HISTORIC HOME TOUR: Basilica Shrine of St. Mary

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour doesn't only include houses. You can also tour the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary at 412 Ann Street in Wilmington.

Father Bob Kus said the Spanish-Baroque church was built from 1908 to 1911, and has been a historical landmark for more than 40 years. Father Bob added that Pope Francis designated it a basilica in 2013, meaning it has both architectural and religious significance.

For Father Bob, and many visitors, the cavernous nave, colorful stained glass and intricate chandeliers offer quite the experience.

"There's a sense of serenity and otherworldliness in the church, something that transcends the earthly experience so to speak," Father Bob said.

Father Bob added that the basilica only has one structural problem. He said it leaks a bit during hurricanes, or rain storms.

The Historic Home Tour is Saturday, April 11 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 12 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are Tickets $25 in advance, and $30 on the day of the event. The ribbon cutting will be at the MacRae-Willard House at 520 Orange Street on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

According to the Azalea Festival's website, the North Carolina Azalea Festival Home Tour is an annual event held by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Proceeds from the Home Tour will advance the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s efforts to protect and preserve the irreplaceable historic resources of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear region. Since 1966, the foundation has successfully saved more than 200 historic properties from demolition.