10 Of Toronto's Most Stunning Churches & Cathedrals
![St. Michaels Cathedral at Sunset](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1024px-cathedral_sunset_ii.webp)
When it comes to architecture in Toronto, ultra-modern skyscrapers and office buildings may spring to mind — but there’s more to Toronto’s architectural story than just steel and glass. During the settlement of the city, originally known as York, churches were some of the first buildings to be erected. While fires have destroyed some, Toronto still boasts architecturally stunning churches and cathedrals, 10 of which are listed here.
![Trinity-St. Paul’s](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/trinity-st_pauls.webp)
1. Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church
Building, Church
2. St. Michael’s Cathedral
Building, Cathedral
![St. Michaels Cathedral at Sunset](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048024.webp)
3. St. James’ Cathedral
Building, Cathedral, Church
![St. James Cathedral](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048025.webp)
4. Metropolitan United Church
Building, Cathedral, Church
![Metropolitan United Church in 1896](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048023.webp)
Church of the Holy Trinity
Situated on Trinity Square, the Anglican church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1847 by Henry Bowyer Lane in a neo-gothic style. Its floor plan was designed in the shape of a Latin cross, an oft-repeated motif in church design. Holy Trinity includes some unique curiosities like the twin octagonal towers, which were once used as a navigational beacon. Present-day skyscrapers now eclipse the towers’ peaks, which were once visible from Lake Ontario. One of the most striking aspects of Holy Trinity — apart from the stunning stained glass windows, some of which date back to 1858 -—is the juxtaposition of the church next to the ultra-modern skyscrapers and the nearby Eaton’s Centre shopping centre. Holy Trinity boasts a busy events roster, giving you unique opportunities to experience the church — whether it’s their Panter’s Pub or Music Mondays, there’s something for everyone.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 19 Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 416-598-4521
![Church of the Holy Trinity, 1909](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/churchoftheholytrinity.webp)
5. Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Building, Church
![Corpus Christi Catholic Church](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048027.webp)
6. St. Peter’s Church
Building, Church
![St. Peters Catholic Church](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048022.webp)
7. St. Patrick’s Church
Church, Library, Shrine
![St. Patricks](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048021.webp)
8. Church of the Messiah
Building, Church
![Church of the Messiah, Toronto](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048026.webp)
9. Holy Name Parish
Building, Church, University
![Holy Name Parish](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2048028.webp)
By Sandra Sánchez
Originally from Barcelona, Sandra has a background in linguistics, having founded ‘Original Translations’ , and is an active member of the Subtitlers’ Association. She is currently finishing her MA in Translation Studies at the University of Birmingham.