St. Boniface Cathedral : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 18 Jun, 2023
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Welcome to St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This iconic landmark is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and a popular tourist attraction. It has been damaged by numerous fires over the years, and its current iteration is the result of a restoration effort that began in the early 1990s. Inside and outside the Cathedral is a wealth of fascinating facts and history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Winnipeg. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Cathedral, discussing some of its most interesting facts, exploring some of the information available about it, and providing you with a travel guide should you be interested in visiting the site in person.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About St. Boniface Cathedral
1. The first St. Boniface Cathedral was built in 1818 as a wooden chapel, and was the first Roman Catholic church in what is now western Canada.
2. One of the earliest pastors of St. Boniface Cathedral was Father Louis Valle, who was instrumental in creating the basis for an aboriginal Indian boarding school, which operated until the 1970s.
3. The first stone building of St. Boniface Cathedral was built from 1832-36. This first building, of limestone quarried at a nearby site, was destroyed by a large fire in 1860.
4. Soon after the fire in 1860, the cornerstone of the present St. Boniface Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic building, was laid by Archbishop Alexandre Tache in 1865.
5. The Renaissance Revival bell tower of the present cathedral was designed by the noted architect Louis-Philippe Hébert (1850-1917) and its cornerstone was laid by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier in 1908.
6. The interior of the cathedral is notable for its collection of European art from the 16th and 17th centuries, including stained glass windows and statues, an organ assembled in Montreal, and other artefacts, such as an old baptismal font and banner given by Pope Leo XIII in 1896.
7. In 1970, a fire damaged the interior walls, but much of the art was saved by the heroic efforts of local firefighters.
8. In 1981 St. Boniface Cathedral was declared a national historic site in recognition of its outstanding significance to Canadian history.
History & Information About St. Boniface Cathedral
St. Boniface Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Winnipeg. The cathedral is a prominent example of French Gothic Revival architecture.
St. Boniface Cathedral was built between 1891 and 1912 on the site of the earlier St. Boniface Basilica, which had been destroyed by a fire in 1968. The current structure serves as a place of worship for Catholics in the area.
The interior of the St. Boniface Cathedral includes many highlights, such as the stained glass windows, large murals of Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Charles Borromeo, as well as the tombs of several Archbishops. There is also a pipe organ and a gothic fountain.
The exterior of the cathedral features terracotta ornamentation and the bell tower stands at 97 meters tall. The main spire is 52 meters tall, making the cathedral the tallest building in Winnipeg and the second tallest Roman Catholic cathedral in Canada.
The cathedral also houses three historic bells dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which are still rung during special occasions. The bells were first installed in 1920, and have been rung every day at 5:00PM since 1925.
St. Boniface Cathedral has become an important landmark in the city of Winnipeg, and its presence is a reminder of the largely French-Catholic heritage of the area. It also serves as a reminder of the many European immigrants who contributed to the society and culture of the city.
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Travel Guide For Visiting St. Boniface Cathedral
Situated in the heart of the city of Winnipeg, the majestic St. Boniface Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in Western Canada. Established in 1818 and a National Historic Site of Canada, the cathedral remains an important center of spiritual life in the Metis Nation and beyond.
Getting There:
St. Boniface is located at 190 Avenue de la Cathédrale in the city of Winnipeg. The cathedral is easily accessible by car or public transit. There are bus routes that run from the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport directly to St. Boniface, as well as several bus stops close to the site. The cathedral is a short 4.5-kilometer drive from the airport.
What to See:
The Saint Boniface Cathedral offers breathtaking architecture, a tranquil setting, and historical significance. The French-Canadian-style building was constructed in 1818 by the Catholic Oblates and is the largest building in the Saint Boniface neighbourhood. Inside, visitors will find tall stone columns, neo-gothic plaster decorations, and decorative wood carvings. Highlights of the cathedral include the Holy Door, a rare example of pre-World War I ironwork and the stained glass windows.
Nearby Attractions:
Adjacent to St. Boniface Cathedral is the Ste. Anne’s Protestant Church. Established in 1859, the neo-Gothic church features beautiful leaded glass windows, a distinctive bell tower, and a quadrilateral plan.
Also nearby is the Parc Des Écrains, a 6-acre park overlooking the Red River. The park is home to several bronze statues including one of Louis Riel, Manitoba’s first prime minister. It also features a number of historical buildings, including the Ecrains de la Rivière Rouge, a cultural centre that offers temporary exhibitions.
Practical Information:
St. Boniface Cathedral is open every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM for visitors to explore on their own. Guided tours can be booked through the cathedral’s Tourist Services Centre. Tour admission is free but donations are encouraged.
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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Boniface Cathedral
Q: How many people can the St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba, accommodate?
A: The St. Boniface Cathedral seats up to 900 people in the sanctuary and around 200 in other areas of the church.
Q: How old is the St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba?
A: The St. Boniface Cathedral was built in 1818. It was extensively renovated and expanded in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Q: Does the St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba offer guided tours?
A: Yes, the cathedral offers free guided tours of thirty minutes long.
Q: What are the breathtaking features inside the St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba?
A: The St. Boniface Cathedral features a large stained glass window, an ornate pipe organ, and beautiful carved marble columns lining the nave and sanctuary.
