The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the United States, is located in Washington D.C.��Its dominant silhouette, accompanied by a colorful Byzantine dome and campanile pyramid, overlooks the Catholic University campus and Brookland’s neighborhoods — it is built to endure time and defy history itself. The Basilica is unfortunately not as celebrated as the National Cathedral, partially due to its remote location, but is well worth a visit. The Basilica was built as a shrine to the blessed Virgin Mary, a "monument of love and gratitude, a great hymn in stone as perfect as the art of man can make it and as holy as the intentions of its builders could wish it to be." -- Father Thomas Joseph Shahan.

Even a small garden located at the rear of the Basilica carries her name: Mary’s Garden. More intimate in character it has a features water, roses, and a sculpture by Jon-Joseph Russo, a locally based sculptor. The garden was designed by Brian Kane, ˿����Ƶ, Place Matters Group.

The Basilica’s dome is visible from many locations on the campus, an iconic presence in the Washington D.C.skyline.