The Baltimore Basilica

Baltimore Basilica (Exterior)

Address: 409 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Baltimore Basilica, was the first Roman Catholic cathedral built between 1806 and 1821. This cathedral was among the first major religious buildings constructed in the nation after the adoption of the United States Constitution. The cathedral, built in Neoclassical style, was a masterpiece of the “Father of American Architecture”, Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Benjamin Latrobe was America’s first professionally trained architect. Additionally, the cathedral is a parish church and a national shrine. One of the most significant events that took place within the cathedral was the funeral Mass of Charles Carrol of Carrollton, the only catholic signatory of the Declaration of Independence.


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Special thanks to students in Professor Onitveros' ENGL142 class (Prince George's group).