Bask in the beauty of the spectacular French Gothic architecture, magnificent artworks and unique history of this renowned Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Savannah.
With its towering spires and stained-glass windows, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an exquisite example of the French Gothic architectural style in the state of Georgia. Take a guided tour of the building and learn about the edifice’s rich history, which dates back to the late 19th century.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is remarkable due to its Georgian location. With a relatively low Catholic population, an edifice of this scale is exceedingly rare. Notice the imposing twin spires as you approach the church, a design almost unheard of in this part of the United States.
Take in the uplifting atmosphere as you walk inside this beautiful place of worship. The acoustic design of the cathedral makes listening to musical performances here a special experience. Notice the grand organ pipes on the balcony. Attend a concert by local choirs and other performances, which have a reputation for being deeply moving experiences.
View Renaissance-style murals as you walk through this stunning church. Many of these artworks were painted in New York in the early 20th century. Study universal symbols in the artworks, including the halo, an indication of holiness. The stained-glass windows, installed at the beginning of the 20th century, are one of the most beautiful features of the church.
Observe the rose window directly above the organ. Look for St. Cecilia, the patroness of music, in the center of this superb piece. The main altar is another draw of the church, weighing approximately 9,000 pounds (4,080 kilograms). The altar was carved in Italy from Carrara marble.
Find this impressive church in Savannah’s historic downtown district. Reach the church on foot or find street parking in the area. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist welcomes visitors of all faiths for weekend and holy day services. Check the official website for weekend Mass times and other special religious events.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a unique Georgian church and is famous for its imposing twin spires, exquisite stained-glass windows and beautiful interior artworks.
