Nice.
Here's our local dome. It and the entire building is made entirely of bricks and mortar...a freestanding elliptical dome with a span of 58 feet by 82 feet. Rafael Gustavino, the architect, worked on the Biltmore house as well, here in Asheville.
Wikipedia says this about the dome of the Basilica of St. Lawrence -
The basilica was designed and built in 1905 by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino along with his fellow architect R. S. Smith and the surrounding Catholic community of Asheville, North Carolina. The Basilica is on the National Register of Historic Places and was elevated in status to a Minor Basilica in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. The basilica is the only basilica in Western North Carolina. The basilica's dome has a span of 58 by 82 feet (18 by 25 m) and is reputed to be the largest freestanding elliptical dome in North AmericaA publication by the Basilica gives more information HERE.
Tours are available, and I have already enjoyed one. Photos are allowed while walking through the building also.
Thank you foer telling me about the Basilica of St. Lawrence, as it was new to me. .
ReplyDeleteMy husband was baptized and confirmed there and our daughter was baptized there. I'm sure you know that Guastavino's family estate is right there in Black Mountain. It's on a list of nearby places we need to visit.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. This was new to me as well.
ReplyDeleteThe dome, seen from inside, is breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's one of those things that a camera lens can't quite convey the enormity of it's span when viewed over your head. Must be about time that I went to look at it again. (Not being Catholic, I don't see it regularly like some of my friends do.)
DeleteWhew! That's a lot of brick. Being from earthquake-prone California, I'd be a little nervous sitting under that dome were it built here. But perhaps the geodesic design - even using brick - makes it strong than one might suppose? It is beautiful, however, and very impressive.
ReplyDeleteThe brickwork in the dome makes it look almost like basketweave. Great photo, thank you.
ReplyDeleteAlthough all domes have some different characteristics, almost all are similarly attractive and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWestern North Carolina seems so laid back and quiet, so reading that it has an actual basilica, minor or otherwise, is a real surprise to me. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am sure I remember the basilica from a visit to Asheville. I seem to remember chimes. I did not visit inside, what a shame.
ReplyDeleteI just love the fact that you have a ‘local dome’ - lucky you. And a Spanish architect too; I’m off to the mainland (Spain of course) next month so hope to see more of this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are so lucky to have that. I would just love to go there. It looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I'll have to put it on our travel list.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent building - does it bring a lot of tourists?
ReplyDeleteA lovely example of a beautiful dome, as so often found in churches.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful. A dome of bricks, I've never seen one.
ReplyDeleteI walked past it twice today. It is a very impressive building and the craftsmanship put into the dome is the result of Italian artisans who immigrated here to help construct the Biltmore estate. But it's most important contribution to Asheville traditions is the hourly chime from the bells (actually electronic now) I think my dog even knows what time it is by hearing the bells from the basilica.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know a fellow blogger is also a neighbor. We shall have to meet for coffee someday, yes?
ReplyDeleteSimply loved this, would love to visit it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely ceiling. Would make a nice patter for a rug.
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