A pilgrim guide to the National Shrine in Washington, D.C.

What’s your immediate association with “Washington, D.C.”? Is it the White House? The pointed Washington Monument? The spectacular Smithsonian museums? What about pilgrimage?

Not far from the National Archives and Supreme Court awaits one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in the world: the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The National Shrine rivals the magnificent cathedrals of Europe with its soaring architecture, shimmering mosaics, and sheer presence. A Byzantine blue dome rises above the city, while gold mosaics cast light into the darkness. It’s the largest church in North America and among the ten largest in the world. (Laid on her side, even the Statue of Liberty wouldn’t reach from end to end inside!)

A beacon for a nation

Much like the nation it represents, the National Shrine shines as a total original. Inside, more than 80 chapels honor the Mother of God through rich ethnic and cultural diversity, reflecting the great melting pot of the American faithful. Nationalities and ethnicities represented throughout the chapels and oratories include African, Austrian, Chinese, Cuban, Czech, Filipino, French, German, Guamanian, Hungarian, Indian, Irish, Italian, Korean, Latin American, Lebanese, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Slovak, Slovenian, and Vietnamese.

The National Shrine is meant to be seen by all, so that all may encounter grace.

• Related: Look for Mary 

The story of the National Shrine

The dream of a national basilica originated when American bishops asked Pope Pius IX to declare the Immaculate Conception the national patroness of the United States. He did so in 1847. Over the next several decades, various Church leaders periodically promoted the idea of a great Marian shrine.

In 1913, Pope Pius X (now St Pius X) approved the project’s consecration and made a personal donation. Construction began in 1920. Countless pilgrims have come to the National Shrine over the past 100 years, including Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, St John Paul II, and St Teresa of Calcutta.

What to see in “America’s Catholic Church”

• Upper Church chapels: The jewels of the National Shrine are the chapels and oratories devoted to Our Lady under more than 80 diverse titles. Some of my favorites include the Our Mother of Africa Chapel, with its ceiling designed to resemble the hull of a slave ship. The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel is a faithful replica of the Massabielle Grotto, where Mary appeared to St Bernadette. St John Paul II prayed at the Our Lady of Częstochowa Chapel during a visit to the United States. There are countless others.

• Check the interactive map to find those most personally significant to you, and don’t forget to leave pilgrimage intentions there.

• Altar and baldachin: Like the renowned cathedrals of Europe, the National Shrine houses a baldachin over its main altar. The 70-foot tall piece is crowned by a statue of Mary.

• Mosaics: The domes and vaults support glorious mosaics throughout the upper church. I love St Joseph, Defender of the Church and Christ in Majesty, where you can see the “two-faced Christ.” The left side of Jesus’ face appears stern and just, representing Christ as the Judge. The right side appears merciful and serene. Depending on where you stand in the nave, Jesus’ expression appears to change.

• The Crypt Church: This more intimate space features arched mosaics highlighting female saints, including Brigid, Margaret of Antioch, Catherine of Alexandria, Susanna, Lucy, Cecilia, Felicity, Perpetua, and others.

What to do at the National Shrine

• Deliver intentions for family and friends to the chapels. . 

• Go to Mass. There are multiple offerings daily and on Sundays. 

• Go to Confession. One of the primary services at the National Shrine is Confession, which are typically offered throughout the day in the Crypt. 

• Worship at adoration. 

• Attend a special event. If you’re lucky, time your visit with the Basilica choir practice or another special concert or event. 

• Consider a guided tour or audio guide. There’s just so much to see and understand here. A guide can unlock the depths. 

• Walk through the outdoor rosary walk and garden.

• Shop at the gift and book store. It’s incredible. The problem won’t be finding something you love—it will be getting out of there without buying everything. 

Eating and shopping at the National Shrine

The Basilica features a basic cafeteria open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m–2:00 p.m. Vending machines for snacks and drinks are open during regular shrine hours. But don’t waste too much time here when you can go across the halls to the two amazing gift shops and bookstores. Both are open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. You’ll find excellent Catholic books in every genre from novels to children’s picture books, plus sacred objects like statues, rosaries, medals, and infinite other treasures.

How to visit the National Shrine

• Location: 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC (adjacent to the Catholic University of America)

• Hours: 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (365 days)

• Admission: Free; consider donating a small pilgrim tithe 

• Parking: Ample free parking is available on-site—a rare luxury in Washington, D.C.

• Metro access: Brookland-Catholic University stop on Washington Metro’s Red Line. Exit to John McCormack Rd NE & Michigan Ave NE and walk 5-10 minutes via Michigan Ave NE to the Basilica.

• Recommended time: 4-6 hours 

• Recommended ages: All ages (see our nine tips for taking young people to visit churches here)