ Pantocreator" mosaic on the inside dome alone makes it worth a visit. The many... more »
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302 reviews from our community

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Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

As a kid, I made my first communion here .... but it's a beautiful shrine and should be a must-visit on any trip to DC. The upper church is magnificent with the mosaic tiles depicting Jesus over the altar. Throughout the Shrine there are side altars where you can admire the artwork, light a candle in memory of someone. The... More

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See 3 more reviews by Paul M for Washington DC
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

Being a devout Catholic my view could be somewhat slanted but I feel good stating that should anyone visit this Holy Shrine-they would be duly moved beyond words whether it be religious-architecture-or the simple aura or presence of peace and tranquility. Strictly as a Catholic and having been to Italy and visited some of the most Holy and well know... More

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Mumbai (Bombay), India
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

This is a must must shrine. Its so good looking and kept immaculately. The main church is huge with a very large number of side chapels, all devoted to Our Lady. Great shop on the campus for religious articles.

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See 6 more reviews by 135a for Washington DC
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

We took a cab from our hotel $12 + tip as we were all dressed up for a graduation. The Basilica is beautiful and awe inspiring. Worth a visit.

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See 4 more reviews by billandmeche for Washington DC
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013 via mobile

Visits to most churches range from ho-hum to mildly intriguing. The Basilica leaves these in the dust. Its very easy to let hours slip by wandering amongst the diverse chapels in the crypt, studying mosaics in the upper church, and poking around the separate gift shop and bookstore. And maybe going to confession. Its a national landmark for good reason,... More

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Highlands Ranch
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

Similar in size to many churches found in Europe. On the campus of Catholic University, a nice quite setting to worship, reflect, pray or just relax.

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See 2 more reviews by Colohunter for Washington DC
Bowling Green, Ohio
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

This is one of my favorite buidlings in the world. I'm not Catholic but I would always attend the noon mass on Sunday because the choir would perform live. This coupled with the artiwork and overall structure was very moving. This will be my first stop in DC next trip.

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See 6 more reviews by Dr T for Washington DC
Birmingham, Alabama
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

Always wanted to visit the basilica and finally go to last year. My husband and I were bowled over at the size and magnificence of it and spent most of one day there but then went back for Mass on Sunday and looked around some more. The individual chapels for nations around the world is a highlight: we love seeing... More

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See 3 more reviews by Joan529 for Washington DC
Fort Salonga, NY
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

If you come by subway, its a long hard walk across Catholic University and just about all up hill. Bathrooms are very clean and as long as you stay on campus, its safe. If you come by car, there is more then enough parking on the university.

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See 3 more reviews by steve r for Washington DC
Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

A visit to the basilica is probably not for everyone, but it may be right for you. Located adjacent to the campus of Catholic University of America, the basilica is an integral part of the vibrant campus life. The main area of the basilica is enormous. Others may know all the stats, all I can say is that it's B-I-G.... More

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See 2 more reviews by Darthdaddy for Washington DC

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