Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Catholic episcopal church in downtown Savannah, Georgia, built from brick in the French Gothic manner. Sixteen stone gargoyles project from the outer walls, while inside, eighty-one colored glass windows filter daylight.

Catholics from Haiti founded a congregation here in the late 18th century, initially holding services in smaller buildings. The present church structure was completed in the 1870s and rebuilt after two fires in the 20th century.

The name honors John the Baptist, chosen by early French settlers from the Caribbean. On Sundays, parish members gather for communal prayer in the wooden pews beneath the soaring vaulted ceilings.

The building stands near Lafayette Square on East Harris Street and opens its doors to visitors during daytime hours. Guided tours are available, with quiet behavior expected during ongoing services.

This church is considered the first brick building in all of Georgia, erected at a time when wood was still the usual building material. In 2020, the pope granted the house the title of minor basilica, an honor reserved for significant church structures.

Location: Georgia

Inception: 1873

Architects: Ephraim Francis Baldwin

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Part of: Savannah Historic District

Phone: +1(912)2334709

Website: http://savannahcathedral.org

GPS coordinates: 32.07330,-81.09140

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29