Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist
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Basilica of St. John the Evangelist

4.8
·149 reviews·Stamford, United States

A serene sanctuary in Stamford, this basilica boasts breathtaking architecture and captivating stained glass, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection time

CrowdLow
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Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist

Basilica of St. John the Evangelist

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene sanctuary in Stamford, this basilica boasts breathtaking architecture and captivating stained glass, offering a peaceful escape.

4.8
(149 reviews)

"Stepped out of the noise and chaos into this quiet, beautiful, holy space... It took my breath away."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

Step out of the noise and into this quiet, beautiful, holy space for a much-needed sanctuary. :pray:

📅 Check Mass Times

If attending a service, confirm the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist mass times to plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Architecture

Stunning Architecture

Marvel at the intricate details and breathtaking design of this historic place of worship. A true feast for the eyes.

Peaceful Ambiance

Peaceful Ambiance

Find a much-needed sanctuary from the outside world in this quiet, beautiful, and holy space.

Captivating Stained Glass

Captivating Stained Glass

The vibrant stained glass windows cast a mesmerizing glow, adding to the spiritual and artistic allure.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To experience the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist's peaceful ambiance, aim for weekdays outside of Mass times. Weekends, especially during services, can be busier. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate its tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture.

Understanding Mass Schedules

If attending a service is your goal, check the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist mass times beforehand. While the church is generally welcoming, some visitors have noted a less accommodating experience with young children during services. Planning around specific Mass schedules ensures you can participate respectfully.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet reflection time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Explore at your own pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Reposting for Free Friday: His Excellency, the Most Reverend Frank Caggiano celebrating Mass ad orientem at the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist in Stamford, CT!

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

Step out of the noise and into this quiet, beautiful, holy space for a much-needed sanctuary. :pray:

📅 Check Mass Times

If attending a service, confirm the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist mass times to plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

✨ Admire the Art

Don't miss the modern artwork and intricate interior details that make this basilica so captivating. :art:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Visit Note

Be mindful of noise levels during services, as some families have found it challenging with very young children. :baby:

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

Step out of the noise and into this quiet, beautiful, holy space for a much-needed sanctuary. :pray:

📅 Check Mass Times

If attending a service, confirm the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist mass times to plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

✨ Admire the Art

Don't miss the modern artwork and intricate interior details that make this basilica so captivating. :art:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Visit Note

Be mindful of noise levels during services, as some families have found it challenging with very young children. :baby:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(149 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is widely praised for its serene atmosphere, breathtaking architecture, and captivating stained glass windows, offering a peaceful sanctuary. While many find the Masses spiritually uplifting, some visitors have noted a less accommodating experience for families with very young children during services.

"The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist is a serene and awe-inspiring place of worship in Stamford. Its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance offer a perfect space for quiet reflection. The stained glass windows and intricate interior details are truly captivating. I found the Mass to be spiritually uplifting, with thoughtful and moving homilies. A beautiful blend of history, faith, and tranquility—definitely worth a visit."

Vaibhav Gupta

"Breathtaking. I stepped out of the noise and chaos of the world into this quiet, beautiful, holy space... It took my breath away. It was a much needed sanctuary for me that day. The priest gave a powerful homily. I didn't want to leave afterwards."

BeyondBlessed

"Beautiful historic church in the downtown area of Stamford. The architecture is fascinating. There was no service when I visited, but the church was open and I wanted to go in. My nephew goes here when he is in Ct and says that the service is relevant, the priest and parishoners are very nice, down-to-earth."

Theresa St. John

What People Like

Serene and peaceful atmosphere
Breathtaking architecture
Captivating stained glass

What People Dislike

Less accommodating to young children during services

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is located in downtown Stamford, CT. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation, including bus routes, also serves the downtown area. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, there are parking garages and street parking available in the downtown Stamford area near the Basilica. It's advisable to check for any event-specific parking restrictions or fees.

The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is a walkable distance from the Stamford train station, typically around a 10-15 minute walk. This makes it a convenient destination for those arriving by train.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general admission to the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is typically free. You can enter to admire the architecture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Special events or services may have separate ticketing or donation requests.

The Basilica is generally open to visitors outside of Mass times. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most current visiting hours, as these can vary.

Yes, you can attend Mass at the Basilica. You can find the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist mass times on their official website. Visitors are welcome to join in worship.

There is no entrance fee for general visits to the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist. Donations are always appreciated to help maintain the historic building and its ministries.

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is described as serene, awe-inspiring, peaceful, and a much-needed sanctuary. Visitors often feel a sense of tranquility upon entering, a stark contrast to the outside world.

Visitors rave about the stunning architecture, intricate interior details, and captivating stained glass windows. The blend of historic and modern artwork is also noted as a unique feature.

While the church is a place of worship, some reviews suggest that families with very young children might find it challenging to maintain absolute silence during services. It's advisable to be mindful of noise levels.

Photography policies can vary. While some visitors have shared photos, it's best to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Some specific events, like the one mentioned in Reddit, might have photography restrictions.

While specific accessibility details are not widely shared in reviews, historic churches often have some level of accessibility. It's recommended to contact the Basilica directly to inquire about ramps, elevators, or accessible seating if needed.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Basilica is located in downtown Stamford, which offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. You'll find plenty of choices within walking distance.

No, food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the Basilica to maintain its sanctity and cleanliness. Please consume any food or beverages outside the church.

📸 📸 Photography

The stunning architecture, intricate interior details, and vibrant stained glass windows offer numerous photographic opportunities. The altar area and the nave provide grand perspectives.

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's crucial to be respectful, especially during services. Avoid using flash photography, which can be disruptive. Some specific events might have stricter rules.

The natural light filtering through the stained glass windows creates a beautiful, diffused lighting effect. Interior lighting can vary, so be prepared for lower light conditions in some areas, especially during non-service hours.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is a place of worship, families with very young children should be aware of the potential for a less accommodating experience during services. One family shared a disheartening experience where they were asked to leave due to their baby making noise with a toy, highlighting a lack of grace and understanding on that occasion.

It's recommended to plan your visit outside of Mass times if you have young children who might be prone to making noise. If attending a service, consider bringing quiet activities for your children and be mindful of maintaining a reverent atmosphere. The church's beauty can still be appreciated by families during quieter visiting hours.

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking a spiritual experience, the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist offers a deeply moving environment. Visitors have found the Masses to be spiritually uplifting, often accompanied by thoughtful and moving homilies. The serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for quiet reflection and prayer.

Whether you are attending a regular service or simply visiting to soak in the peaceful ambiance, the Basilica is a place that can profoundly touch your spirit. Its blend of history, faith, and tranquility makes it a destination for those looking to connect with something greater.

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates stunning architecture. The intricate interior details and the overall breathtaking design are consistently praised by visitors. The captivating stained glass windows are a particular highlight, casting beautiful light and adding to the visual splendor.

Even if you're not attending a service, the church is often open for visitors to explore its magnificent structure. It's a place where you can spend time admiring the craftsmanship and the artistic elements that make this basilica a significant landmark.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Grandeur

The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated for its breathtaking architecture. Visitors consistently praise the intricate interior details and the overall stunning design that contributes to its awe-inspiring atmosphere. The church serves as a beautiful blend of history and artistry, making it a significant landmark in Stamford.

Beyond the general structure, the stained glass windows are a particular highlight. These vibrant panes cast a mesmerizing glow, enhancing the spiritual and artistic allure of the space. The combination of historical architectural elements with potentially modern artistic additions, as mentioned in some reviews, creates a unique visual experience for all who visit.

For those interested in photography or simply appreciating fine craftsmanship, the Basilica offers a wealth of visual interest. The scale and detail of the building provide ample opportunities to capture its grandeur, whether you're focusing on the sweeping nave or the delicate carvings.

A Sanctuary of Peace

Many visitors describe the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist as a serene and peaceful sanctuary. It's a place where people can step away from the noise and chaos of the world and find a quiet, beautiful, and holy space. This tranquil ambiance is frequently cited as a primary reason for visiting, offering a much-needed respite for reflection and spiritual upliftment.

The peaceful ambiance is enhanced by the church's design and the reverence with which it is maintained. Even when there isn't a service, the open doors allow individuals to enter and experience this profound sense of calm. This makes it an ideal destination for quiet contemplation or simply to appreciate a moment of stillness.

For travelers seeking a moment of peace during their journey, the Basilica offers a welcoming environment. Its reputation as a sanctuary means you can expect a restorative experience, allowing you to recharge and find a sense of inner quiet.

Community and Worship

The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist serves as a vibrant center for worship and community. Visitors have noted that the Mass can be spiritually uplifting, with thoughtful and moving homilies delivered by the clergy. The parish is described by some as nice and down-to-earth, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for attendees.

However, it's important to be aware of the experiences of different visitors. One review highlighted a challenging encounter with a young family, suggesting that while the church is a place of faith, there can be varying levels of accommodation for very young children during services. This experience underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of a faith community and the need for grace and understanding, especially for families learning to participate.

For those planning to attend a service, checking the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist mass times is recommended. This allows you to plan your visit to coincide with worship and experience the community aspect of the Basilica firsthand, while also being mindful of the environment for all attendees.

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