The United States has 93 basilicas, and North Carolina has three: the Basilica Shrine of St. Marys in Wilmington, the Belmont Abbey in Belmont, and the Basilica of St.Lawrence in Asheville.

Architect Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish immigrant, built and designed the church in 1905. The Spanish Renaissance church was built without steel beams and features incredible stained glass and sculpture.

As of 2024, the church is on a fundraising campaign to restore the church. You can donate to preserve by visiting their website.

From the Basilica’s Art and Architecture brochure, “The lunette over the main entrance is made of polychrome terra cotta and represents Christ giving the keys of the
kingdom to St. Peter and appointing him head of the Church. Immediately below this lunette is a stained glass window displaying the Coat of Arms of the Basilica of St. Lawrence.”