St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Halifax
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
225 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
102
Average
16
Poor
0
Terrible
2
PavlaPavla
Chrudim, Czech Republic6,539 contributions
Jul 2023
This basilica is not very big, it is simply decorated inside, but there are beautiful arches in Georgian architecture style, Gothic doorways and really nice stained glass windows.
The church was badly damaged in the explosion at Halifax on 6 December 1917. All the stained glass windows were shattered by the force of the explosion. The paintings on the walls were damaged by small pieces of glass and later suffered water damage from a blizzard that entered the church through broken windows. However, work on the renovation of the paintings did not start until June 2019.
The church was badly damaged in the explosion at Halifax on 6 December 1917. All the stained glass windows were shattered by the force of the explosion. The paintings on the walls were damaged by small pieces of glass and later suffered water damage from a blizzard that entered the church through broken windows. However, work on the renovation of the paintings did not start until June 2019.
Written July 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stirling B
Ottawa, Canada619 contributions
Jul 2023
St Mary’s Basilica is a beautiful church located in downtown Halifax. The interior of the church features simple yet elegantly appointed with lovely stained glass. Nice place to visit when in the area.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siera C
Windsor, Canada32 contributions
Mar 2021
Beautiful church mid 18 century Catholic Materpiece. Still well maintained. The Altar, cieling and stained glass work all beautiful and worth starring. Walk thr grounds and admire how they built it then
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth V
Bognor Regis, UK764 contributions
Sep 2019
This cathedral is, as pleases me, not over the top. It is beautiful whilst also retaining some simplicity in its decoration. Well placed in the centre of the tourist area and the commercial streets, it is accessible to all. The stained glass windows are beautiful and are very clear.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
6 contributions
Oct 2019
We went here to see the stained glass, which was very nice. But the history is special. All the windows were b!own out in the Great Halifax Explosion, which until the dropping of the atom bomb in WW2, was the biggest man- made explosion ever seen.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhillyTraveler
Philadelphia, PA47 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
The combination of Old and New Testament scenes in one panel design is uniquely challenging. There is a parallelism between the person or events in the bottom half Old testament panel, and the theological fulfillment or significance in the upper portion of the panel. 18 panels test your knowledge of Scripture, along with stained glass above the main alter and the two side alter windows. The original windows were destroyed on Dec. 6, 1917 by the Halifax Explosion. Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich created replacement, but not replicas of the originals. These are "Munich Style" windows, were the leaded seams are camouflaged into the design, so as not to detract from the scene. You can purchase a small book detailing the Basilica and the windows. The walk from the cruise ship is a little uphill, but worth the effort. Let me know if you enjoyed the experience as much as I did.
Written September 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Halifax, Canada17 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
A well-worn, but beautiful building in down-town Halifax. This church needs lots of love to restore it to its glory days, but the Sunday mass and its marvelous choir make a visit worthwhile. Rarely does a catholic church have such wonderful singing and a choir that so well symbolizes the rich tradition that is imbued in the mass. The congregation sings along with the choir in well-chosen hymns, and is amazed by the 20 voice choir which they are certain must contain twice that many voices. The acoustics for singing are wonderful. Easter and Christmas masses are not to be missed to fully enjoy the choral offerings.
Written October 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
V3606LDsharons
San Antonio, TX42 contributions
Sep 2019
A must stop while in Halifax. The main Altar was being restored during our visit. The numerous arches are stunning with red paint at the tops and the stained glass windows abundant!
Written October 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Jane M
Halifax, Canada16 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
We happened to stop by as an organist was practicing for an upcoming competition. This really added to the spiritual experience of visiting a beautiful church.
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JayCl
Toronto, Canada105 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Beautiful Sunday morning walkabout, and slipped in for early morning Mass just after opening prayers. Quite peaceful and a lovely edifice in which to contemplate things. Welcoming congregation and a relevant Homily from the padre. Enjoy it just for the visit, or for something more as may fit your personal or spiritual needs.
Written May 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen M
46 contributions
Would like to attend a mass when we go in April? What time are the services
kat_ledermueller
Toronto, Canada21 contributions
Lord's Day Mass
Saturday @ 4:00pm
Sunday @ 7:30am, 10:30am & 5:00pm
Weekday Mass
Monday - Friday @ 12:15pm & 5:15pm
Saturday @ 12:15pm
alyson307
359 contributions
Is the Basilica within walking distance of where the cruise ships dock?
nwaynesworld
Nova Scotia1,848 contributions
15 +/- minute walk (1 +/- km). Some uphill walking. Worth the walk.
Glenn C
Dartmouth, Canada
I would like to visit this church with my wife,when are we able to do that?
James C
Pincher Creek, Canada11 contributions
Actually you can go inside anytime during the day; unsure about how late evenings. the big front doors may be locked but you go around to the side entrance of the church beside Taz Records and is always open. stunning inside but be sure all cell phones are off as a lot of serious prayers there all the time. no problem with cameras just maybe not take any pictures of prayers. enjoy your visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions about St. Mary's Basilica
- Hotels near St. Mary's Basilica:
- (0.11 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown
- (0.07 mi) Four Points by Sheraton Halifax
- (0.15 mi) Cambridge Suites - Halifax
- (0.13 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown
- (0.17 mi) The Hollis Halifax - a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel
- Restaurants near St. Mary's Basilica:
- (0.03 mi) 2 Doors Down
- (0.03 mi) Niche Lounge
- (0.04 mi) 2 Doors Down Bar and Bites
- (0.08 mi) Cabin Coffee
- (0.09 mi) Stubborn Goat Gastropub
St. Mary's Basilica Information
Excellent Reviews | 105 |
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Very Good Reviews | 102 |
St. Mary's Basilica Photos | 210 |