Basilica of the Assumption
Home to practitioners of over 20 religions, Baltimore’s spiritual landscape is marked by hundreds of places of worship, each with its own story. Embark on an architectural journey with historian and deacon James Reaves, who showcases the beauty and history of these sacred structures.
As you visit each building, you step into history. The Basilica of the Assumption, the first Catholic cathedral in the United States, was designed by Henry Latrobe, the country’s first professionally trained architect and Thomas Jefferson's Architect of the Capitol. Neoclassical and Romanesque elements create a space of profound beauty and reflection. In the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Tiffany glass in walls, mosaics, stained-glass windows, and lamps offer a visual testament to the city’s artistic and religious heritage.
Baltimore is a city of firsts for houses of worship: The Lloyd Street Synagogue was the first synagogue built in the state, and B'nai Israel, an example of Moorish Revival architecture, is one of the oldest synagogues in the country, with congregations that have worshipped there for over 100 years.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, with a pickup stop at the I-495, Exit 27 carpool lot at approximately 8:25 a.m.
- Note: Sites are subject to change without notice as many are active houses of worship.
- A boxed lunch is included in this tour.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
