QuikTrip: Basilica St. Lawrence
While traveling, Dale and I are attending local churches. We prefer churches like our home church, but we wanted to visit a well-known basilica in Asheville. It is known for its beauty and architecture. We attended Mass, which started at 9am, then there was a tour for anyone who wanted to know more about the architecture and history. The Mass itself was interesting, then learning more about the origins of the building was interesting as well. Rafael Guastavino (1842-1908) an architect and builder of Spanish origin came to Asheville to work on the Biltmore House in the mid-1890s. He and fellow architect R.S. Smith designed and built the church, which is on the National Register Of Historic Places. The huge dome is self-supporting. This is what Guastavino is known for. His work is now found in over a thousand buildings in this country, mainly in the Northeast, particularly in New York City and Boston.
absolutely amazing! what do you mean by ‘self supporting’? and did you go in the confessional??? you probably needed too. … haha
so interesting he is buried in the church!
I stayed far away from the confessional! Thankfully my high priest can hear my confessions from any location! Your question about the self-supporting is a good one. I thought it was unique, but I read that most all domes are built without supports such as wood beams, etc. It’s not easy and takes time though.