The Basilica Preservation Fund

Asheville, North Carolina

Saving the Basilica - Guastavino's Masterpiece

The Basilica Preservation Fund, Inc. was formed as a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation in March 2008, ensuring the future integrity of the art and architecture of the Basilica of St. Lawrence.

We are commissioned with the task of raising the funds needed to preserve this beautiful, historic basilica, considered to be Rafael Guastavino’s masterpiece.

We appeal to like minded individuals, corporations, and funding institutions who will join with us in this worthwhile endeavor to Save The Basilica.

“As architecture, it’s remarkable because of the surfaces and how it fills the spaces it fills—and he makes it look simple. It’s a defiant technology in the face of concrete and steel, in form and execution—a very elegant solution that’s hard not to like the more you learn about it.”

– Derek Trelsted, engineer, Robert Silman Associates Traditional Building Magazine Dec 2021

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Significance

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The Plan

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Tours

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Virtual Tour

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Preserving Our Heritage

For over a century, the aesthetic influence of The Basilica of Saint Lawrence has stood the test of time and brought prestige and honor to our region. The Basilica was designed in 1903 by Spanish-born architect Rafael Guastavino. Sadly, Guastavino died in 1908, before the completion of the Basilica. His son, Rafael Guastavino Jr., ensured its completion in 1909. With its rich antiquity and colorful splendor, the Basilica is a gift entrusted to us by generations of people who came before. It represents our history: a unique and distinct identity rooted in generosity, a commitment to our community, and a steadfast faith in God. As the Basilica celebrates over 100 years of service, it is up to us to preserve and share its legacy with tomorrow’s generations.

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Virtual tour provided by the generosity of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Basilica Ornaments

Basilica ornaments can be purchased directly from artists Tom Reardon & Kathleen Doyle. A portion of each sale will go to the Basilica Restoration.

Buy an Ornament

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The preservation of the Basilica is being supported in part by a Save America's Treasures grant from the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.