Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Atlanta

The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest surviving Catholic churches in Georgia, completed and dedicated in 1873, and a rare architectural witness to Atlanta’s 19th-century religious life. Its modest scale and restrained exterior reflect the circumstances of its early congregation, yet the building carries a dignified presence that has anchored the city’s Catholic community for more than a century.

The shrine takes its name from the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, while its interior is closely associated with The Immaculate Conception, a celebrated painting by Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, which became a central devotional and symbolic reference for the church. Its history is closely tied to Atlanta’s formative years. The building endured the disruptions of the Civil War era—referred to on a nearby plaque as “The War Between the States”—and remained standing as the city rebuilt around it.

Inside, the church unfolds as a single, spacious nave filled with light and color. Stained-glass windows line the walls, filtering sunlight into the sanctuary and illuminating scenes from the Passion of Christ. The ceiling draws the eye upward with eight large, vivid portraits of Catholic saints. As you move forward, attention naturally settles on the ornate main altar, richly detailed and carefully maintained, which serves as the visual and spiritual focal point of the space.

Beyond its historical and architectural value, the shrine is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Visitors of all backgrounds are encouraged to step inside and absorb the calm that contrasts with the bustle of downtown.