Copyright: Maksim Sokolov

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was constructed in Guelph between 1876 to 1888 by architect Joseph Conolly. The Roman Catholic Basilica and Parish Church were built in the gothic revival architectural style unique to Guelph’s other historic buildings. As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city of Guelph, the land was gifted to Bishop Alexander Macdonell from John Galt after founding Guelph in 1827.

The current Basilica is the third church to be built on this land, as the first wooden frame church, St. Patrick’s, was burned to the ground in 1844. Following this, the construction of Saint Bartholomew’s church began in 1846. The church was dedicated to Our Lady Immaculate in 1888. The building has since been restored, ending December 2014, in which the pope elevated the church, to the status of the basilica, honouring the significance of the parish to the city of Guelph, as well as honouring, its history, and allowing the building to continue its legacy.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was named a National Historic Site in 1990 due to its uniqueness to the high victorian gothic revival style, an influential and significant landmark of Canadian architecture.