Growing up, Michael attended Covington Latin, which is right next door to the Basilica of the Assumption. I have been wanting to visit this beautiful structure for some time but we are rarely in downtown Covington (KY). I've seen it more times from the views from Devou Park than I have up close. Last weekend we were driving through Covington and passed right by it and we made a point to stop.The exterior is inspired by Notre Dame in Paris; the towers were never added, and in my opinion, the facade is just as impressive without them. The interior is inspired by the Basilica of St Denis in Paris, and as you walk through and look up at the towering ceiling it is really mind-boggling to realize that the height of the ceiling and length of the building are less than one-third the sizes of its Paris models.
This Cathedral Basilica is simply gorgeous, and while it may not be as magnificent as others, it is still a marvel to behold in person.
I have visited some amazing Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Orthodox churches and cathedrals in my travels --
Notre Dame (exterior only)
St Mark's Basilica (Venice) (exterior only)
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Venice) (exterior only)
St Paul's Cathedral (London)
Westminster Abbey (London)
St George's Chapel (Windsor, England)
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Venice)
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Mexico)
Basilica of the Sacré Cœur (Montmartre, Paris)
-- to name a few. Some have been impressive and reverent and breath-taking. Others have been overly idolized and lacking awe.
I love the Basilica of the Assumption for its quiet, stoic beauty. We were lucky to visit it while practically empty, and I could have spent an hour just sitting and admiring the rose windows, the pipe organs, spanning buttresses, carved woodwork and mosaic tile paintings. When the tour bus arrived, the quiet magic vanished, so if you get to go, I hope you find it empty as we did.
What churches have you found most impressive?
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