Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption — Attraction in Covington

I'm from out of state and was visiting Kentucky and wanted to see some of the old churches in the area. I heard Cathedral Basilica has some amazing stain glass windows. When I walked in, the clerk asked me what was I visiting for. I explained to her my intentions and she explained the rules. I agreed and started walking around taking some videos and pictures. One of the rules was to not walk on the platform where the priests gave their messages. Another rule was, I wasn't allowed to take any photos of this particular worship area back behind the platform. I respected all the rules and was grateful to have permission to be inside the church. I decided to stay away from the worship area she had told me not to take photos of. As I was getting ready to leave, the clerk suggested that I go over to that worship area and see it before I left. I agreed and went over their. On the way back however, I accidentally started walking across that forbidden platform that she had warned me not to go on. I knew this because, all of a sudden she started yelling at me and telling me that I was walking on holy ground. I was SO!! Embarrassed. I had no intentions of breaking any of the churches rules. It was a complete accident. She told me afterwards in a more calm voice that she would forgive me because of course God himself forgives sins. It just blows me away how humanity can put SO!! much emphasis on their creation and not the ultimate Creator. This is a beautiful church and the people who attend their have a beautiful place to worship God. Ultimately though, we can worship God anywhere. It's not the place where we worship that should be worshiped. This is Idolatry! One of God's Ten Commandments. We need to be more concerned about our hearts of worship. That's what God looks at. Trust me! I'm all about going to church every week and then some. We can't get too much of God. The problem is we shouldn't worship the creation and what man has built, but the Creator. All of it will burn in the end when God destroys everything and rebuilds us...

The wood carvings, columns, statues, etc., make it an impressive facility. And I saw not one but two pipe organs.

Visitors enter through the north entrance during visiting hours. There is no charge to tour it, and a nicely done free brochure that tells about the church is located just inside the entrance where a greeter sits. I made a small donation, but one was not requested.

The greeter patiently answered several questions from me and a friend who accompanied me on my visit. Though the tour was self-guided, the greeter pointed out some specific items of interest. She also pointed out a few places where visitors were not permitted to go.

The greeter stated that the largest stained glass window in the church is apparently the second largest stained glass window in the world. That window and the other stained glass windows are impressive.

The statues include one of Jesus, one of Joseph, one of Mary, and one of Mary holding Jesus. The artwork, including pieces depicting the stations of the cross, is impressive, too.

The church's magnificent, ornate exterior design adds to the beauty of the structure. And, since I was with a friend, I did not take time to walk around to the south side of the exterior of the building, where much more beauty apparently awaits.

I enjoyed visiting this beautiful Catholic church in Covington, Kentucky across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

I highly recommend persons in the area seek to take time to visit this church and admire its magnificence.

I rode a TANK bus to the church. There is a bus stop...

Whether you're visiting the Cincinnati area for the weekend or you've lived here all your life, this beautiful cathedral is an absolute Must-See. The seat of the Diocese of Covington, this Gothic Cathedral is reminiscent of the iconic Notre Dame in Paris with its groin-vault support system, charming gargoyles, and gorgeous rose windows. Inside the church be sure to check out the stunning mosaics along its walls: 14 scenes which tell the story of Jesus' suffering & crucifixion. The jaw-dropping stained-glass windows depict the seven sacraments, events in the life of Jesus, the apostles, many major saints, and the Council of Ephesus (at which Mary was declared the Mother of God, thus confirming Jesus' divinity & humanity, a central tenet of the Catholic faith). The intricate wood carvings range from the majestic seat boxes upon the altar to the detailed fleur-de-lis atop every pew. The building has a rich history and has inspired generations of people from N. Kentucky and across the world. Come, look around, take the tour, spend some time in prayer, & stay for Mass...this incredibly beautiful Cathedral Basilica will lift your soul and stay with...