The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic church at 222 East Harris Street on Lafayette Square in the historic district of Savannah. Construction on the French Gothic style cathedral began in 1873 and was completed in 1896.
History
Originally established in 1799 by French Catholic immigrants who were fleeing slave rebellions and uprisings in Haiti, the congregation kept growing as more immigrants arrived in Savannah.
The cathedral was dedicated by the Most Reverend James Roosevelt Bayley, Archbishop of Baltimore at its current location on April 30, 1876. In 1989 a fire destroyed most of the structure and the church didn't open back up until 1900.
Visiting the Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, with its towering steeples and stark white exterior, is an iconic part of the Savannah skyline and is a must-visit on your trip to Savannah. The church is open for self-guided tours Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 5 p.m. for a suggested donation of $3 per adult. The church is an active place of worship, so tours are not allowed during masses, or during religious holidays. The church is also shut to the public during funerals and weddings. You can also arrange a docent-led tour by contacting the cathedral ahead of time.
The inside of the cathedral is majestic, with arched ceilings, intricate woodwork, religious paintings and sculptures, stained glass, an intricate altar and a large organ. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship of this cathedral will make you feel like you are in a European city. It is also a great way to escape the heat on a hot day, and for only a few coins you can light a candle and say a prayer.
If you would like to attend a mass at the church they hold them on weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and noon, on Saturdays at noon and 5:30 p.m., and on Sundays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and a Latin mass at 1 p.m.
Experience Savannah
Many of our Savannah vacation rentals are located in the historic district of Savannah near many of the city's best attractions, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. For more information on our vacation rentals, please contact us.
