Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and one of the largest churches in the world. Construction began in the early 20th century and major portions were completed and dedicated in 1959. The basilica is a national shrine to the Virgin Mary and contains numerous chapels and extensive mosaics representing diverse ethnic Catholic traditions in the United States.