Saint Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa

Founded in 1855, Saint Patrick's Basilica is the oldest English service Catholic church in Ottawa. Architect Augustus Laver of Fuller & Laver started the construction of the present Saint Patrick's Basilica in 1868. The original plan sustained great modifications during the construction. In 1872, Bishop Guigues, the first bishop of Ottawa, put his blessings on the cornerstone and Sir John A. MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, laid it.

Made of local stone and in a Gothic style, the church has an arched ceiling. With a seating capacity of 1000 people, it has double aisles and a short transept. Its altars are made of marble and windows are of stained glass. Some of them, as well as the ceiling, most of the wall paintings were created by Guido Nincheri.

In 1875, Archbishop Duhamel blessed the partially complete building and named it after the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish have always formed a significant part of Saint Patrick's congregation and most of its priests were Irish. Names of the priests who died in World War I and World War II are listed on the main entrance to the church. There are five choirs in the basilica. Its singers consist of a group of vocalist singers who voluntarily offer their services every other week.

Due to its historical importance, Saint Patrick's Basilica was acknowledged as a Heritage Building by the Canadian Government in 1987.