Church of St Joseph, Grade II* listed church in Highgate Hill, London
The Church of St Joseph is a Grade II* listed church on Highgate Hill in London, topped by a green copper dome that can be seen from many parts of the city. The building combines Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements, creating an unusual ensemble for this part of London.
The Passionist Congregation settled on this site in 1858 and built a smaller church to begin with. The current building opened in 1889, during the jubilee year of Pope Leo XIII, replacing the earlier structure entirely.
The high altar inside is made of Sicilian marble and draws the eye as soon as you enter. The vaulted ceiling carries 250 panels showing angels and verses from the Te Deum, giving the interior a remarkably dense visual character.
The church sits on Highgate Hill, which involves a noticeable uphill walk from the surrounding area. Visitors who want to see the interior should check in advance when the building is open outside of service times.
The church houses a four-manual organ built by William Hill and Sons in 1898, which also serves as a memorial to local people who died in the Second World War. It is rare for a musical instrument to serve at the same time as a local war memorial.
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