Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 7:45 PM
About
The largest Neoclassical Roman Catholic Cathedral built by the International Irish diaspora in the 19th century, and the largest cathedral church in Canada. Begun as the dream of Bishop Michael Fleming (1792-1850) who became bishop 1829. He inherited a chapel holding 300 but needed to seat 10,000. Fleming made five round trips to England to obtain the land, after which the church took 14 years to build. The sermon at the opening in 1855 was preached by Archbishop John Hughes of New York, who returned home inspired to build St. Patrick's Cathedral. Exceptional stained glass windows by English, and French artists pre-date and survived the Great Fire of St. John's in 1892. The Basilica holds the best collection of neoclassical statuary in the western hemisphere by Hogan, Carew, Ghersi, and Aureli. The pipe organ is one of the largest in Canada with 4050 pipes and 66 stops, and speaks in an exceptional acoustic environment with 2.9 seconds of reverberation.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
398 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
130
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Connector733421
24 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Coming to St. Johns was the way I chose to kick off summer this year. I was only here for a few days and wanted to see as much as I could, which included the Basilica. As a Roman Catholic myself, I always look forward to visiting churches and have visited them across Canada and Europe. First of all...I've never encountered a church that has their front doors locked all day. This is a deterrent. We stopped by a few times that day and when we finally realized the side door was the intended entrance we were turned away because there was a mass and to return after 1 to get a tour. No problem. We returned only to find out the church was closed for the day due to some type of choir practice for a special event that evening. The following day we went bright and early before the mass started and was greeted by a woman "helper" and she was anything but. I understand covid restrictions lifted recently in the province but due to her language we felt pressured to wear a mask to enter. She also told us we had about 15 minutes before mass would begin so we could look around until the mass started and could come back later. Oddly enough that wasn't an invitation to attend Mass but we did do anyway. She also stopped by before mass a couple times to speak with us. I just felt very unwelcome and unwanted which is disheartening because I've never felt like that in a church before.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karl d
2 contributions
Jul 2022
This cathedral basilica is the most incredible architecture masterpiece east of Montreal. There are guided tours daily, no need to book ahead. The young tour guides are exceptional. Ryan, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the history of the church building and the Catholic church in the St. John's area.
It is incredible to realize that this magnificent building was built in 14 years in the mid 1800s by dedicated and hardworking Newfoundlanders and Irish men. There are statues, alters and other artifacts that are constructed with materials from all over the world. They have daily mass and 3 weekend masses as well as opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Thank you to all the hard working parishioners and staff who host visitors warmly each day. This is truly a sacred and holy place.
It is incredible to realize that this magnificent building was built in 14 years in the mid 1800s by dedicated and hardworking Newfoundlanders and Irish men. There are statues, alters and other artifacts that are constructed with materials from all over the world. They have daily mass and 3 weekend masses as well as opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Thank you to all the hard working parishioners and staff who host visitors warmly each day. This is truly a sacred and holy place.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AK8397
Ontario, Canada1,018 contributions
Jul 2022
We really wanted to visit the Basilica since it is so well known and prominent in the city. But it was a challenge to actually get inside for a peak. We dropped by a couple of times and all the doors were locked. If you check out their schedule posted by the side door, you will find that they are rarely open for visitors. Finally, we did manage to get there during a rare opening and the person at the front desk seemed genuinely surprised to see visitors. We were the only ones there.
Anyway, the inside is impressive and worth a visit. Good luck!
Anyway, the inside is impressive and worth a visit. Good luck!
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony B
56 contributions
Aug 2022
During my trip to St Johns I also spent time visiting the Basilica. I have visited before in winter 2018 so it was lovely to see in the summer sun. As well as taking time to observe my faith, I took a stroll looking at the history of the building and speaking with some of the staff, one of whom had good, (and passionate), insight.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie S
Basking Ridge, NJ27 contributions
Sept 2022
The ceiling and the stained glass windows are not to be missed. Also, we had an informal tour and historical background from one of the parishioners who was there in the afternoon that we visited. Frankly, we may not have gone there, except that it was raining, and I feel lucky that we were able to see it. Also, the sculpture of the Veiled Virgin is in the convent next door, and that is definitely not to be missed; it is one of the premier artworks in North America.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
empathology
Rotterdam, The Netherlands617 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
I'm probably unfairly comparing this to cathedrals in Europe but whilst this is beautiful it lacks grandness or history (though that goes without saying) - especially for a Catholic church.
It sits in a prime position, proudly back from the road and up on the hill overlooking the town and harbour. And as you're wandering around looking at all those lovely colourful old houses, it's worth popping in to admire its very elegant interior.
It sits in a prime position, proudly back from the road and up on the hill overlooking the town and harbour. And as you're wandering around looking at all those lovely colourful old houses, it's worth popping in to admire its very elegant interior.
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3000calories
Buffalo, NY1,657 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This was a great brief stop for the family. It is awe inspiring and calming. You can walk up and down the nave as well as the outer halls. The people who work here are friendly. If you’re lucky you can hear the girl playing piano.
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula K
16 contributions
Jul 2019
We lucked into tagging along while a docent was giving a tour and it was well worth it. The history and architecture of this building is truly amazing. It was easily the highlight of our trip, even moreso than the much touted The Rooms Museum next door.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agac
Canada368 contributions
Jul 2022
so much history and connection to st. johns. had no difficulty entering the church, was greeted upon entering. a truly stunning church inside and outside. amazing views of the city below. this is a must if visiting the city
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria R
Pickering, Canada13 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
The Basilica is well worth a visit. However, for me, the real gem is Giovanni Strazza's sculpture, entitled 'The Veiled Virgin', which is housed in the Presentation Motherhouse next door to the Basilica. It is exquisite and should not be missed. Visitors can push the buzzer near the door of the Motherhouse, Monday - Friday 2:30-4:00p.m. and request admittance.
Written August 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saturday mass is at 5pm, Sunday masses are 8:30am and 11am.
Written January 11, 2017
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