Basilica of the Assumption

History & Significance

Basilica · Est. Built 1806–1821; dedicated May 31, 1821

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Baltimore Basilica, was the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after the nation's founding. Constructed 1806–1821 and dedicated May 31, 1821, it was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe (America's first professionally trained architect) and built under John Carroll, the first American Catholic bishop. It serves the Archdiocese of Baltimore, today functioning as a co-cathedral, parish church, and national shrine.

Neoclassical (Federal) style; Latin-cross basilica plan with a domed roof

• •First Catholic cathedral built in the United States; serves the Archdiocese of Baltimore (now a co-cathedral)
• •Designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and built under Archbishop John Carroll, the first U.S. Catholic bishop
• •Designated a minor basilica in 1937 by Pope Pius XI
• •Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1971
• •Designated a National Shrine in 1993 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops