City Hall, Kingston (must see)
Kingston City Hall, designed by architect George Browne, was commissioned in 1843 to reflect Kingston's status as a provincial capital. Completed in 1844, this imposing structure is one of the most ambitious examples of 19th-century Canadian municipal architecture. Originally, the building served multiple purposes, housing municipal offices, council chambers, the town market, shops, other offices, and a saloon. A significant fire in 1865 destroyed part of the rear wing, yet the building's essential functions and majestic presence remained intact.
Constructed in the Neoclassical style, Kingston City Hall is a prominent landmark in the heart of the historic downtown, facing the waterfront. The building, occupying an entire city block, is made of limestone and features a Classic style with arched windows and a stunning dome. This dome, a striking feature, includes 16 windows and four clocks, each facing a cardinal direction, symbolizing the building's central role in the city.
Inside, Memorial Hall is particularly notable for its 12 exquisite stained glass windows, each dedicated to Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in combat. These windows add a solemn and reverent aspect to the building, merging its civic function with a tribute to national sacrifice. The hall itself is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the period, enhancing the building's historical and cultural significance.
In 1961, Kingston City Hall was designated a national historic site, recognized for its outstanding representation of Neoclassical architecture in Canada. It also stands as a representative example of a combined-function city hall, seamlessly integrating various public services under one roof.
Constructed in the Neoclassical style, Kingston City Hall is a prominent landmark in the heart of the historic downtown, facing the waterfront. The building, occupying an entire city block, is made of limestone and features a Classic style with arched windows and a stunning dome. This dome, a striking feature, includes 16 windows and four clocks, each facing a cardinal direction, symbolizing the building's central role in the city.
Inside, Memorial Hall is particularly notable for its 12 exquisite stained glass windows, each dedicated to Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in combat. These windows add a solemn and reverent aspect to the building, merging its civic function with a tribute to national sacrifice. The hall itself is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the period, enhancing the building's historical and cultural significance.
In 1961, Kingston City Hall was designated a national historic site, recognized for its outstanding representation of Neoclassical architecture in Canada. It also stands as a representative example of a combined-function city hall, seamlessly integrating various public services under one roof.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kingston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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City Hall on Map
Sight Name: City Hall
Sight Location: Kingston, Canada (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kingston, Canada (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kingston, Ontario
Create Your Own Walk in Kingston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kingston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Barriefield Heritage Village and Royal Military College Tour
Barriefield Heritage Village and the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario, offer rich insights into Canada鈥檚 historical and military heritage. Connected to Kingston via a bridge across the lake, the historic Barriefield Village, established in 1814, is one of Ontario's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, designated as a heritage conservation district. The charming area... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Kingston Introduction Walking Tour
Kingston, Ontario, known as the "Limestone City" due to its numerous heritage buildings made from local limestone, has a rich history that began with European exploration in the 17th century. The French established a trading post and military fort in 1673 strategically located at the head of the Saint Lawrence River and the mouth of the Cataraqui River that drains into Lake Ontario. This... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles