Jane's Walks 2025: Ecclesiastical District

Join us for a Jane’s Walk visiting significant places of worship in the Ecclesiastical District. In addition to highlighting the art and architecture of each of the structures, the role of the institutions in influencing the social and political life of the city will be discussed. The Walk will begin at the Kirk and end at the Basilica, visiting the other two churches along the way.

The four sites you’ll explore – the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (congregation founded in 1699), the Roman Catholic Basilica of St. John the Baptist (founded 1784), Gower Street Methodist (now United) Church (founded 1815), and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk (founded 1820) – were all built within a few hundred metres of each other. They stand as some of the finest examples of Gothic-revival, Italian Romanesque, and Northern-European architecture outside Europe.

Visitors will experience stories including the fight for Women’s Suffrage that took root here. You’ll view first-hand the District’s enduring art and architecture including intricate stone- and woodwork, statuary and icons, and more than 150 incredible stained-glass windows designed by renowned artists from England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Newfoundland.

Although walking distances are fairly short, the tour route does involve some steep hills. Let us know in advance if you require accommodations. Be prepared and dress for Newfoundland weather on the day!

Also check out other Arts events in St. John's.