03/30/2025
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence in downtown Asheville was designed and built in 1905 by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino. Interesting fact, he immigrated to the US in 1881 and pioneered a fireproof tile vaulting system, leaving a lasting impact on American architecture with his work appearing in iconic buildings like the Boston Public Library and Grand Central Terminal. His first major project in the United States was the Boston Public Library, which catapulted his name to fame. Under the banner of his company, Guastavino Fireproof Construction Company, Rafael Guastavino and his son, Rafael Guastavino Jr., built over 1,000 buildings.
