The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Archabbey Basilica

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Archabbey Basilica (three-quarter view), Saint Vincent College

Institution Name: Saint Vincent College
Original/Historic Place Name: Archabbey Basilica
Location on Campus: center of campus - 300 Fraser Purchase Rd.
Date(s) of Construction:

1891-1905	original construction Schickel, William
1996	exterior restoration

Designer: William Schickel
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Romanesque revival, Victorian (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, education, engineering, history, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: stone

Walls: brick

Roof: metal

Function:

ca. 1891-present (2006)

chapel

Narrative:
The Archabbey Basilica has been the center of the Saint Vincent campus since 1905. In 1996 the exterior was restored and the spires were completed. The interior has been restored and updated with new lighting and PA systems.

The Basilica is significant as a prime example of Romanesque revival and its beautiful furnishes in art. Paintings and stained glass by international artists are placed throughout the upper and lower (crypt) church.

The Basilica is the mother church of the American Benedictine order, and because of its historic and artistic importance it was designated a basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1955. It was built by in-house labor: bricks were handmade on site, and timber and stone processed there as well. All work was done by Benedictine lay-brothers.

References: