The clock tower
A square tower at the entrance.
giggel — CC BY 3.0 · Edgar El — CC BY 3.0 · Gene93k — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Raphael Tuck & Sons — Public domain
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, is a large stone and brick church with a clock tower, opposite Derek Walcott Square in the city centre. It is among the largest churches in the Caribbean, 61 m long and 30 m wide. The first church on the site was built in 1767. A second was begun in 1807 and halted for lack of money, and a new church was finished in 1835. The foundation stone of the present building was laid in 1894 and work was completed in 1897. It became a minor basilica in 1999 for its centenary, and Pope John Paul II visited on 7 July 1986. From outside you see the long walls with arched windows, the square clock tower and the green square in front with its big trees. Inside are a painted wooden ceiling and murals by the local artist Dunstan St Omer. This is a working church, so dress modestly, go in quietly and do not take photos during Mass. The cathedral is in central Castries, 6.5 km from Marigot Bay. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Keep your belongings safe in the busy city centre.
A square tower at the entrance.
Big trees before the church.
Art by Dunstan St Omer.
Opposite Derek Walcott Square, central Castries
Yes: modest dress covering shoulders and knees.
Yes; donations are welcome.