Object description

St Patrick's Basilica as it is known because of its style of architecture, was built in 1908–1909, with the tower added in 1912. It is located in Waimate, South Canterbury, New Zealand. It is an Italianate-Romanesque style with an arcaded portico and the tower is impressively louvred. The Basilica was built in brick and Oamaru stone to a design by Francis William Petre and has been described as his most original work. Three bells in the tower were cast in Belgium, with the largest bell weighing 3/4 of ton and the other two weighing 1/2 ton each. The tower at the top was built in 1912 and is 45ft high. Within is a fine Hobday pipe organ, a marble altar and a notable sanctuary window. The Basilica is listed by Heritage New Zealand as a Historic Place, Category 1.