How tragic that a fire ravaged Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in 1984. The blaze destroyed one of the twin spires that once graced this grand church. Although a single steeple still reaches towards the heavens, the lost spire is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by this West Side community. Today, we stand before Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1902. This Italian Renaissance Revival gem, designed by Engelbert, Pope & Brinkmann, might seem modest from the outside, but step inside, and you’ll be awestruck. Imagine a soaring, barrel-vaulted ceiling, adorned with over 1,100 ornate gold-leaf panels, rising 80 feet above. This grand space, capable of accommodating 1,200 souls, became a designated basilica in 1956, a testament to its architectural and spiritual significance. Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica even graced the silver screen, appearing in the 1987 film “The Untouchables,” where Sean Connery’s character famously explains “The Chicago Way” to Kevin Costner. As you admire the grandeur, remember the lost spire, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, and a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city, beauty and faith can rise from the ashes.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to