Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Two cathedrals dedicated to St. John the Baptist stand within a short walk of each other in the old part of St. John's, and between them they tell much of the city's religious history. The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist occupies a hillside site on Church Hill, near Gower Street, and the Roman Catholic Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist stands on Military Road, a few minutes away. Together they form one of the most striking pairs of churches in Atlantic Canada.

The Anglican cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. Construction began in 1847 to a Gothic Revival design by the English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, who also planned many cathedrals and public buildings in Britain, and it was one of the most ambitious church projects in the colony. The Great Fire of 1892 swept through the town and badly damaged the building, leaving the walls standing but destroying much of the interior and roof. The congregation rebuilt it, and the restored church reopened in the early 20th century. Its stone walls, pointed arches and cruciform plan remain among the finest examples of Gothic Revival in Canada, and the building is a National Historic Site. Visitors to the interior see tall windows, carved details and a quiet nave, and guided tours are often offered in the summer months.

The Catholic basilica, built in the mid-19th century under Bishop Michael Fleming, is in the Lombard Romanesque style, with a grand facade, twin towers and a long nave. It was constructed with stone brought from Ireland and local sources, a reminder of the strong Irish heritage in Newfoundland, and it holds a richly decorated interior of marble altars, painted ceilings and statues. Its prominent position on a ridge above the harbour makes it visible from the water, and its bells and twin towers dominate the skyline. It became a basilica in the 1950s.

Both churches are active places of worship, so visits depend on services, and some areas may be closed during ceremonies. Opening hours vary by season, and it is best to check with each church before planning a visit. Dress respectfully and keep voices low.

A walk between the two takes in some of the oldest streets in the city, with colourful row houses and views of the harbour. Architecture enthusiasts and history readers will enjoy the comparison between two grand churches of different traditions.