There are so many churches in Milwaukee that it's sometimes called the “City of Steeples.” But few are more stunning than the Basilica of St. Josaphat.

A basilica, we learned today, is a special honor bestowed by the pope on churches of exceptional beauty or historical importance.

The back story: As Milwaukee’s Polish immigrant community took root on the south side, it established the nation’s first urban Polish Catholic parish in 1866. By the late 19th century, its rapidly growing congregation of 12,000 needed a larger church.

The community helped fund and build their new home, which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. When it was completed in 1901, it featured the country’s second-largest dome, surpassed only by the U.S. Capitol. Inside, stained-glass windows, an alabaster interior, murals, and ornate plasterwork showcase its blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles.

In 1929, Pope Pius XI named St. Josaphat a basilica, making it the world’s first Polish-American basilica and only the third basilica in the United States.

It is a beautiful nod to the faith, resilience and heritage of Milwaukee’s immigrant communities.