Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Denver

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Denver of the Roman Catholic Church. Construction of the cathedral started in 1902 and was completed in 1911.

On August 13 and 14, 1993 (for World Youth Day), Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at the cathedral, one of only a few cathedrals in the United States so honored.

Architect Leon Coquard of Detroit designed the cathedral in the French Gothic style. Its character is influenced by the 13th-century Saint Nicholas Collegiate church (collégiale Saint-Nicolas) of Munster, Moselle, France, which is the birthplace of Bishop Nicholas Chrysostom Matz, who supervised cathedral construction.

The building is in the shape of a Latin cross measuring 195 by 116 feet (59 by 35 m) with the nave rising to 68 feet (21 m). The main façade houses three entrances and is framed by two 210-foot (64 m) spires. The structure is constructed of Indiana limestone and granite from Gunnison, Colorado. The altar, statuary, and bishop's chair are all made of Carrara marble, while other elements feature Yule marble stone from Marble, Colorado. The 75 stained glass windows are from the Royal Bavarian Art Institute in Munich founded by Franz Xaver Zettler.

On August 7, 1912, lightning struck the west tower causing damage to the upper 25 feet (7.6 m); however, this was repaired before the opening. In June 1997, lightning struck a second time, but this time damaged the east tower. The parish completed work to restore the tower within eight months.

This beautiful cathedral is only steps away from the state Capitol. Its stain glass is breathtaking and the marbles are exceptional.