St John's Cathedral
St John's Cathedral
4
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This is the oldest Anglican Church in Central America.
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4.0
133 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
47
Average
41
Poor
4
Terrible
1
ghostguy
New York State11 contributions
While visiting the Cultural Center nearby, we visited St. John's, which is a bit of living history. Built in 1812, it shows the wear of tropical weather and insects. Inside are countless memorial tablets to the Englishmen, their wives and children who succumbed to Yellow Fever over two centuries; others died of drowning. We visited just after Palm Sunday and found the atmosphere beautiful and peaceful, with Belizean palm fronds still adorning the aisles. You can learn a lot about the fist two hundred years of the country simply by reading the inscriptions. One feels impelled to stop and say a prayer for all those Englishmen who expected big profits and, instead, found a cold grave.
Written 10 April 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Creslyn
Belmopan, Belize32 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
The Cathedral, built in 1812 of bricks is truly a place to visit. The guide at the office told of its history with reverence....The British, after winning the Battle of St. George's Caye and deciding that this land will now be our home, started erecting landmark buildings in the settlement of British Honduras -- using the bricks that came on the ships from England as ballast, they broke ground and establish the Cathedral. Made of bricks on the outside, with mahogany and sapodilla furnishing on the inside, it boast a central chandelier, brass eagle bible stand, a stain glass liking of Jesus on the cross and many historical plaques on its walls.
St John's Cathedral has a solid place in Belize's history........interested in historical buidings'?....go see the Cathedral and walk around its grounds.
St John's Cathedral has a solid place in Belize's history........interested in historical buidings'?....go see the Cathedral and walk around its grounds.
Written 29 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elbojbb
Elmira, NY502 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
The church isn't a prestigious or glamorous edifice, but the story of its construction, and the different shades of the bricks is a sobering reminder of mankind's sordid history. Interesting paradox that the bricks used to ballast slave ships were ultimately used to build a place of worship.
Written 26 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Myo M
Coquitlam, Canada26,941 contributions
Feb 2020
Just one of a "modest stature" is how I would describe this brick cathedral (with not two but just one tower and no high & wide front facade or such) but which yet is a charming one which I would say is also in part due to its "nice & neat" grounds (mainly a small lawn but also like a mini-garden with a pathway along the edge which goes all the way around the Cathedral). And yes, after the walk around the building & taking a peek inside from the entrance was just heading back out due to the admission (which I never had to pay on my cathedral visits except at some big cathedrals with museums & such inside which I'm quite sure is not the case inside this one).
And actually just across the street from one side of this cathedral is the Government House which is a 2-storied beautiful heritage building with a spacious front lawn & a not-too-high lovely fence (but closed to public at the time due to some renovation or such going on). And also nearby, at just about a 5-minute walk from this cathedral (by heading back along the street between this cathedral & the Government House in the direction of downtown but a right turn shortly after leaving) is the waterfront area like a "long promenade" from which there's a view of both the Creek & the sea beyond (from near one end of the promenade).
And actually just across the street from one side of this cathedral is the Government House which is a 2-storied beautiful heritage building with a spacious front lawn & a not-too-high lovely fence (but closed to public at the time due to some renovation or such going on). And also nearby, at just about a 5-minute walk from this cathedral (by heading back along the street between this cathedral & the Government House in the direction of downtown but a right turn shortly after leaving) is the waterfront area like a "long promenade" from which there's a view of both the Creek & the sea beyond (from near one end of the promenade).
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MightyMo
Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica136 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Unlike some, I actually went there for worship, so it was not so much a tourist visit. But just the same, you can feel the 200 year history, and might I add I also felt more than welcomed by the other worshipers. The outside of the church has more of an 'older and historic building' than internally. Although I could not help but notice the incredible craftsmanship of the pews. I hope to have the time to go back there and sit in silence. They are restoring the pews a few at a time so leave a small donation for that if you can.
Written 15 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deelightfull
Southern California30 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
I personally love to visit old places that are still being used. St. John's is just such a place. You can admire the old brick work, stained glass, and how the church is set up to serve it's parishioners today. A fun little visit for a history buff.
Written 1 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
penangnite41
Penang, Malaysia95 contributions
June 2012 • Solo
A 3 minute walk from my hotel, I visited the cathedral and stayed more than half an hour. Lucky for me, a group of small children with their teacher was inside rehearsing for an upcoming event. There are several tombstones and, inside the cathedral, plaques for deceased persons. The lively young children provided a wonderful contrast to the memory of dead people. The building is of course no match for the great cathedrals of Europe, but it is a nice neighborhood church that captures some of the history of the country. Entrance is free and when in Belize City, is worth a short visit.
Across the street is Government House, also worth a visit.
Across the street is Government House, also worth a visit.
Written 28 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce_Raynor
Edmonton, Canada803 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
Location: South end of Alberta Street or Regent Street, about 1 kms past the Swing Bridge, across Regent from the House of Culture, a block off the harbour. This is a safe walk during the day, so long as you stay on Albert Street or better yet, Regent Street..
This quaint church is one of the few obvious reminders of the British colonial past of Belize City ... at least architecturally. It reminded me of Anglican churches built in the 1800's and seen throughout the former colonies from Canada to India and many, many points in between. The church shows its age, but also the obvious love a congregation. The interior is clean and bright and, as stated in the earlier review is full of historical references. The gardens are basic, but well kept. There are signs of neglect, not the least of which is the decaying government sponsored plaque dating from the 1980's, which was suppose to have highlighted the church's importance. Hopefully the hardwood roof beams and old time mortar and imported brick have received more attention and will continue to survive. It would be interesting to know if the current congregation receives much support through its public donation boxes, especially when cruise ships are in town. If not, and/or if cash is a problem for them, this might be an interesting facility which other, more prosperous churches of this denominations could support.
Were this almost any place else, it would get a passing nod and an average grade if it was even visited. It scores higher because of its relative attractiveness compared to other Belize City options.
This quaint church is one of the few obvious reminders of the British colonial past of Belize City ... at least architecturally. It reminded me of Anglican churches built in the 1800's and seen throughout the former colonies from Canada to India and many, many points in between. The church shows its age, but also the obvious love a congregation. The interior is clean and bright and, as stated in the earlier review is full of historical references. The gardens are basic, but well kept. There are signs of neglect, not the least of which is the decaying government sponsored plaque dating from the 1980's, which was suppose to have highlighted the church's importance. Hopefully the hardwood roof beams and old time mortar and imported brick have received more attention and will continue to survive. It would be interesting to know if the current congregation receives much support through its public donation boxes, especially when cruise ships are in town. If not, and/or if cash is a problem for them, this might be an interesting facility which other, more prosperous churches of this denominations could support.
Were this almost any place else, it would get a passing nod and an average grade if it was even visited. It scores higher because of its relative attractiveness compared to other Belize City options.
Written 19 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lasonia1600
Iquique, Chile45 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Not the usual large , stone cathedral. Is timber, fans all through, bishops tombs in the surrounding grounds. Pleasant relief from the town.
Written 30 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, FL21,671 contributions
July 2018 • Friends
Stopped by there as we were told it was the oldest church in Central America. The architectural design is cute and the church pretty.
Written 11 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was just wondering what time the services are held every Sunday?
Written 1 November 2017
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