
St. Paul's Basilica, Toronto
Tucked in the quiet neighborhood of Corktown is one of the most stunning churches in the urban landscape of Toronto. Housing the oldest Roman Catholic congregations in Toronto, the St. Paul’s Basilica is a must-see if you admire vintage architecture.
The present structure was built in 1889 and designed by Joseph Connolly, an architect of Irish- Canadian origin best known for his Gothic Revival churches. Connolly was quite a popular choice for Roman Catholic Churches and his designs were greatly inspired by George Ashlin and William Hague, who were then prominent Irish architects. However, the St. Paul’s Basilica was different from Connolly’s other designs. Where most of his churches were inspired by the Gothic style of architecture, the St. Paul’s Basilica models as a stunning example of an Italianate structure. With shades and glimpses of the Renaissance and Neo-classic elements of architecture, the Basilica seems very similar to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.
The Basilica boasts a simple yet elegant facade in shades of stone and wood.
However, the true beauty of the structure lies within the church. With an elegantly painted ceiling and walls, elaborately painted stained windows and beautiful sculptures, the Basilica is the perfect example of a 19th century Roman Catholic Church.
Tip:
Don't forget to turn around and check out the organ up in the balcony loft – a beautiful instrument of praise!
The present structure was built in 1889 and designed by Joseph Connolly, an architect of Irish- Canadian origin best known for his Gothic Revival churches. Connolly was quite a popular choice for Roman Catholic Churches and his designs were greatly inspired by George Ashlin and William Hague, who were then prominent Irish architects. However, the St. Paul’s Basilica was different from Connolly’s other designs. Where most of his churches were inspired by the Gothic style of architecture, the St. Paul’s Basilica models as a stunning example of an Italianate structure. With shades and glimpses of the Renaissance and Neo-classic elements of architecture, the Basilica seems very similar to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.
The Basilica boasts a simple yet elegant facade in shades of stone and wood.
However, the true beauty of the structure lies within the church. With an elegantly painted ceiling and walls, elaborately painted stained windows and beautiful sculptures, the Basilica is the perfect example of a 19th century Roman Catholic Church.
Tip:
Don't forget to turn around and check out the organ up in the balcony loft – a beautiful instrument of praise!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toronto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. Paul's Basilica on Map
Sight Name: St. Paul's Basilica
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toronto, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Toronto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toronto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Religious Sites Walking Tour
Because it is an ethnically diverse city, Toronto has different types of churches beginning with imposing Revival style Cathedrals to small postmodernist churches. This tour however aims to introduce you to some of the most famous religious structures in the city. While in Toronto be sure to check the ones listed below.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Toronto's Waterfront Walking Tour
Toronto is located on the shore of Lake Ontario and it is more than obvious that the locals, as well as visitors to the city, cherish and admire the alluring views of the lake. Toronto's waterfront is one of the most picturesque places for walking, but it is also a great destination for those in search of entertainment. This walking tour will reveal all the pearls strewn along the quay.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Toronto Introduction Walking Tour
Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian metropolis on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario renowned for its dynamic pace and a high-rising skyline comprising ultra-modern skyscrapers and historic architecture.
People have inhabited the area of present-day Toronto for thousands of years, among them the Iroquois tribe, preceded by the Wyandot (Huron) people who had... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
People have inhabited the area of present-day Toronto for thousands of years, among them the Iroquois tribe, preceded by the Wyandot (Huron) people who had... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Toronto Shopping Tour
There are many ways to enjoy shopping in Toronto. You can either walk along the oldest streets of the city, like Yonge street and visit the huge fancy shopping centers, or you can experience the atmosphere of the historic market of St. Lawrence. This tour has it all: from small unusual stores to big "all-mighty" malls. So don't hesitate to enjoy an authentic shopping experience by... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Toronto Islands Walking Tour
The Toronto Islands is a chain of islands located in Lake Ontario, comprising three major islands (namely: Center Island, Algonquin or Sunfish Island, and Olympic Island) and several smaller ones, which collectively represent a great recreation destination set in a peaceful and joyful environment. Other than a great panoramic view of Toronto, the islands offer a wealth of attractions. To acquaint... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Distillery District Walking Tour
The architectural treasure of Toronto's Distillery District dates back to 1859 as the site of the largest distillery in the British Empire. This former industrial complex is now a National Historic Site of Canada and represents a unique pocket of Victorian-era architecture, featuring the continent's best-preserved collection of cobblestone pathways and historic buildings housing... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
The Epic Toronto Pub Crawl
There is no better way to see Toronto’s many different neighborhoods and get a literal taste of the Distillery District, the Esplanade, downtown, the Entertainment District and Yorkville. Plus you’ll learn a little about the bar and get its highlights at your fingertips so you’ll be in the...
Traveler's Guide to Toronto: 15 Authentic Canadian Products to Bring Home
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