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Basilica of the Assumption
408 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 727-3564
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 727-3564
3 reviews for Basilica of the Assumption
My best buddy, Eileen, and I were tossed out, (excommunicated?), of the Basilica once in 1986. She says it was because of her radical stance on organized religions. I think it was because she was drunk behind the altar lighting prayer candles. Even though I was collateral damage in that affair I bear no malice. I love the Basilica.
I've had the pleasure of visiting the Basilica many times to study the architecture for art school and also just for pleasure. It's a beautiful outer structure that reminds me of a mini Hagia Sophia. I've been inside it's massive dome and down under in it's cramped catacombs. Much fun.
A good church venue must have good echo factor as if the priests are channeling the deity himself. This wide yet intimate feeling hall echoes as if with the voice of God's whisper. Great olfactory receptor factor too swimming in the remnants of intoxicating Frankincense, I think it is.
Admittedly, I have never attended a service here - even though I'm a failed Episcopalian obsessed with Catholic ritual - I imagine patient pageantry, respectful diligence, and ceremonies of peaceful reflection under it's brilliantly high dome basking in the sun light from it's windows resembling larger recessed Old Ship Church windows.
I haven't gotten the bug to convert yet, but I appreciate the Basilica's lovely architectural beauty and immaculate grounds.
Church doesn't quite do the Basilica of the Assumption justice - it is a basilica after all. After attending my friends' wedding rehearsal at the basilica, listening to the monsignor at the rehearsal dinner and then attending the wedding at the basilica, I feel like the basilica and I are close friends.
I'm still not entirely sure what the difference is between a basilica and a cathedral, but I know (or at least Monsignor Kenney says) that the Basilica of the Assumption is the oldest cathedral in America - the mother cathedral of America (built in the early 1800s). My weekend in the Baltimore area was an educational one - I also learned that Maryland is the Catholic capital of the country.
From the outside, the basilica doesn't look like it would be much - basic, gray. But the basilica was renovated in the last decade or so, and it is gorgeous. It has that new/old feeling because the place is sparkling, brand-spanking new, but it still retains some of the old charm (like the beautiful stained glass). The inside of the basilica is this beautiful yellow color, buttery and warm with beautiful paintings on the dome.
One of the great things about the newly renovated basilica is that all of the facilities are renovated too - many and NICE, clean bathrooms. There's a little gift shop next door for bottled water (I was quite parched).
Beautiful and historically significant structure.