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Basilica of the National Shrine- Washington, DC
At 129,910 square feet, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Christian Church in the United States. Built largely between 1924 and 1959, with a break during World War II, the Byzatine/Romanesque Revival shrine consists of 81 chapels, a Crypt Church and the Great Upper Church. Built in the style of medieval churches, the structure is supported by masonry walls, arches and columns rather than structural steel. The interior is adorned with magnificent murals and breathtaking tile mosaics, rivaling even the finest cathedrals in Europe.
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Santa Fe Architecture Gallery
Santa Fe is an outrageously fun town, full of history, fabulous architecture, amazing art, and some of the best food in the country. Although primarily known for its adobe structures, there are a wide variety of architectural styles found around town, including the only circular state capitol building in the United States, and a fantastic Romanesque Revival cathedral. Home to both the Santa Fe Trail and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, it is a classic main street town, with a wonderful historic historic past. Wonderfully walkable, Santa Fe is an absolute pleasure to photograph and explore.
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National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton- Emmitsburg, MD
Tucked away in the tiny town of Emmitsburg, Maryland stands a surprisingly substantial shrine to the first American born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821). In 1805, Seton, a young New York Episcopalian widow and mother, converted to Catholicism. In 1809, she moved to Emmitsburg at the invitation of the Sulpician Fathers, and established a religious community dedicated to the care of the children of the poor; this would be the first congregation of religious sisters in the United States, as well as the country’s first free Catholic school. Today, this site is home to a Basilica, as well as the order’s original farmhouse and school. Completed in 1965, the brick…
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Cathedral of St. Joseph- Hartford, CT
The Cathedral of St. Joseph may just be the most beautiful mid-century building I have ever seen. Although generally not my favorite architectural style, it is impossible not to be awed when you pass through the grand cathedral doors. So modern, so striking, and so unexpected. The original 1892 cathedral was a very traditional, twin tower Gothic affair, constructed by P.C. Keeley. It served the community until 1956, when a fire within the walls of the sanctuary quickly spread, leaving only the massive exterior brownstone blocks standing. Determined to be beyond salvage, the site was cleared. Quickly a drive for funds was launched, and the renowned New York architectural firm…
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The Cathedral of the Plains- Victoria, KS
It is always exciting to stumble upon something wonderfully incongruent with its surrounding environment. Something utterly unexpected. Like finding a grand Romanesque Basilica in Victoria, Kansas. Rising from the plains, it dominates the landscape, and stands as a testament of the faith of early German settlers.
