Guided Walking Tours of the St. John’s Ecclesiastical District | The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Cultural Experiences
The tour starts at the front entrance to the Basilica (address can be found in the event details).
Recognized as unique in all of North America, this one-of-a-kind District traces its origins to English soldiers, sailors and settlers in the 1500s, followed by the Irish, Lowland Scots, and others from many nations who brought the traditions, art, music and architectural styles that live on today.
The four sites you’ll explore – the
Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
(congregation founded in 1699), the
Roman Catholic Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
(founded 1784),
Gower Street Methodist
(now United)
Church
(founded 1815), and
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk
(founded 1820) – were all built within a few 100 metres of each other. They stand as some of the finest examples of
Gothic-revival
,
Italian Romanesque
, and Northern-European architecture outside Europe.
Each will open exclusively for Conference visitors to experience the stories of the faith, fires and struggles of past centuries, including the fight for Women’s Suffrage that took root here. You’ll view first-hand the District’s enduring art and architecture, including intricate stone- and woodwork, statuary and icons, and more than 150 incredible stained-glass windows designed by renowned artists from England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Newfoundland.
Your tour concludes with tea, coffee and traditional Newfoundland goodies and music at the Anglican Cathedral, where each of the four location guides will join us.
Although walking distances are fairly short, the tour involves some steep hills. Let us know in advance if you have special needs. Be prepared and dress for Newfoundland weather on the day! Have some gloves so you can ring the bell at the Kirk!
The Ecclesiastical District was designated as a National Historic Site by Parks Canada in 2008 for its role in the cultural, educational, charitable, and religious development of the Colony, the Dominion of Newfoundland, and - today - the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Information Source: Churches of the St. John's Ecclesiastical District | eventbrite