Sacret Heart Bascilia

Twice daily I drive past this wonderful church, Scared Heart Basilica with its twin towers, creamy limestone facings and a cupola of copper. Information researched from Google.

Foundation laid on 6th Feb 1910, and completed late in 1911. most of the materials used were ferro-concrete, Oamaru stone and locally made bricks. The church cost £23,000 and was blessed and opened by Dean Tubman on 1st October 1911, Rosary Sunday. The plan is a true cruciform, the mark of the Christian basilica and the style is Roman Renaissance of the Ionic order. In 2001 a $250,000 restoration to the interior of the Sacred Heart Basilica got underway with new steps to the main entranceway and all the work was completed by mid-December. Mt Cook can be seen from the walkway around the base of the external dome which rises to a height of 115 feet .The dome is 40' in diameter at its base. It rises 70 feet from the floor.

Rainie