basilica of st. stanislaus kostka

This is a remarkable piece of architecture in the center of a working class neighborhood. It was built by Polish immigrants and is loved and cared for by today's parishioners. The gorgeous pink marble columns holding up the stunning ceiling will take your breath away.

Historical, stunning, friendly people, self tour information and unusual style - this is one beautiful church that has now been elevated to basilica status. If you visit Winona, don't miss it.

What a beautiful church on the outside and inside both. We went about 9:30 am after the mass so it was still open and we were able to spend time walking around the inside and seeing all the stained glass windows.

It was quite special to see a large basilica in a very small town; very classy and elegant. Follow your eyes and enjoy this gem.

St. Stan's is an old Catholic church in Winona, built by Kashubian Polish settlers. It is listed as a national historic site so is definitely worth a visit to see the church. The present building was completed in 1895 I believe and has beautiful stained glass windows and a golden dome. It was named a minor basilica in 2011.

My sister had seen the outside of this church and was curious to see more. When we went in, a very pleasant woman came up and told us more about it, gave us a pamphlet, and left us alone to enjoy it. The windows are beautiful and, despite its size, it feels peaceful and welcoming.

After spending the day on the scenic roads on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the Mississippi River, we were coming back to Rochester through the town of Winona. I saw a picturesque church a few blocks off the main road, and we drove over to it. Mass was just letting out, so we walked in and were very pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the building. Imagine a huge open area with a main dome and roof supported by four massive columns. The walls of the basilica contain sixteen large stain glass windows. The walls themselves are painted a faux marble - at a distance they look real! I spoke with one of the parishioners, and he told me that Winona calls itself the stain glass capital of America owing to companies like Willet Hauser Company. The basilica was built in 1895 by Polish immigrants, and many of the stain glass motifs depict Polish saints.

This Basilica is extremely impressive not only on the outside but the inside as well. The many stained glass windows are beaufiful as is the organ loft and marble pillars. This is a must see.