GuinnessBoy1950
You don't need to be Catholic or even religious to appreciate this amazing shrine. It's really a cathedral in all but name. The architecture is fantastic. The museum honouring Father Baker is worth a visit. Allow at least 30 minutes in the museum. You can tour the Basilica on your own or take a free guided tour. The staff are very helpful and friendly. For music lovers, try and hear the organ.
MofromMass
I grew up in Buffalo and visited the Basilica many times as a child with my mother. This past Easter, I decided to bring my husband and children here during a visit to the area.I walked in and was blown away. I had forgotten how magnificent it was. I have visited many cathedrals and churches in Europe, and I must say that the Basilica is equally as impressive. Besides the beauty of the building, there is also the beauty of the man, Father Nelson Baker. You can learn all about him and his amazing deeds in the museum located beneath the Basilica.If you are anywhere in the Buffalo area, it won't take you a long time to get here and you really only need a couple of hours to visit. It will be well worth your time.
donald72
The OLV Basilica is a national shine and one of the most magnificent structures regardless of your religion. The detail, the marble carvings, the history, the statures and stained glass windows, words cannot describe the beauty. Efforts are on going towards the canonization of Father Nelson Baker. You can take a tour and have everything about this remarkable man explained to you. What is just as remarkable it was paid for by the time it was built and the history of the construction was made into a documentary on our local public broadcast station. They say this basilica could never be duplicated, the materials and craftsman and simply not available. If you ever travel anywhere near Western New York, you should not miss our Lady of Victory Basilica, and be one the estimated 30,000 annual visitors
Daysrnumber
Not many travelers who visit in Buffalo Know Our Lady of Victory Basilica.Although i visited several famous Basilica in Montreal and Quebec city in Canada, there were too many tourist who took pictures and made noises. So I couldn't feel the atmosphere of a quiet and peaceful catholic church that I expected. It is not so fancy like other big Basilicas but gives more spiritual and peaceful mind to me, which I wanted to pray for my family and friends.
stephenscitymom
Mom took us to see the Basilica in Lakawanna, NY, near Buffalo, NY. My 14 yr old and I were both very impressed with the architecture and design details of the church. We took Route 90 across NY, and easily found the church and also found plenty of parking, it was not crowded, and we were there on a Saturday. The thing that struck me right away was the impressive edifice and detailed statuary at the top of the colonnades. The grounds are kept beautifully, and I noted the entire building was surrounded with bright flowers and trimmed shrubs.As we walked closer to the church, the bells rang out the three-quarter hour. Awesome! Everything was swept clean and very welcoming, with benches all around. We walked through the main sanctuary and looked at the "stations of the cross" carvings out of white marble. The expressions and features are incredible to see in person. I've seen photographs, but being there was amazing. We saw the tributes to Saints and elaborate altar and enormous pulpit carved from white marble. We lit candles to loved ones in heaven. The ceilings are all hand-painted with angels and Saints. There is gold painted trim on all the woodwork. The stained-glass windows glowed in the sunlight. Everywhere we looked there was a new amazing statue to admire. The lavatory was well stocked and very clean. There was a museum and video and gift shop downstairs with nice selections for souvenirs. Overall, it took us about 2 hours to go through the church and museum. We had a very pleasant afternoon. I recommend you take your family and remember to say a prayer for someone you love while you are there.
nyyankeegirl2
I never expected the stunning beauty of this Basilica! Be prepared to be wowed, and dont skip a visit downstairs to the museum featuring the story and artifacts of the revered Father Baker. I never knew the touching history of this building or the story of the orphans he cared for. Truly a must see if you are in the area.
JeremyFromToronto
I wasn't sure what to expect after driving up since the outside doesn't really like very nice. Once inside though it looked stunning. My wife and I celebrated Mass here and then had a chance to look through the building and would love to go back.
BSurahyo
I initially was on my way to see the buffalo and erie county botanical gardens and saw a beautiful building. So I thought to check it out and WOW it was a stunningly beautiful Basilica.As I entered into it I felt like being in Italy again and didn't expect such a huge and architectural beautiful Basilica was located here.The outer structure of the building absolutely attractive but the inside is very visually admiring appealing. Statues and Angels are every where with beautiful marble used in and around. Please keep the flash off as people are praying.
maryteresap
This Basilica is a beautiful old church which should be a stop on anyones itinerary in WNY. It is a National Shrine and the architecture and art in side are amazing. The large copper dome of the church is second in size to only to the dome on the capitol building in Washington DC. The entire building is made of marble. There are relics in the church of Father Baker who built the church in the early 1900s. The history of the church and Father Baker is presented in a small museum and well worth the visit. Amazing place to visit.
moose444
This is a beautiful church with a very interesting history. Take time to visit the museum and tour the church. Say a prayer, light a candle and take some time to be peaceful and reflective.
ohiofiremanwife
This church is just beautiful!!! Simply Amazing! It is just breathtaking when you enter the church and see the beautiful artwork and architecture. Check out the museum and see the history of the church and Father Baker. Take time to walk through, light a candle and say a prayer.
538dennisp
thankfully BLESSED to have a catholic church, 10 mins away from the Hampton hotel that we stayed in. The church was BEAUTIFUL and the art designs and sculptures are AMAZING!
Rgf49er
I'm always blessed to find a church nearby. Easter is not a great day to travel but my hotel is blessed to be by our lady if victory
DrDEbDDS1964
OLV as we call it in the city is our citys's gem. It is a beautiful piece of architecture with a wonderful history. Make sure you take the tour and visit the gift shop downtown. And say a prayer for the canonization of Father Baker,It's on a busy intersection and not in the most scenic part of town. They are trying to improve the scenery around it, but the real beauty is inside
895marciab
This incredible church, built between 1921 and 1925, is a testimony to one of Western New York's greatest religious and historical figures, Father Nelson Baker. He was the driving force behind the building of this masterpiece. I have visited many times and I and my guests see something new each time. There are paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. There are angels everywhere. Father Baker is entombed in the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes within the Basilica. When you have finished enjoying the church, you can go downstairs to visit the Father Baker Museum and the OLV gift shop.