BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman
Catholic church in the United States (and perhaps has the longest name as well).  It is located on the northeast side of the District of Columbia, and during our recent visit to Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to visit the venue with my camera.

First is a full frontal shot that I needed to doctor a bit to compensate for a pronounced keystone effect with my wide angle lens.  The doctored image looks OK as long as you don't look too close.

And here is a second closer cropped image that reveals a dome not visible in the first image.

I liked the lines in the following shot of the main entrance.

I also liked the following shot of an exterior ceiling that I converted to a black and white.

The basilica's interior was dramatic and at the same time a bit disappointing.  Here, first, is the obligatory photo from the rear of the nave.

And one of the rear of the church.

Both shots showed off the (too) colorful ceiling elements.  Here is a shot taken from the floor in the center of the nave that shows off the breadth of my wide angle lens.

My favorite of the interior shots was this of a side chapel that I liked for the light on the underside of the center arch.

Finally, a shot of Pope Francis!

Actually a photo of a life-sized photo of the pontiff that had been converted to a cardboard standup.  I'm sure that numerous visitors have taken advantage to have their picture taken with the pope.

My modest disappointment with the basilica has to do with its age: It's too young.  It was completed in 1959.  The interior colors are too bright and just are not to my taste.  And it lacks the character that comes with age.  Worth a visit, though.

John