Cathedral Basilica Of St Joseph
San Jose, California is brimming with beautiful sights to see. This particular includes some of its churches. One of the most exclusive churches to visit in San Jose is the Cathedral Basilica. Located right downtown in San Jose on South Market Street, this cathedral has some deeply rooted history to the area. Moreover, the cathedral adds a gorgeous backdrop to the city’s downtown district.
History Of The Cathedral Basilica Of St Joseph
The roots of this Roman Catholic cathedral and basilica started in the early 1800s. The church and basilica we know today originally had the St Joseph’s Church erected on the land during that time period. Throughout the years, the original church succumbed to natural disasters caused by earthquakes. The church was rebuilt a number of times to help preserve the rich historical aspect of the site. It is known to have been rebuilt around 1835 to 1846 as well as during the year 1869. Unfortunately, the third resurrection of the church was a victim of a devasting fire in 1875 and had to be rebuilt yet again.
During the time after the fire, there was a temporary church while the main church was being constructed. The final construction was completed in 1885 and the cathedral that stands today is part of that final reconstruction effort. The church and basilica have been renovated over the years to help maintain their structural integrity. Considering its unfortunate past and California’s earthquake activity, this is a necessary step to preserve this landmark. The Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph is currently listed as a California Historical Landmark. Additionally, it is listed on the national register of historical places.
Architecturally Notable Points of Interest Of The Cathedral Basilica Of St Joseph
There are stunning churches all over the world, however, the Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph is one of the more notable buildings. What makes a church truly remarkable is how the structure is shaped. The overall architecture of a building is what sets the pace for the atmosphere of the location and makes it truly eye-catching. Below are some key points of interest in the structural design of this church and basilica.
Key Points Of Interest In The Structural Design Of The Cathedral Basilica Of St Joseph
Stained-glass windows –
Just like other churches, this cathedral features some truly remarkable stained-glass window art. The windows are beautifully tinted with vibrant colors and depict important figures in the Roman Catholic religion. There are three main focal point pieces of stained-glass art in the church and all of them are half-circle shapes with stunning artwork within the glass. These specific windows make the architecture of the church very unique.
Dome roof and towers –
The Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph’s roof features a variety of domes, towers, cupolas, and finials. During the major restoration project that occurred in 1987 (and lasted a total of almost three years!), the church and basilica’s roof was a heavy focus. It received a lot of reinforcement to its support beams and to the dome and tower structures themselves. These efforts were made in such detail to ensure that the church remains preserved for years to come.
In addition to the architecture that makes this cathedral basilica so remarkable, it also features a prominent “frieze” which is an extensive piece of art dedicated to the church’s namesake, Saint Joseph. Designed by Fr. Siocchetti, the frieze is an oil-based piece of artwork that was painted directly on the plaster of the church. It features bold lettering (the lettering is 20 inches in height) and is a major part of the heart behind this church.
The Odell Organ Of The Cathedral Basilica Of St Joseph
While the church itself is a huge attraction for visitors due to its stark beauty, there are some other features that draw in people as well. One particular thing includes the Odell Organ. The Odell Organ was built specifically for this church and is a stunning 22ft high and 18ft across organ. Another fascinating fact about the organ is that it has over 40,000 wooden pieces that are within its structure. It was built by J. H. and C. S. Odell of Yonkers, New York, a famous organ-making company. What makes this organ so rare is that it is only one of four known organs that have such a massive size and complexity to it.
From the organ to the structure of the cathedral basilica itself, this remarkable church in San Jose, California is a unique piece of history!