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Saint John's Cathedral: A Testament to Resilience

A historic Anglican cathedral in St. John's, Antigua, showcasing resilience and neo-Baroque architecture after multiple rebuilds.

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Saint John's Cathedral, an Anglican church in St. John's, Antigua, stands as a symbol of faith and resilience. Rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes, its imposing white twin towers dominate the city skyline. The cathedral showcases a unique blend of neo-Baroque architecture and Caribbean ingenuity, featuring a 'building within a building' design to withstand natural disasters.

A brief summary to Saint John's Cathedral

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and stained glass windows.
  • Check the cathedral's website or local listings for service times and special events.
  • Take a walk around the grounds to see the statues at the south gate and enjoy panoramic views of St. John's.
  • Consider making a donation to support the ongoing restoration efforts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Saint John's Cathedral is centrally located in St. John's and easily accessible on foot from most points in the city center. From Heritage Quay, walk east along Redcliffe Street, then turn left onto Church Street. The cathedral will be on your left. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Buses regularly serve St. John's from various points on Antigua, terminating at the East or West Bus Station. From either station, it's a short walk to the cathedral. From the West Bus Station, walk east along Market Street, then turn right onto Church Street. From the East Bus Station, walk west along Independence Avenue, then turn left onto Church Street. The bus fare within St. John's is approximately EC$3.00.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout St. John's. A short taxi ride from anywhere in the city center to the cathedral should cost around EC$15-20. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Tipping the driver around 10-15% is expected.

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Discover more about Saint John's Cathedral

Saint John's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, is the Anglican cathedral of Antigua and Barbuda, perched atop a hill in St. John's. This striking landmark is not just a place of worship but a testament to the island's history and the enduring spirit of its people. The cathedral has been rebuilt several times, with the first wooden structure dating back to 1681. That initial building was described as lacking beauty and comfort. It was replaced by a larger brick church in 1720. Both were destroyed by earthquakes. The current cathedral, consecrated in 1848, is its third incarnation. Designed by architect Thomas Fuller, it features imposing white twin towers built in the neo-Baroque style. These towers, reaching 70 feet high, have cupolas on top and are visible from across the island. Inside, the cathedral boasts a unique 'building within a building' design, with an inner structure of pitch pine providing lateral reinforcement against earthquakes and hurricanes. This ingenious construction has allowed the cathedral to withstand numerous natural disasters over the years. The interior also features dark pine furnishings and marble tablets salvaged from previous churches. The iron gates at the south entrance are adorned with statues of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist, said to have been taken from a French ship in 1756. These statues add to the cathedral's rich history and cultural significance. The cathedral is currently undergoing restoration to combat the effects of time and weather, ensuring that this iconic landmark continues to inspire for generations to come.

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