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Covington, Kentucky: Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

About the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky:

 

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption: Covington, Kentucky

Patterned after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, this impressive Cathedral will make you think you actually are in Paris.  With its arched ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the U.S.Ground was broken on April 13, 1894 for this Cathedral and by 1901 the nave, apse, and transept were completed. There was not enough money to finish the facade or install the stained glass windows, so a plain brick wall closed the nave and temporary plain glass windows were installed and then glazed to remove the glare. Construction began again in 1908 and was completed, along with the stained glass window installation, in 1910.  among its 82 stained glass windows is one of the largest stained glass windows in the world at 67 feet by 24 feet.  Spaced along the north and south transepts are incredible mosaic depictions of the stations of Christ’s passion and death. As many as 80,000 tiles were used in each station. There are several large mural paintings by local Covington painter Frank Duveneck, installed in 1910.

Pope Pius XII elevated St. Mary’s Cathedral to the rank of minor basilica on December 8, 1953 during a Solemn Pontifical High Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend William T. Mulloy, D.D.

Self-guided tour brochures are available at the Greeters Desk, found by the North side entrance. The brochures are free and available to individuals or small groups. They are currently available in English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Japanese.

Docent-guided tours for groups of ten or more can be arranged with at least two weeks’ notice for a small fee. These tours last about and hour and provide a greater depth of information compared to the self-guided tour pamphlet. Tours can be arranged by calling the Parish Office at 859-431-2060.

On many Sundays, after the 10:00 a.m. mass, there is a guided tour open to those who are present. If you are coming to the Cathedral and would like to know if there is a tour scheduled that Sunday, call the Parish Office at 859-431-2060. Note, tours can be canceled with little notice depending upon the availability of a docent to lead the tour.

Finding the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington:

Although Covington is in Kentucky, it is just across the Ohio River from its much larger neighbor, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Address​​​​​​: 1101 Madison Avenue,  Covington, KY 41011

Tel: +1 (859) 431-2060

 

Click here for the official website of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky

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