There is absolutely no shortage of historic churches in Indiana; there's more than a small handful from which any curious visitor has to choose. One historic church, in particular, stands above the rest in the state (if not in the entire country), and it's a feast for your eyes that you will not soon forget.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart, in its current iteration, was built in 1870-1871.
It was, and still is, a fully operational Roman Catholic church on the grounds of Notre Dame University. Its chapel is the tallest university chapel in the United States, and that's just the beginning of the long list of reasons that this particular church is incredibly special.
The church is built of Notre Dame brick, and even the front door has significance and meaning.
It's a work of art otherwise known as the World War I Memorial Door. It was added in 1924 to recognize and honor members of the church who fought and perished in the first world war. Upon entering the striking wooden doors, visitors are transported into a world that feels like something straight from the Vatican.
It's difficult to point out what is most likely to be noticed first; the architecture of the building is art, from top to bottom, and every inch of it is astonishingly beautiful.
Vibrant color and awe-inspiring pillars greatly complement the assortment of genuine fresco paintings adorning the walls and ceiling; the frescos were painted by esteemed Vatican painter Luigi Gregori.
There are 116 total stained-glass windows and murals throughout the building, 44 of which are quite large in size.
The first mass was held here in August 1875, and we can only imagine just how distracting taking in the full splendor of the church must have been (and still is) to first-time visitors.
It's easy to get lost looking up at the ceilings, where scores of masterfully-painted frescos rest.
There are three altars, seven side-chapels, and, incredibly, a 40-foot-high pipe organ built and installed in 2016 with more than 5,100 pipes.
The music it makes is otherworldly.
If Heaven were a place on earth, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Notre Dame, Indiana, might, appropriately, be it. Also worth spending some time admiring are the moldings adorning the tops of the interior pillars, as well as flawlessly-chiseled statues reminiscent of the Italian Gothic-era architecture and artwork throughout the church.
The church has been renovated twice during its life - once in 1968 and again in 1988.
No matter what, though, immense care has always been taken to ensure that the church remains the same immaculate work of art that it was built as. More than 50,000 tourists visit every year, and you're more than welcome to as well.
If you would like to visit this incredible feast for the eyes at Notre Dame University, make sure to double-check their website to confirm tour days, times, and schedules. Craving some more incredible historic churches in Indiana that will make your heart sing? Check this list out for our picks of 10 Indiana churches that will leave you speechless.
Have you ever toured the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Indiana? Tell us about it in the comments!
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