Admire the freestanding elliptical dome, the beautiful stained-glass windows and the hand-carved walnut tableau in this beautiful basilica in western North Carolina.
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is a marvel of religious and architectural history. Appreciate the stunning dome, stained-glass windows and life-size polychrome terra cotta reliefs behind the altar. Study the Spanish Renaissance exterior style chosen by architect Rafael Guastavino.
See the 3rd-century archdeacon St. Lawrence depicted in the centre of the main façade. Observe St. Stephen to the left and the 16th-century Jesuit seminarian St. Aloysius Gonzaga to the right. The basilica was completed in 1909 and elevated to basilica status in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.
Marvel at Guastavino’s elliptical dome inside the basilica. The structure is remarkable for its freestanding design and unusual herringbone pattern. Admire the hand-carved 17th-century walnut tableau depicting the Crucifixion as you approach the sanctuary. The reliefs behind the altar depict the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Appreciate the stained-glass windows, an exceptional example of German art. The colourful, romantic windows portray a number of religious scenes including the Resurrected Christ and the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Discover life-size statues of St. Patrick and St. Rose of Lima on the east wall. On the opposite wall see the patron of music St. Cecilia and St. Peter near the altar. Find the Chapel of Our Lady to the left of the altar, containing a white marble statue depicting Our Lady of the Assumption. On the right is the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, a place for private prayer.
Book a scheduled tour on a weekday or a weekend following weekend Mass. As the basilica is an operational church, tours vary in starting times. The Basilica of Saint Lawrence has no entrance fee. Use free parking for church visitors located in the parking lot to the west of the parish office building.
Visit the Basilica of Saint Lawrence for a remarkable Roman Catholic religious and historical experience.
