Knights Tower Tour

On September 18, 2025, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Dedication of the Knights Tower Carillon. To mark this special occasion, the Basilica will bring back the extraordinary opportunity to journey up into the Tower and view our nation’s capital from this spectacular vantage point. Visitors will ascend the Tower elevator to the observation level, where they can take in spectacular views in all four directions.

Free tour opportunities are available only on Thursday, September 18, 2025. To take advantage of this unique experience, we invite you to sign up for one of the available tour times.

Registration is open!

The Basilica offers ample free parking and is walking distance from the Brookland-CUA Metro Station on Metro’s Red Line.

A maximum of four (4) tickets may be reserved per person.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time and check in at the registration area in the base of the Knights Tower, near the Chapel of Our Lady of Pompei and the Oratory of Mary, Queen of Ireland. If you arrive later than your scheduled tour time, accommodation on a later tour is on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Visitors must be able to climb 85 steps to reach the Tower Elevator, please ensure you are in good physical condition before signing up for this opportunity. Children are permitted but parents should consider the stairs in their decision to bring younger children along. At least one adult must accompany children under the age of 18. Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted into the Tower and no storage is available at the Basilica.

Use of the Tower elevator is required to ascend to the observation level, visitors who experience claustrophobia, those who do not like elevators, or anyone who suffers from a condition where riding in an enclosed elevator may be uncomfortable should not sign up for a tour.

Food and drink are not permitted.

Bags, suitcases, camera cases, large purses or other bulky items are not permitted.

Photography is allowed but the use of tripods is not permitted.

Prohibited items cannot be stored, please leave the items in you

Host or Publisher Basilica of the National Shrine