Disclosure: I received tours of these places on a press trip to Marietta, Ohio. All opinions are honest, my own, and may differ from yours.
The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption
When you visit Marietta, Ohio, The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption is one place you’ve got to visit. I’ve seen beautiful churches before, but this church is breathtaking. When I visited this church we learned how it became a minor basilica. Saint Mary’s became the USA’s 76th basilica in 2013 because of its historical significance and artistic splendor. On August 16, 1749, Jesuit Father Joseph de Bonnecamp, chaplain to a French expedition from Quebec, celebrated the first Mass at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers where Marietta is now.
And see that sign? If you read my story about Sewah Studios you’ll recognize that leathery background, so you know it was made right there in Marietta by them.
When the church became a basilica, they had to incorporate certain items such as the Papal Keys, the Umbrellino and Tintinnabulum. They also have the Pope’s crest displayed, and they also had to have a crest made for the basilica.
As a minor basilica, the church belongs to the Pope. Father Mike is the current pastor and his official title is now Proto-Rector (first Rector of the Basilica). He told us some fun stories as well as some very interesting facts about the basilica.
Photo by Tonya Prater
You’ve really got to see this church to get the full effect of its splendor. The stained glass windows and the marble are amazing. Self guided tours are available anytime between 10 and 6 as long as they don’t interfere with any masses or church activities.
Photo by Tonya Prater
Photo by Tonya Prater
Speaking of beautiful places, another place I got to visit was The House on Harmar Hill.
The House on Harmar Hill
The House on Harmar Hill is a beautiful bed and breakfast where we had tea and scones while wearing Victorian attire. This bed and breakfast is so popular, they don’t even need a website! People find out about it through word of mouth. It doesn’t hurt that it’s got amazing views as well as beautiful rooms and decor. The scones were some of the best I’ve ever had, so I imagine the rest of the food must be just as great. In fact, the owner holds high tea at The House on Harmar Hill, and it is very popular.
I had a wonderful time looking around at all of the items the owners, Judy and Doug Grize, have collected over the years. They were a military family, so they have a very eclectic and extensive collection from around the world.
Find out more about The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption
Contact The House on Harmar Hill
1-740-374-5451
These both sound like wonderful places to visit and they would both be on my list if I ever end up in this area. That basilica is gorgeous.
I agree. It is definitely a place to see!
What a beautiful place to visit. Looks very interesting too. Would be fun to check this out if we went on a road trip there.
Definitely road trip worthy!
The beauty of this place can’t be denied. I love a good back story and I’m sure there were tons.
Yes, there were!
I have never visited this area but love to see historical places. Amazing how beautiful some churches are the way they were built. My husband would be like a bull in a china room, but I think everything is beautiful with place setting and rooms.
LOL you’d have to keep him close at hand.
That church is beautiful. I love the attention to detail. And the House on Harmar Hill is so quaint! I love that it looks like you’re stepping into another era.
I loved looking at all of the things the owners have collected. It was so cool.
I have a travel list of different places I want to go. I need to add this one to the list. I would love to check out the history and the beauty of this area.
It is gorgeous. I learned so much on the trip!
You are right. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption is breath taking. It’s architecture is amazing in pictures. I cannot even imagine the beauty in person. The House on Hamar Hill is also pretty amazing. I love their decor. So much history.
I just couldn’t believe it when I walked in! I’ve been in gorgeous churches, but this was just wow!
I love visiting neat historical places like this. I love seeing little slices of history! This is on my to see list.
You’d have fun, Pam!
Amazing place. Never heard of it before but if I am in the area I would want to check this out. Great write up.
Thanks! If you’re in Southern Ohio, make the trip for sure.
I love checking out historic places like this. If I’m ever in this area, I would love to visit this church for sure.
You’d really enjoy Marietta!
Wow, this is such a beautiful church! I love stained glass work like these windows.
I wish I could have taken pictures of all of them!
So gorgeous. Would love to see in person if I ever got the chance to! I love historic sites and visiting new places!
I hope you get the chance!
Wow! For such a church to be in Ohio, it’s beautiful. With the house on Harmor hill, love each room’s Victorian feel. I’ll love to walk through it.
It’s a beautiful place to visit!
The House on Harmar Hill really caught my attention. In a digital age I am impressed they are so popular that they do not even need a website word of mouth is that powerful cool!
I was surprised too, but I guess when you have a great reputation it shows!
What a lovely lovely church! The intricate decorations, the dome, the stained glass! All awesome! The House on Hamar Hill is also a place to visit. I was looking at the beautiful china and it made me remember my mom’s precious china!
I love old china patterns!
This church sounds like an amazing site to see indeed with all the history. I would love to have coffee and scones at The House on Harmar Hill in the old fashion attire. Thanks so much for sharing this historical site to see in Marietta, Ohio.
You’re welcome! We had a great time.
I think churches offer some of the most interesting visiting sites. I love seeing their architecture!
I agree!
WOw! Those ceilings are absolutely amazing! I would love to go here! I think we are planning a trip to the area!
That would be great! You’ll love the area for sure.
What a beautiful church! The stained glass is breathtaking. I’d love to visit here when we go to Ohio.
It is a must visit!