Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist

The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist is a Catholic church building in downtown Stamford with Gothic-style architecture. Inside, white Carrara marble and Mexican onyx decorate the space, particularly around the main altar.

The original structure was a wooden church built in 1851, which was replaced by the current stone building constructed in 1868 by architect James Murphy from Providence. This represented a major expansion of the religious facility for the community.

The basilica serves as a gathering place for people from different backgrounds who worship in their native languages during services. You will see communities from across the city coming together in this space.

The church holds regular services throughout the week and can accommodate many visitors at once. Confessions are offered in multiple languages, allowing worshippers to participate in the language of their choice.

The buildings next to the church served as a stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War, helping enslaved Black people escape to freedom. This assistance was quietly carried out during that dangerous time.