Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the national shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and is among the largest Catholic churches in North America. Construction began in 1920 and the upper church was dedicated in 1959 after decades of phased building and artistic work. The basilica contains numerous chapels and extensive mosaic work and hosts national liturgies, pilgrimages, and public tours.