The Basilica of St. Lawrence

Well, I must admit I’m quite jealous of Robert H. I was hoping for a similar experience. I visited the Basilica’s website prior to coming to Asheville. Per their website, you can take a self guided tour or fill out a form for a guided tour, but when I tried to fill out the form it was only for groups. (Of 10 or more if I’m remembering correctly…) So I skipped the form since it would just be the 2 of us, although I would’ve really liked to have the tour.
I was miffed that I couldn’t find the hours listed anywhere online, although I guess it’s open all the time since its a Catholic Church? They have mass times on the website so you know when to avoid it (assuming you are going as a tourist). It would be nice if they had «tourist hours.» Even if it’s open at midnight, I don’t think it would be appropriate to stop by for pictures then. There were several people praying when I went in, and I felt as though I would disturb them even though I was being quiet so I took a couple pictures and skedaddled.
I’m not Catholic, but this a gorgeous church and historical landmark, and I would suggest stopping by for a look.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville that resulted in an impromptu tour by a informative guide. I would highly recommend visiting the Basilica as soon as you can to hear this intelligent and friendly guide share his love of the church’s’ history.
–Fantastic free tour
–Breathtaking architecture
–Rich history of 100+ years
–Statues, relief artwork, stained glass
My tour guide Barney used to be a professor and has retained enough information about the Basilica he could fill a library. Sometimes I end up with a knowledgeable tour guide but my time with them feels like a lecture. Not so with Barney! He was a fantastic guide that was very friendly and knew how to articulate the Basilica’s rich history in a way that had me eager for more.
Interesting factoids I learned:
–Built by the same architect as the Biltmore and Grand Central Station
–Completely self supporting brick structure
–The term Basilica is a special designation given by the Holy Father to certain churches because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as a place of worship.
–Only basilica in Western North Carolina
–The basilica’s dome is reputed to be the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North America.
If you have even a slight interest in beautiful churches, no matter your view on religion, the Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence is worth your time.

Great Place, there is a great Cry room up stairs. Very Historic Landmark. I would love to go up either tower for a nice look
Parking across the street (gated) is free for sunday mass. Or you can park behind the church near the gardens. Other parking can be problematic. you might have to take your chances in the other private parking lots in the area.
Overall, the Dome from the inside is amazing to see. Great architecture features in this old building.

We really wanted to explore downtown Asheville and this Basilica. It was breath taking. We loved it. We also attended Palm Sunday Mass and we really enjoy how traditional the Mass is. in Raleigh the church we attend is more modern so alot of traditional customs have been lost. Also, very conveniant to just stroll around, very easy to get too.

Beautiful church in the heart of Asheville! The service here is terrific and it’s a nice experience in such an amazing space.

A beautiful, must-​see landmark in Asheville. Definitely stop in to see the amazing architecture and say a prayer (even if you’re not Catholic!), but please turn the sounds and flash off on your phone/​camera before you go in. It is a reverent place…
Don’t forget to look for the architect buried in the wall…

Magnificent and stunning structure, unlike anything else in the Asheville area. Beautiful architecture that reminded me of London’s Westminster Cathedral. Absolutely go inside if it’s open because the stained glass is amazing and the dome is massive.

The most beautiful church I’ve visited!