Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Our next stop is the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This Catholic Church was built from 1902-1912 on the corner of Colfax and Logan. The outside of the building was built with Indiana limestone, which is a common building stone for monumental style buildings, including the Empire State Building. It was also used for the Episcopal Church just down the street. It is a freestone, meaning there is no grain or lines, so it can be cut in any direction, and be cut with a lathe.

The altar piece in the center of the photo is made
from Carrara marble from Tuscany, Italy.

This is the marble that was used for famous sculptures by Michelangelo and other Italian artists.

The trim in the rest of the chuch is made from Yule Marble, taken from the quarry near Aspen. Yule Marble was, long ago, merely Leadville Limestone, until the heat from Tertiary age intrusions in the Elk Mountains, were it is found, baked it into marble.

The base of the outside appears to be a type of granite from the Aberdeen Quarry in Gunnison.

Directions (from Milheim):

U-turn. Go north on Race.

.4 Turn right on 17th. Stop at St.Mark's for coffee and almond croissant.

.5 Turn right on Vine. Go south on Vine

.7 Turn right on Colfax.

1.8 turn left on Pennsylvania. Turn into parking lot on left.