Saint Francis De Sales Catholic Church

Saint Francis De Sales Catholic Church is a Gothic Revival church building in East Walnut Hills featuring stone walls and pointed arches that define its exterior. The interior contains hand-crafted details with onyx elements and carefully designed features throughout the worship space.

The church was built in 1879 under architect Francis G. Himpler's design and has stood as a neighborhood landmark since then. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, recognizing its historical importance to the region.

The name honors Saint Francis de Sales, a 17th-century scholar and spiritual guide whose teachings influenced the community it serves. The interior reflects local craftsmanship and personal touches that residents and families added to the Gothic structure over generations.

Plan for stairs and traditional church architecture as you explore the full worship space and layout. The best experience comes during regular services when the community gathers for worship.

The church houses a massive bell nicknamed Big Joe that is among the largest ever cast and remains a remarkable engineering achievement. This monumental bell is an often-overlooked technical feature that sits quietly while visitors focus on the architectural details.

Location: Cincinnati

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Part of: St. Francis De Sales Church Historic District

GPS coordinates: 39.12999,-84.47654

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:07