Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Paul Cathedral
Comparing two great historic buildings in the Twin Cities…. Basilica of Saint Mary and The Saint Paul Cathedral. Both of which have similar architectural features and share the same architect, it’s no wonder they are both such show stopping buildings.
Basilica of Saint Mary
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| Basilica of Saint Mary |
- Built: 1907
- Designed by architect: E.L. Masqueray
- Architectural Style: Classical Revival and Beaux-Arts
- Addes to the NRHP in 1975
- Largest example of Beaux-Arts architecture in Minnesota
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| Interior of Basilica of Saint Mary |
Saint Paul Cathedral
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| Saint Paul Cathedral |
- Built: 1907
- Designed by architect E.L. Masqueray and Whitney Warren
- Architectural Style: Classical Revival
- Third largest completed church in the USA and the forth tallest
- Inspired by French Renaissance architecture
- Interior is illuminated by twenty four stained glass windows
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| Interior of Saint Paul Cathedral |
Have you had a chance to tour these stunning architectural treats?
Architectural Detail- Columns
Columns not only offer support to a dwelling, they can be a great architectural detail as well. Depending on the style of architecture they can range from hand carved deep mahogany to sleek and ultra modern.
Natural
Arts and Crafts
Traditional
Mid Century
Corinthian
Italian Renaissance Revival
Transitional
Contemporary
The James J. Hill House- History
If you haven’t yet gotten the opportunity to check out the James J. Hill house on Summit Ave. in St. Paul, I highly recommend that you do so. I’ve made a few visits over the past few years and am always impressed, even beyond the stunning architectural details, pipe organ and 22 fireplaces there is so much to take in.
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| Pipe Organ |
- Completed in 1891
- 36,000 sq ft (largest residence in Minnesota)
- U.S. National Historic Landmark
- Designed by Peabody, Stearns and Furber
- Architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque
- James J. Hill supervised the design and construction very closely
- Hybrid lighting system of both gas and electric
- Hand tooled leather walls
Upper Skylight
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| Grand Staircase |
Have you been? What’s your favorite part?