St. Mary's Basilica, Gothic Revival minor basilica in downtown Halifax, Canada
Description
St. Mary's Basilica is a Gothic Revival structure with a 189-foot (58 m) granite spire dominating its roofline and a triple portal serving as the main entrance. Inside, groin vaulting and carved stone details appear throughout the walls and ceiling.
History
Construction started in 1820 with a wooden structure that was gradually replaced with stone materials. The formal consecration took place in 1899, completing a major phase of development for the local Catholic community.
Culture
The name references its dedication to Mary and reflects its role as a spiritual center for the local Catholic community. Visitors experience this sense of purpose today through the quiet atmosphere and the care taken in maintaining the interior.
Practical
The building sits at the corner of Barrington and Spring Garden Roads in downtown Halifax and is straightforward to locate. Guided tours are available, and wheelchair access is provided throughout the interior.
Did you know?
Fragments of glass from the 1917 explosion are embedded in the walls, serving as a physical reminder of that tragedy. Current restoration work is uncovering original murals that had been hidden beneath layers of white paint.
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