St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
About
St. Mary’s Basilica, named The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin is the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix and was the only Catholic parish in Phoenix until 1924. It holds a unique place in the history of the Church and in the Diocese of Phoenix. On September 2, 1985, Pope Saint John Paul II solemnly proclaimed the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be a Minor Basilica. At that time, for historical, cultural, artistic, and spiritual reasons, St. Mary’s became the 32nd basilica in the United States. While on his American Visit, Pope Saint John Paul II visited St. Mary’s knelt in prayer in the center aisle and then spoke to the crowd from the balcony on September 14, 1987. St. Mary's Basilica is a parish of the Franciscan friars of the Province of Saint Barbara. The first Franciscan came to the area in 1539.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
270 reviews
Excellent
173
Very good
71
Average
24
Poor
2
Terrible
0
David G
3 contributions
Apr 2023
Just a wonderful experience, from the grounds to the Basilica structure and finally to the beautiful Mass celebrated on Sunday. The choir was incredible. We felt like we were in Vienna. Very moving. The service was flawless and most reverent. Highly recommend a stop here for the faithful.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venture136100
6 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Beautiful old church with a long history in Phoenix. Enjoyed our visit there. Will definitely be back for prayer & contemplation.
Written May 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ165,451 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
This was the first time that we visited St. Mary's Basilica, for any reason, beyond a memorial service. In this case, we had friends into town, and attended services there.
I had forgotten (or maybe not noticed), how lovely this church is.
We had a lovely service, and hope to return, and not just for memorial services for friends.
I had forgotten (or maybe not noticed), how lovely this church is.
We had a lovely service, and hope to return, and not just for memorial services for friends.
Written April 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charlesthebarles
wilmington, NC218 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Little consideration is given to visitors in the summer here. While the doors of the sanctuary were open during the hours given, they apparently discontinue tours then so that there is no interpretive element. There wasn’t even a pamphlet to pick up about history, construction, architectural features, etc. When we asked the person going into the office for help, we were told to go home and look St. Mary’s Basilica up on the Internet! As a last ditch effort to get something out of this site, we waited for the person running the gift shop on the lower level to get “back in 5 minutes” like the sign on the door said, but when that stretched to 10, 15, and then 20 minutes, we gave up and left. Disabled people note that there is a hard-to-find ramp on the right side of the building so that the many front steps can be avoided if the side door is open.
Written August 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen V
Tampa, FL3,161 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
It's a point of interest for many people (whether you are Catholic or not). It's the second oldest church in Phoenix. It was also visited by Pope Saint John Paul II on September 14, 1987. Phoenix was one of 9 cities that the Pope visited that year. I didn't get to go inside the Basilica, but we did get to see the bronze statue of the Pope (in the park) that was donated from Italy to commemorate the visit. This beautiful park is full of beautiful statues, and provides a great view of the Basilica. It's also a great place to relax and unwind. It's definitely worth a look if you're in the area.
Written September 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inquisitive_Wayfarer
Lafayette, IN280 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
While on vacation recently in the Phoenix area, I attended Sunday Mass @ St. Mary's. I was very impressed with the Basilica. The Spanish-style exterior is beautiful, the interior is fairly simple but tastefully decorated, and the grounds are very inviting.
The priests seemed involved with the parish and the congregation seemed very inviting.
Tip: If you are visiting the Basilica or coming for Mass, you can park for free in the diocese parking garage on N 5th between Monroe and Van Buren. Note that Parking is for Basilica/Diocese visitors only though.
The priests seemed involved with the parish and the congregation seemed very inviting.
Tip: If you are visiting the Basilica or coming for Mass, you can park for free in the diocese parking garage on N 5th between Monroe and Van Buren. Note that Parking is for Basilica/Diocese visitors only though.
Written December 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viajera048
Winter Park, FL488 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
When I saw the Basilica while walking past it during a lunch break, I couldn't wait to go through those doors. But due to my busy schedule while in Phoenix, I had to wait several days before that moment became a reality. It was worth the wait. Actually, my first stop was at the gift shop at the sidewalk level, where I savored my time browsing their items and chatting with the attendant. Once I walked into the sanctuary it was heavenly. So peaceful, inviting and full of inspiring art and architecture. Took in all the beauty of its imagery but at the same time made an effort to maintain respect for the locals who were having prayer time. They are celebrating the centennial and have plenty of activities planned for the special event. The surrounding gardens are pretty and welcoming. Glad I found the Basilica during my time in Phoenix.
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NateM2012
Royal Oak, MI13 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Visited during a lunch hour. The grounds were well maintained. There were a few homeless people sleeping in the grass but they were not bothering people. The church itself is fabulous. The stained glass, woodwork, metalwork and statues were amazing. There was a mass, the singing was lovely. There is a small gift shop.
Written May 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidnightSun38
20 contributions
While working in town I was able to attend the noontime Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and what a nourishment it was. The Franciscan Priest delivered a solid and faith inspired homily and the choir was reverent. The architecture, statues, stain glass, very inspiring and intimate, so not overwhelming. The large pipe organ was played passionately I would say and added an immense thrill to this coming Feast of All Hallow's Eve! Outside is a peaceful and gorgeous garden. I could spend all day here! The gift shop is not open Mon-Wed. but is open 10-3 Th. and Fri. 11-6:30p Sat. and 9-1 on Sunday. If you have iPhone or iPad you can listen to a self-guided tour. One need not be catholic to take in the peace and beauty that lives here. +M Pax et Bonum
Written October 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kasalamd
Marikina, Philippines127 contributions
May 2013 • Business
First time in Phoenix, first time to attend mass in this Basilica. It was big, clean, organized and quiet, very conducive for hearing Sunday mass. Children had their own session elsewhere during the homily.
Written July 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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