Q: When are tours offered?
A: Guided tours of the Basilica are offered by group appointment. If you are interested in visiting on Saturday please call the Rectory Office at (305) 294-1018 to request a Saturday appointment. Please also know that weddings and special services may be taking place and may preclude your visit.
Q: Where do we meet our guide for the tour?
A: We meet at the Basilica Gift Shop just south of and adjacent to the Rectory office at 1010 Windsor Lane. During spring, summer, and fall, tours will begin in front of the Gift Shop, which is the white frame building next to the church.
Q: Can I visit the Basilica without taking the guided tour?
A: Yes. The Basilica is open to the public for visitation from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week. Please be aware, however, that the Basilica is a working parish church. Please see our Mass & Worship schedule so that you do not plan your visit during Mass time. Additionally, if you wish to visit on a Saturday, please email stmary@stmarykeywest.com, as weddings and special services may be taking place.
Q: Do I need tickets or a reservation for the guided tour?
A: Tickets are not required to take a tour. Reservations are required only for groups of 10 or more, but there is no maximum number for tour groups. Please complete our online tour reservation form if your group is more than 10 persons, and please note that group tours must be confirmed in writing by the Basilica before they are considered scheduled.
Q: What does the tour include?
A: The tour includes all areas ……
Q: How long does the tour last/How much time should I allow for my group to be at the Basilica?
A: Tours last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. If you would like to incorporate prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel, in Our Lady’s Grotto, or in the Stations of the Cross Garden into your tour, please allow for additional time. Don’t forget to allow at least another 20-30 minutes for the gift shop!
Q: Is there a charge?
A: There is no charge for the touring the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea.
Q: Is the Basilica wheelchair friendly? Does the Basilica have wheelchairs available?
A: The Basilica is 100% ADA compliant. There are wheelchair ramps to gain entry from the street level into the church, and elevators inside, so that all areas of the church are accessible, however, the Basilica does not have wheelchairs available for use.
Q: How do we get there, and where can we park?
A: You can use the map below to locate the Basilica.
Parking during your visit to the Basilica is FREE in the lot adjacent to the Basilica Gift Shop.
Q: Can we eat our lunch on the property?
A: The Basilica does not have eating facilities or vending machines. There are several restaurants and eateries in the neighborhood. If you are bringing a group, such as a school field trip, and wish to eat a bag lunch, you are certainly welcome to sit on the lawn and enjoy your lunch. However, we request that you bring trash bags and make sure the area is cleared of litter before you leave.
Q: Is photography permitted?
A: Photography inside the Basilica, for personal use only, is permitted. Flash photography is not allowed if a Mass or liturgical service is taking place. If you have any further questions about tours, please email them to stmary@stmarykeywest.com
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