Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries, Roman Catholic minor basilica in Castries, Saint Lucia.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries is a Roman Catholic church located where Peynier Street, Micoud Street, and Laborie Street meet in the city center. The building stretches approximately 200 feet (60 meters) in length and 100 feet (30 meters) in width, with thick stone walls and a prominent facade that faces the street.
Plans to build this church began in 1807, but financial struggles delayed the project for decades. The current structure was founded in 1894 and designed by Father Ignatius Scoles, who employed methods to make it resistant to the tropical climate.
The interior features murals by local artist Dunstan St. Omer that depict biblical scenes and religious interpretations tied to the island's faith. These artworks shape how people experience the sacred space and reflect the community's spiritual identity.
The church sits across from Derek Walcott Square in downtown Castries and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and check local worship times before entering if planning a visit outside regular tourism hours.
Father Ignatius Scoles designed the church during a visit in 1891, selecting materials and building techniques specifically engineered to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. These structural choices make it one of the most resilient religious buildings across the Caribbean islands.
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