basilica of st. mary

This is such a beautiful church! We love to come to mass, as it's a very well done event each weekend.

Set on a plaza which has since been hemmed in by an interstate highway interchange, this large church, the first basilica in the US, is at the west end of Hennepin Avenue, one of the main streets in Minneapolis.The exterior is constructed of beautiful granite, and the interior vault is higher than St. Peter's in Rome.There are some really great stained glass windows and an imposing organ.There are free concerts held outside on the grounds during the summer months.

I have never attended this church for a service, so I cannot rate that experience, but it is beautiful inside. Definitely a place to see.

I have been in several churches around the country and I have to say this was very impressive. It took us a little time to even find the entrance. To get the full exterior view, I had to go across the street and still could not fit everything into my view. Inside was even more impressive and reverent.

I had planned to hear Mass at the Cathedral but was not able to do so, so I did the next best thing: visit it with friends one night. It is a beautiful edifice that defines the Roman Catholics of Minneapolis' love for the faith and for the Lord.

I'm a photographer and visited the museum with a friend during the Christmas holiday in 2014. We spent about 2 hours there. It's a beautiful and tranquil place where, if you're religious, you'll find peace of mind; if you're not religious, I still recommend visiting just for the exquisite and ornate architecture inside. The play of light and shadows through the numerous stained glass windows or the dancing candle flames on the statues are an artist's delight. I called ahead and was told that they allow tripods and still photography for personal use but not video photography. The inside is dimly lit so you're going to need that tripod if you're looking to shoot anything beyond blurry snapshots.Trivia: The Latin word basilica was originally used to describe an open, Roman, public court building, usually located adjacent to the forum of a Roman town. By extension it was applied to Christian buildings of the same form and continues to be used in an architectural sense to describe those buildings with a central nave and aisles. Later, the term came to refer specifically to a large and important church that has been given special ceremonial rights by the Pope. The Basilica of St. Mary was the first basilica established in the United States.

Very beautiful church where everything inhales the grandiloquence. Stained-glass windows are remarkable. To add on your list to be visited when you are in Minneapolis.

This Basilica of St. Mary's is worth a visit -- all faiths are welcome. Constructed in the early 19th Century, no cost was spared to rival cathedrals in the old world. Inspirational both to the faithful, as well as visiting architects, or lovers of classical music.

I wish I had more time to visit. This Basilica is HUGE! Pictures taken outside are difficult to make it right due to the sheer size of it. I think the building is bigger than the State Capitol.

Come see this historic landmark, stay for Mass, or simply listen to what you hear as you reflect in this amazing, peaceful, mediative place. God is truly with you here.

While visiting Minneapolis recently, we attended mass at the basilica. What a treat for a Catholic! This place is stunning and really makes you feel like you are in a solemn, reverent, holy place. It has gorgeous stained glass windows and the entire place is just beautiful. The choir, attired in choir robes (which you don't see that often in Catholic churches these days) also were outstanding. They sang some songs in Slavik, and the translation was in the hand out provided, but the beauty of what was sung in this language seemed to cross the language barrier for the listener. They had offered a tour of the basilica after mass for those interested, and had we not been pressed for time, I would have taken advantage of it to truly better take in the surroundings.

We decided to take a peek at the Basilica since we heard so many interesting things about it. Glad we did! The place is beautiful with lots of history. A must stop!

Gigantic gothic monument filled with the richness of stained glass and paintings. Open to all, beloved by all

Outstanding. The peacefulness and the detailing is amazing. You can really feel the presence here. The entire site is just gorgeous - and only a short walk from downtown, or the Walker Art Museum. I always recommend my guests to travel here.

Beautiful church where I always feel 'welcome'. They follow their mission, have Mass times on Sundays from 7:30 am to 6:30pm & liturgy is amazing!!!. After listening to the sermons, you gain 'practical' information about living your life.