Contrary to what its moniker might lead you to believe, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, is not just any other Roman Catholic church, but doubles as a ‘tourist ministry’ in Orlando, Florida. Built by tourists, for tourists, the basilica was built in 1980 to provide a religious site of worship for the 30+ million Catholic tourists visiting the attractions in the Greater Orlando area yearly.

Spanning a massive 17 acres, the basilica is resplendent in its beauty and boasts brilliant architecture, consisting of the main church, the Rosary Garden, multiple Chapels, the Shrine Museum, a Pilgrimage Centre, and a well-stocked Gift and Book Shop. The interior of the basilica is adorned by beautiful bronze statues and oil paintings, as well as stunning stained-glass windows, giving rise to a calm and peaceful ambience that provides for a temporary haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life.