The Basilica of Saint Mary
The Basilica of Saint Mary
AI Summary
The parish, founded in 1795 as Virginia’s first Catholic community and located in Old Town Alexandria, offers over two centuries of history on a site that includes the state’s oldest Catholic cemetery and an early benefactor in George Washington. Designated a minor basilica, it houses the Basilica Museum (current exhibition: "Catholic England") with an extensive historical timeline and artifacts, and it offers public guided tours on the fourth Monday of each month. An active parish life includes more than 50 apostolate groups, a parish school founded in 1869 with over 700 students, and the Queen of Heaven Columbarium (539 niches, blessed December 8, 2024). Visitors can participate in person or remotely through livestreamed Masses, a large video archive on Vimeo, podcasts, virtual tours, downloadable weekly bulletins, and convenient on-site parking and confession times.
Worship Style
Liturgical
⛪Church Details
🙏Ministries
🏢Other Locations (1)
📜Version History
Changes:
- Name:The Basilica of Saint Mary
- Street Address:310 South Royal Street
- Address Line 2:(removed)
- +7 more changes
Added location: The Basilica of Saint Mary
Changes:
- Name:The Basilica of Saint Mary
- Website URL:https://stmaryoldtown.org
- Summary:The parish, founded in 1795 as Virginia’s first Catholic community and located in Old Town Alexandria, offers over two centuries of history on a site that includes the state’s oldest Catholic cemetery and an early benefactor in George Washington. Designated a minor basilica, it houses the Basilica Museum (current exhibition: "Catholic England") with an extensive historical timeline and artifacts, and it offers public guided tours on the fourth Monday of each month. An active parish life includes more than 50 apostolate groups, a parish school founded in 1869 with over 700 students, and the Queen of Heaven Columbarium (539 niches, blessed December 8, 2024). Visitors can participate in person or remotely through livestreamed Masses, a large video archive on Vimeo, podcasts, virtual tours, downloadable weekly bulletins, and convenient on-site parking and confession times.
- +8 more changes
Initial church data
Last updated: 3/9/2026