Basilica of St. John the Baptist, St. John`s

The Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a significant religious landmark. It serves as the metropolitan cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's and is considered the mother church and a symbol of Roman Catholicism in Newfoundland. It is also recognized as a National Historic District of Canada.

The construction of the Basilica-Cathedral was a monumental undertaking and the largest building project in Newfoundland's history at the time. The construction began with the excavation of the ground in May 1839 and progressed steadily until the laying of the cornerstone in May 1841. The arduous process lasted several years and concluded with the completion and consecration of the basilica on September 9, 1855. Notably, it was the largest church building in North America during that era and continues to be the second largest church in Canada, surpassed only by Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being the largest cathedral church in Canada.

The Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has a rich history, having endured significant challenges. It is one of the few structures in St. John's to have survived the devastating Great Fire of 1892, which ravaged much of the city. This resilience further emphasizes the importance and significance of the basilica as a historical and religious monument.

The Basilica Museum, situated within the Episcopal Library adjacent to the Archbishop's Palace, welcomes visitors seasonally. It offers a fascinating collection of exhibits showcasing religious art, historical and religious artifacts related to the Basilica, portraits of bishops and archbishops of St. John's, as well as furniture and decorations from various period rooms within the Palace.