Christchurch Basilica by Mark Sukhija

Basilica-style Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch, South Island, New ZealandThe Christchurch Basilica, which was consecrated on the 12th February 1905 by Dr. Thomas Carr, the Archbishop of Melbourne, takes its name from Church of the Blessed Sacrament which was built on this site in 1864. The Church, having been enlarged, became the pro-Cathedral of the Diocese when it was established in 1887.

The Cathedral was the fulfilment of a dream John Joseph Grimes SM, first Catholic Bishop of Christchurch and built after a design by its architect, Francis William Petre. The Basilica at Christchurch is often regarded as the crowning glory of Petre's career.

The Basilica measured 210ft x 106ft and was constructed of concrete, brick and stone, and cost 52,800 pounds. The Cathedral was built by the contractors J.& W. Jamieson after the foundation stone was laid on 10th February 1901.

The design of the Cathedral is in the neo-Classical style and is based upon the old Roman style Basilicas - which is why it is now popularly known as "The Basilica." Unusually, the cupola of the Basilica is placed over the sanctuary rather than over the intersection of the nave and the transepts where it is usually found.

A combination of pollution and smoke and soot from the nearby Gas Works and railways has affected the stonework of the Basilica. As a result, a Bishop Brian Patrick Ashby instituted a five year programme of cleaning and repair beginning in 1970. The project included a re-ordering of the interior to meet the new needs of the liturgy whuch was undertaken by Miles Warren of Warren & Mahoney who were also responsible for the Christchurch Town Hall. The forecourt was added to the Cathedral later to help improve the façade of the Church.

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Map

Further reading

Day in Christchurch - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

Christchurch Cathedral - Historical notes of Christchurch Cathedral

New Zealand - 9 great pubs and bars - 9 of the best pubs and bars in and around New Zealand

New Zealand - recommended luxury accomodation - Recommended luxury accomodation inNew Zealand

New Zealand's South Island - recommended hotels and motels - Recommended hotels and motels New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand - Whataroa - Information about Whataroa on the West Coast of South Island of New Zealand

Leaving Queenstown for Whataroa - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

The White Heron Sanctuary at Whataroa - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

Oamaru - a brief history of Hotel Brydone - A short history of the Hotel Brydone in Oamaru

Oamaru - 16 things not to miss - 16 things not to miss in the South Island city of Oamaru in New Zealand

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism - Official website of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism

Key facts

Name: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Address:
122 Barbadoes Street, Christchurch

About Mark Sukhija

Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook