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Religious Venues

From tiny chapels to historic synagogues and majestic cathedrals, Baltimore's sacred spaces inspire peace, possibility, harmony and hope. Come along: our tour of religious venues in Baltimore is a celebration of architecture, history and spiritual devotion.

Begin in Mount Vernon at the Baltimore Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Baltimore Basilica was the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States and the first major religious building constructed after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Built during the first two decades of the 19th century, the Basilica is now more than 200 years old and a National Historic Landmark and National Shrine.

Continue in Mount Vernon to St. Alphonsus Church. Designed by architect Robert Cary Long in the Southern German, neo-Gothic style, St. Alphonsus has been a landmark in Baltimore since 1845.

Head west of the city to see Maryland's oldest synagogue, B'nai Israel Congregation of Baltimore. Once known as the Lloyd Street Synagogue, B'nai Israel shares its rich history through displays, exhibits and artifacts. An example of Moorish Revival architecture, the synagogue is constructed of brick, stone and granite. The interior of the synagogue features a hand-carved Ark surrounded by marble tablets displaying the Ten Commandments.

On Baltimore's west side, discover the Mother Seton House & Historic Seminary Chapel. Built in 1808, this Federal-style house was home to the first American-born Catholic saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The historic site is also the birthplace of the very first African American Catholic community and the first African American Catholic Lay Society of the Holy Family.

St. Jude Shrine welcomes religious pilgrimages for those in search of a blessing from St. Jude Thaddeus. Operated by the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers since 1917, the shrine is a nationwide Center of St. Jude Devotions. People from across the country send their petitions to the Shrine regularly, to be prayed for at the Perpetual Novena Services. The Shrine includes a 150-year old church and a gift shop.

Continue to Historic Jonestown, to see the beautiful and airy architecture of St. Vincent de Paul Church. Founded in 1840, St. Vincent's is the oldest Catholic parish church in Baltimore.

End your tour of religious venues in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor. Historic Zion Church, Baltimore's original German church, was built in the late 18th century. Zion features magnificent stained glass windows, Hanseatic architecture and enchanting gardens.

Many sites require groups to make advanced reservations for tours and visits. Please contact each site before your group tour.