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St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica: A Phoenix Landmark

Discover the historical and spiritual heart of Phoenix at St. Mary's Basilica, a stunning architectural landmark with beautiful stained glass.

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St. Mary's Basilica, officially the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands as the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix, Arizona. Completed in 1914 in Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, it replaced an earlier adobe church. The basilica is known for its stunning stained glass windows, impressive architecture, and historical significance, and was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1987.

A brief summary to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Attend a Mass to experience the basilica's spiritual atmosphere and admire its architecture.
  • Take a self-guided tour to explore the basilica's history and art; pamphlets may be available at the gift shop.
  • Visit the Virginia Piper Plaza adjacent to the basilica for a peaceful moment in a tree-lined space.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Phoenix Convention Center, walk east on Monroe Street towards 3rd Street. The Basilica will be on your right, at the corner of N 3rd St and E Monroe St. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Valley Metro Rail to the 3rd St/Jefferson station. From there, walk north on 3rd Street for about two blocks to reach the Basilica. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near the Basilica, including routes 1, 3, and 7. Check Valley Metro for schedules and routes. A single ride fare costs $2.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a ride to 231 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. From downtown Phoenix, a short ride typically costs between $7 and $12, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

Unlock the Best of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica

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Discover more about St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica

St. Mary's Basilica, located in downtown Phoenix, is a testament to the city's rich religious and architectural history. Officially named the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic parish in the greater Phoenix area, a title it has held since 1881. The basilica's construction, spanning from 1902 to 1914, showcases a blend of Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles. This design, a conscious choice to reflect the region's heritage, replaced a simpler adobe church that had served the community since the parish's founding. The architectural team included Leonard Darscheid, R.A. Gray, and George Gallagher. The structure features four prominent domes, transferring the roof's weight to the pillars below, a design inspired by Roman architecture. The bell towers are topped with unique onion-shaped domes, reminiscent of churches in Bavaria and Austria. Inside, the basilica boasts Arizona's largest collection of stained-glass windows, crafted in the Munich style. These windows depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and various saints. The Stations of the Cross, created by the Andrew Kaletta Company of St. Louis, add to the interior's artistic richness. The basilica also houses a 26-rank pipe organ built by the Schantz Organ Company. In 1985, Pope John Paul II elevated St. Mary's to a minor basilica, recognizing its historical, cultural, and spiritual importance. Two years later, in 1987, the Pope visited the basilica, addressing thousands from its balcony. Today, St. Mary's Basilica remains an active parish, offering daily Mass and various devotional activities. It continues to be a significant landmark in downtown Phoenix, drawing visitors with its architectural beauty and spiritual atmosphere.

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