Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee (must see)

The Basilica of Saint Josaphat in Milwaukee is one of the city's most impressive architectural and spiritual landmarks, standing proudly in the Lincoln Village neighborhood. Completed in 1901, this Catholic minor basilica was built by Milwaukee’s Polish immigrant community in the ornate Polish Cathedral style and is named after Josaphat Kuntsevych, a Ruthenian martyr and saint.

What makes the basilica truly unique is its construction. Much of the building material came from the former U.S. Customs House, Court House, and Post Office in Chicago. Architect Erhard Brielmaier redesigned his original plans to incorporate salvaged limestone, granite columns, bronze railings, and doors-recycling on a grand and sacred scale. Blocks were carefully cataloged to ensure almost nothing went to waste.

Before a single stone was laid, a massive hill on the site had to be manually leveled by parishioners and hired laborers. Even the foundation tells a story of ambition: imported German Dyckerhoff cement and old railroad ties reinforced the concrete footings that support the soaring 214-foot dome.

Declared a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1929-the third in the U.S. at the time-the church holds both religious and historical significance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Milwaukee Landmark.

The basilica’s interior is a feast for the eyes. The first mural, The Martyrdom of Saint Josaphat, was completed in 1904 by Tadeusz Żukotyński, with the majority of the others painted by Italian-American artist Gonippo Raggi. Stained glass windows were imported from Austria in 1902, and Conrad Schmitt Studios later restored the richly decorated interior to its 1926 glory.

A monument to faith, craftsmanship, and community effort, the Basilica of Saint Josaphat remains a stunning legacy of Milwaukee’s immigrant past.