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St. Mary's Basilica: A Phoenix Landmark

Discover Arizona's only basilica in the heart of Phoenix, a historic landmark with stunning architecture and rich Catholic heritage.

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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. Built between 1902 and 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.

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

Local tips

  • Take your time to admire the intricate details of the stained glass windows, especially the large upper windows that depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
  • Attend a Mass to experience the basilica's spiritual atmosphere and hear the beautiful sounds of the 26-rank pipe organ.
  • Visit the basilica's website for the most up-to-date information on mass schedules, events, and any potential closures.
  • Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds and have a more personal experience of the basilica's beauty.
  • Check out the symbols of the basilica status, the tintinnabulum (large bell on a column) and the ombrellone (large gold and red umbrella), displayed in the sanctuary.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    St. Mary's Basilica is accessible via Phoenix's public transportation system. From various points in the city, take the Valley Metro Bus or Light Rail to the stops closest to the basilica. The nearest bus station is Van Buren St & 3rd St, a 2-minute walk away. The 3rd St/Jefferson light rail station is approximately a 7-minute walk. A single ride on the bus or light rail costs $2.00.

  • Walking

    Located in downtown Phoenix, St. Mary's Basilica is easily reachable on foot from many nearby hotels, the Phoenix Convention Center, and other downtown attractions. From the Phoenix Convention Center, walk north on 3rd Street for approximately 2 blocks. From CityScape Phoenix, walk east on Washington Street, then turn left onto 3rd Street. Allow 5-10 minutes for a leisurely walk, depending on your starting point.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach St. Mary's Basilica. A taxi from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to downtown Phoenix has a flat rate of $17. A ride-sharing service may vary in price depending on demand and traffic but is typically around the same cost. From other locations in Phoenix, a short taxi or ride-share trip to the basilica will likely cost between $7 and $15, depending on distance and traffic.

  • Parking

    While St. Mary's Basilica offers free parking in their garage on 5th Street between Van Buren and Monroe for those attending Mass and sponsored events, parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited. Several parking garages are available nearby, including the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Valet (122 N 2nd St) and the Arizona Center Garage (401 E Fillmore St). Hourly parking rates in these garages typically range from $10 to $20. Street parking is also available, with rates around $1.50 per 2 hours. Be sure to check parking restrictions and time limits before parking on the street.

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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 history and Catholic heritage. 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 replaced a simpler adobe church that had served the community since the parish's founding. The architectural design was initially developed under the direction of the Franciscan Fathers, with local architects R.A. Gray and George Gallagher completing the detailed design. The structure features four prominent domes, constructed with a Roman architectural technique of transferring weight to the pillars. The bell towers are topped with unique onion-shaped domes, a style reminiscent of churches in Bavaria and Austria. Inside, the basilica boasts Arizona's largest collection of stained glass windows, crafted in the Gothic style by the Emil Frei Studio of Missouri. These windows depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and various saints. The basilica also features 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, he visited the basilica, addressing a large crowd from the balcony. Today, St. Mary's Basilica remains an active parish and a significant landmark in downtown Phoenix.

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