Admire the brown stone neo-Gothic design of this intriguing cathedral and examine the portrayals of Christ in the exquisite stained-glass windows.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is an ecclesiastical treasure known for its impressive stained-glass windows and painted Stations of the Cross. Completed in 1907 on the ashes of its former incarnation, the brown stone church features neo-Gothic architecture and has a huge nave. Take photos of the cathedral’s exterior, with an array of palm trees decorating the foreground.
Gaze up at the tall church spire, added a century after the original construction. Listen to the harmonic chime of the three bells, also part of the 2010 addition.
Enter the church and wander past its white columns and arches. Spot the gold features that adorn the pillars and walls. Marvel at the mesmerizing stained-glass windows. Above the altar is a depiction of St. John baptizing Jesus. Below that, The Last Supper is portrayed across five colorful glass panels.
Study the intriguing religious parables and symbols in the glass. The windows on both sides of the nave depict the Life of Christ from the Nativity to the Ascension.
Attend a musical event to appreciate the acoustics in the church. Choirs perform for every Sunday service. Listen to Handel’s Messiah with accompaniment by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in early December. Notice the Bedient Opus 22 pipe organ.
Construction on today’s church started in 1890 and lasted 17 years. Due to a lack of resources, the steeple and bells weren’t added until 2010. Note that the former church at this location was built in the early 1850s, before being burned down in 1861 by a factory fire.
Enter the church for free. Arrive from morning to afternoon on any day to view the cathedral. Attend a daily Mass. Donations are accepted.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is in the central Charleston Village part of Charleston along iconic Broad Street. Take a bus to a stop beside the church or walk here from the town center. Visit nearby attractions, such as the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Waterfront Park and the Historic Charleston City Market.
