Basilica of Saint Johns

I was in awe of how beautiful this church truly is. The stained glass windows are amazing and the architecture is breathtaking. While I would love to take a photo of this beautiful church, they turn off all of the lights right after mass is over. When it is illuminated though, it is quite gorgeous!

Continuing with my «brown sign» list of sites that I have pulled over for merely based on roadside attraction signs, Basilica of St. John, has caught my eye a handful of times during visits to Des Moines, so on my last visit I decided it was high time to actually stop and check it out. The church is fairly dark from both the outside and inside and you’ll find a brochure explaining both the history and significance of the structure. If I remember correctly (don’t quote me), Pope John Paul once visited the church. The stained glass windows are marvelous as is the landscaping leading up to the back side of the building between what I believe was the parsonage. If you get your kicks off of old buildings, architecture or churches, it’s worth the 15 minutes it takes to peak your head inside and soak it all in.