Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church is one of the best examples of an Early Christian Basilica-inspired church in St. Louis. It sits in that belt of tan brick churches the Archdiocese built in the early decades of the Twentieth Century.
It has a broad arcaded narthex in the front, with a set back nave with clerestory windows.
It reminds me of the rebuilt church of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, which was originally built in the time of the Emperor Constantine.
It’s not really Romanesque Revival per se, but it’s the closest to that style, itself influenced by Roman architecture.
The towering campanile, set off to the side as is common in Italian churches, soars above the church.
The interior, which can be seen at the church’s website, possesses a flat, coffered ceiling, as is common in Early Christian basilicas.
The school next door was clearly built at the same time, with more of that rich, warm red terracotta contrasting with the tan brick.
The church is a beacon with its tall campanile dominating the view of the streets around the neighborhood.
The church I grew up going to! It always seemed like something out of place and time to me. Thanks for featuring it.
It’s certainly beautiful on the inside as well, but there was a mass going on, so I did not photograph the interior.
Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church is one of the best examples of an Early Christian Basilica-inspired church in St. Louis. It sits in that belt of tan brick churches the Archdiocese built in the early decades of the Twentieth Century.
However, is this church actually considered a basilica??
No, it is not a basilica, which is a formal title bestowed by the pope. But it is in the style of many churches in Rome that have received the title officially, such as St. Paul Outside the Walls or St. Lawrence Outside the Walls. Great question.