Welcome to America's First Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to our rank as a Minor Basilica, the church is also a National Shrine, Marian Shrine, National Historic Landmark, and Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and we welcome all to visit and worship in what Pope John Paul II referred to as "the worldwide symbol of religious freedom."