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Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica

Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica - Photo by Jeremy Atherton1 / 1
📷Jeremy Atherton

This stunning Romanesque Revival basilica on Chicago's west side features a grand façade with twin towers, ornate stonework, and one of the most elaborately decorated interiors in the city. Inside, you will find soaring vaulted ceilings, detailed frescoes, gilded altars, and rich stained glass that rewards wide-angle and detail shots alike. A wide lens in the 16-24mm range works well for capturing the full sweep of the nave, while a longer focal length lets you isolate the altar or ceiling details. Midday light filters through the stained glass most dramatically, casting colored patterns across the pews. Arrive during a quieter weekday to have the interior mostly to yourself, and ask permission before shooting. The exterior is best photographed from across the street to get both towers in frame without heavy distortion. (Chicago, Illinois, United States)

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