Saint Mary's Basilica, Phoenix (must see)

St. Mary’s Basilica is a historical church in the downtown Phoenix area. The church was founded in 1881 and staffed by the Franciscan Friars since 1895. It is the oldest Roman Catholic parish church in the greater Phoenix area.

The construction of the church building started in 1902, but was not completed until 1914. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, just in time for their 100th anniversary.

From an architectural perspective, you will want to check out the wonderful stained glass windows in the church. The Carillon Tower is also beautiful, and accentuates the Spanish architecture of the building. The building was honored in 1985 as a minor basilica. The location really became famous, though, when Pope John Paul II visited this place in 1987.

The church is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Mass is at noon and 5:00 p.m. on those days. There is a vigil on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. and mass again on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. The building typically opens one hour before mass on the weekends.