St. Mary's Basilica, Invercargill facts for kids
St. Mary's Basilica is a beautiful Catholic church located in Invercargill, New Zealand. It was designed by a famous New Zealand architect named Francis Petre and first opened its doors in 1905. This church is a very important building for the Catholic community in the area.
St. Mary's Basilica: A Landmark Church
St. Mary's Basilica is named for its special style of architecture, which is called a basilica style. This impressive building stands about 37 meters (121 feet) tall, making it one of the most noticeable landmarks in Invercargill. Many people have even called it the "prettiest church in Australasia."
Design and Location
The church is located on Tyne Street. It is close to St Josephs School, the Otepuni Gardens, and Te Tomairangi Marae. Because of its historical importance and beautiful design, St. Mary's Basilica is listed as a Category I Historic Place. This means it is one of New Zealand's most important historic buildings.
Serving the Community
St. Mary's Basilica serves the Catholic community living in the Invercargill area. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, which is a larger group of Catholic churches in the region. The church provides a place for people to worship and gather.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Santa María (Invercargill) para niños
