St. Mary's Seminary Chapel

St. Mary's Seminary Chapel is a Neo-Gothic building in Baltimore approximately 90 feet long and 70 feet wide, defined by flying buttresses and round arched windows set in rectangular frames. The interior features a wide nave divided into nine column bays and three sets of stained glass windows that lead to an elevated sanctuary ending in a semicircular apse.

Built between 1806 and 1808 by architect J. Maximilian M. Godefroy, this structure stands as the first Neo-Gothic church constructed in the United States. This pioneering building established a style that would later gain significant influence across America.

The chapel served as a spiritual center for the seminary and provided religious services to Baltimore's Haitian refugee community. Visitors can still sense the religious purpose of the space through its thoughtfully designed interior.

The chapel is located in the Seton Hill neighborhood and displays its original architectural features in nearly complete form. Visitors should note that accessibility and visiting conditions may vary depending on events or services taking place at the site.

The chapel received National Historic Landmark status in November 1971, acknowledging its role as a pioneer in American architectural history. This honor recognized a building that brought European design traditions to a new context on the other side of the Atlantic.

Location: Baltimore

GPS coordinates: 39.29583,-76.62306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05