basilicas

This great basilica with a giant copper dome was built in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Canada.

Completed in 1969, this Catholic basilica stands on the traditional site where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear the Savior. It is built over Crusader and Byzantine foundations.

The most popular Catholic shrine in the world, this modern basilica houses a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary who appeared to an Aztec convert in 1531.

This ancient basilica was consecrated by St. Ambrose in 387 and rebuilt in the 11th century. It became the model for all Lombard Romanesque churches.

Built in 310, this imposing brick structure was the throne hall of Constantine the Great and other Roman emperors. Today it is used as a Protestant church.

Santa Sabina is the best surviving example of an early Christian church in Rome. It dates from about 430, including its magnificent cypress doors carved with biblical scenes.

The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is said to be the first place of Christian worship in Rome, built where a fountain of oil sprung up on the day of Christ's birth. Inside are many excellent Byzantine mosaics.

This major pilgrimage basilica features a columned portico, 6th-century mosaic, catacombs, and lovely 12th-century cloister. It is dedicated to Lawrence, who was martyred by roasting on a gridiron.

Built on the site of a miraculous August snowfall, this major basilica dates from the early 5th century. The huge church is lined with Byzantine mosaics and contains many important relics.