The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky is one of only 35 minor basilicas in the United States. 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.
The cathedral started construction in 1894 and ended in 1915 incomplete. 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. 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. 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.
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. If you have a larger group, you can arrange for a Docent led tour for a small fee. The one hour tour requires at least two weeks notice and can be arranged by calling the Parish Office 859-431-2060.
During your visit, be on the lookout for the pipe organs and the mosiac tiles on the wall. 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!
I’m not Catholic but my husband and I attended a midnight mass this past Christmas Eve that was so beautiful. I enjoyed experiencing the midnight mass tradition that I was previously unfamiliar with.
You can find out more about the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption from their website.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is located at 1101 Madison Ave. Covington, KY 41011
