Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The National Shrine Basilica of the Assumption ( Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary ) in Baltimore, Maryland, was the first built after the adoption of the Constitution cathedral in the United States. The neoclassical dome basilica was built 1806-1821, designed by Benjamin Latrobe as a bishop's church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. Since completion of the present cathedral Queen Mary in 1959 she is co-cathedral. In 1937 she was awarded the rank of a minor basilica. In 1971 she was included in the list of National Historic Landmarks. In 1993, the U.S. Bishops' Conference declared it to be National Shrine (national shrine ).

History

The Maryland founded by Baron Baltimore was the only British colony in North America with a majority Catholic settlers. Therefore, the capital city of Baltimore was the seat of the Apostolic Administration in 1784 for the United States, from 1789, the Diocese of Baltimore - since 1808 Archdiocese - emerged. The design of the representative cathedral, which was also to mark the end of the current under British rule Catholics repression was then the leading U.S. architect Benjamin Latrobe transferred, who also directed the construction of the Capitol (since 1793).

The neo-classical, oriented on ancient Greece style was in the young United States as a symbol of turning away from the " dark " periods of European history. He was chosen for the first Roman Catholic cathedral.

Since its completion the cathedral scene provincial and national synods of bishops was with momentous decisions. In the 20th century it was attended among others by Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa and Patriarch Bartholomew. From 2001, she was thoroughly restored.

Architecture and Facilities

The Co-Cathedral of Baltimore is a three-aisled basilica with a cross -like home page portals. The crossing is surmounted by a wide, flat, illuminated with indirect natural light dome that gives the building aspects of a centralized structure. The conclusion of the choir forms a round apse, the West final, before the two lantern -like bell towers on the corners of the nave, a large portico.

The interior corresponds since the last restoration largely back to the intentions of Latrobe. The walls and pillars are set in white and pale ocher. The ceiling vaults are decorated with light ornaments, Kassettierungen and baroque- paintings.