The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky is one of only 35 minor basilicas in the United States.
![Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Cathedral-Basilica-of-the-Assumption.jpg)
We used to drive by this church to pick up sandwiches for my grandparents from the White Castle located across the street when I was growing up.
They lived a few blocks down the street and I don’t think I ever appreciated the beauty of this church or how special those times of eating sandwiches with my grandparents were until I was an adult.
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The cathedral started construction in 1894 and ended in 1915 incomplete.
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The exterior of the cathedral is modeled after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the interior was modeled after the Abby Church of St. Denis in France.
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The Cathedral is constructed in a Gothic Revival Style Architecture with incredible arches and 26 gargoyles that were carved in Italy that help divert rainwater away from the cathedral.
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The 82 hand-poured stained glass windows in the cathedral are absolutely stunning!
I remember going to a wedding inside the cathedral as a child, but it was incredible to experience the beauty of the cathedral as an adult.
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Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Cathedral
Visitors to the cathedral can take a self guided tour. There are free brochures available in multiple languages with more information located by the North side entrance.
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If you have a larger group, you can arrange for a Docent-led tour for a small fee.
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The one-hour tour requires at least two weeks’ notice and can be arranged by calling the Parish Office at 859-431-2060.
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During your visit, be on the lookout for the pipe organs and the mosaic tiles on the wall.
![Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Cathedral-Basilica-of-the-Assumption-3.jpg)
The views inside the church are really worth stopping to visit for. I can’t believe I spent so many years driving by such an incredible work of architectural art!
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I’m not Catholic but my husband and I attended a midnight mass this past Christmas Eve that was so beautiful.
![Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption 4](https://adventuremomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Cathedral-Basilica-of-the-Assumption-4.jpg)
I enjoyed experiencing the midnight mass tradition that I was previously unfamiliar with.
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You can find out more about the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption from their website.
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Where is the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption Located?
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is located at 1101 Madison Ave. Covington, KY 41011
I have been to Covington several times for conferences. I have taken pictures of the exterior of the basilica, but this past April I went inside and marveled at its beauty! It is truly amazing!