St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, one of the oldest churches in North America and one of the most important Catholic churches in Canada. Located in Toronto, Ontario, the beloved home of many Catholics, St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica is beloved and admired for its incredible architecture and beautiful location within the city. In this blog, we’ll explore the interesting history of this church and learn some interesting facts, information, and travel tips for those who are planning a visit! So, get ready to learn all about St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, one of the most beloved churches in all of North America.

Interesting Facts About St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

1. Construction for St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica began on August 31, 1845 and was completed in 1848. It was the first major church to be built in Toronto since the city was incorporated in 1834.

2. The National Historic Site of Canada was visited by PopeJohn Paul II in 1984 during his tour of Canada.

3. In 1955, the Cathedral was elevated to the rank of a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII.

4. St. Michael’s houses two important altars of historic significance: The high altar was constructed to honour the launch of the Canadian Confederation in 1867, while the sanctuary altar was dedicated to the fallen soldiers from World War I.

5. The cathedral features an impressive organ, built in 1895 by Canadian organ builder, Dant & Dant. The organ has over 3,000 pipes and is the largest in any Catholic church in Toronto.

6. The exterior of the Cathedral features a 70-foot copper spire, which is illuminated at night by LED lights in a variety of colours.

7. St. Michael’s serves as the home for the Toronto Oratory, a Catholic congregation of priests and lay brothers.

8. The Cathedral is also home to The Choir School of St. Michael’s, a renowned Anglican boys’ choir school. This award-winning choir has performed at numerous events around the world and released four albums in recent years.

9. St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica is primarily known for its Romanesque-Byzantine style architecture, but also features elements of Victorian Gothic.

10. The Cathedral serves as an important tourist attraction and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, weddings, and funerals.

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History & Information About St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto, Ontario, is an historic Roman Catholic church and the seat of the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The original building was opened in 1845 and was the first English-speaking Catholic parish in the city. Since then, the building has undergone several renovations and expansions, eventually being declared a Basilica in 1926 by Pope Pius XI.

St. Michael’s has played an important role in Canadian history. In 1856, the church was chosen to be the site of the first Cardinal’s tea hosted by the Archbishop of Toronto John Joseph Lynch in honour of the Papal Nuncio. It also served as the venue for former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s funeral Mass in 2000.

The Church has an Italian Baroque Revival style and features stained glass windows by English artists, 16th century altarpieces from Europe, and a new organ designed by Casavant Frères of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. Visitors can see these elements and more during a tour of the building. St. Michael’s is also home to several annual events, including a 10-day Christmas Novena, pilgrimages throughout the year, and a Family Pilgrimage Day in October.

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica is a popular tourist site and a source of pride for Roman Catholics in Toronto. It continues to be a pivotal place of spiritual growth, comfort, and refuge for many members of the archdiocese.

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Travel Guide For Visiting St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

1. How To Get There

To get to St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto, you can drive by car or ride a public transportation. If you take the public transportation, you can take the GO bus from the Brampton Bus Terminal or from Exhibition Station. Once you arrive at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, you can take a short walk or even better, take a free shuttle service provided by the cathedral.

2. Things To Do

a. Explore the Basilica: The best way to appreciate this Roman Catholic Cathedral is to explore it on foot. As you pass through the ancient walls and stained-glass windows, you will be able to learn more about its history and admire its grand architecture.

b. Special Events: St. Michael’s Cathedral routinely hosts numerous cultural and religious events. From spectacular hight Masses to candlelight carol services, there are several special events for visitors to experience and enjoy.

c. Other Attractions: An advantage of visiting St. Michael’s Cathedral is its close proximity to other Toronto attractions, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the CN Tower and the Distillery District.

3. Where To Stay

There are several hotels in the vicinity of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica that you can stay in. Some of these hotels are The Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown, The Hilton Toronto, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto, and Novotel Toronto North York.

4. Where To Eat

After exploring the Basilica and taking in the sights and sounds of the city, make sure to sample some of the amazing restaurants located near and around St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. Some of the popular restaurants here are The Patsy’s Italian, The Big Slice Pizza, and The George Street Diner.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica

Q: Where is St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica located?
A: St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 65 Bond Street.

Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Q: Is there access to parking?
A: Yes, St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica does have access to parking.

Q: Is there a cost to enter the Cathedral Basilica?
A: No, entrance to the Cathedral Basilica is free of charge.

Q: Is food allowed in the Cathedral Basilica?
A: No, food and drinks are not allowed in the Cathedral Basilica.

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