Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
5
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The oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia.
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< 1 hour
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
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See what travellers are saying
- Bogartus8 contributionsA stunningly beautiful cathedralOpen for free touring except during Mass (tourists are stopped at 11:30 am until Mass is over). A gorgeous building. One of the most beautiful I have visited. Flannery O'Connor attended here seven days a week until she was 13 and her family moved. The cathedral, which she could see from the 2nd floor window of the O'Connor home, sets the formative years of her faith in context.Visited December 2022Written 3 January 2023
- rocioingaLaBelle, Florida20 contributionsOUTSTANDINGThis Cathedral left us speechless as we entered. It is absolutely beautiful. The lady gave us a brief explanation of the church’s history. The Nativity was spectacular. We simply LOVED IT!! This is by far a must see in Savannah, Georgia. You will not regret it.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 January 2023
- Maria w7 contributionsAbsolutely Beautiful!This was one of our first stops when we got to Downtown Savannah. It is absolutely beautiful. No matter what religion you are affiliated with, you can't deny the beauty of this church. The stained glass windows, the woodwork, the artwork and much more. It is a great opportunity to sit in silence and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.Visited January 2023Written 23 January 2023
- LaurenRRAtlanta, Georgia3 contributionsPeaceful VisitThis is a beautiful church with so much history. The stained glass windows were phenomenal as were the murals. Sunday mass was beautiful and the choir sang beautifully. I attended mass with my spouse and my 6 month old son, maybe I missed it but there was not a baby changing station in the restroom so we had to change him next to the sink. We were able to enter the church from the street level elevator which was nice.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 January 2023
- Mary Kay KLongmeadow, Massachusetts30 contributionsBeautiful ChurchOur tour guide let us spend 15 minutes in this beautiful church. The stained glass and interior is simply beautiful! You can light a candle if you choose or just walk thru. They allow photography.Visited February 2023Written 6 February 2023
- HeleneDC2Chapel Hill, North Carolina38 contributionsA Highlight of our VisitThis Basilica is stunning - full of artistic gems....stained glass, wooden carvings, paintings, all beautifully restored. The volunteers were friendly and answered questions enthusiastically. The atmosphere was reverent. After looking around, we just sat quietly in this sacred space.Visited February 2023Written 11 February 2023
- teresa p10 contributionsAmazingWhen we arrived a choir was practicing for a concert. Although we couldn't do the tour we were allowed to sit and listen to the rehearsal and see the inside of this magnificant place. The man at the door was very friendly. A quiet and reflective place with amazing views.Visited February 2023Written 22 February 2023
- aflynn33175 contributionsMagnificent Catholic Cathedral in the Savannah Historic DistrictWe just happened to be walking past the Cathedral, and decided to take a look, and offer a prayer. The exterior of the Cathedral is imposing, but the interior is magnificent. Tours are available, but the pamplet provides all the basic information.Visited February 2023Written 27 February 2023
- kasia944Barrington, Illinois18 contributionsCatholic Basilica at its FinestCatholic Church at its finest. As beautiful as many old churches I have seen in Europe. It is in a real great condition. Worth the time to stop by an maybe say a little prayer or light up a candle:)Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2023
- BakerBlakely, Georgia220 contributionsHeavenlyThis is far and away the prettiest Church/Cathedral I've ever been to. The photos do NOT do it justice and the wave of emotion I felt as I turned the corner and walked in was unmatched. It towers over the city and is very easy to spot and access. They also had a local guide come in and speak on some of its history and design choices by the holy water in the front.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
9,806 reviews
Excellent
8,207
Very good
1,368
Average
190
Poor
28
Terrible
13
JMCSTL
Saint Louis, MO5,980 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist makes for an imposing sight as you walk the streets of the Savannah Historic District, with its unique French Gothic style including several soaring spires and bright whitewashed stucco coating over the structural brickwork (particularly striking when lit up at night). The interior spaces are even more beautiful and provide a spiritual sanctuary for quiet contemplation (as you wish) and for admiring the various decorative & architectural features. This place of worship is one of the most attractive cathedrals my wife & I have seen in our travels around the U.S., and the parish staff can offer you details & insights into its history including occasional free sit-down tours describing the key features of the building. A visit should be part of everyone's Historic Savannah walking tour.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jly
Polson, MT9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
The stained glass is stunning and I felt inspired to be closer with God.
Absolutely worth seeing, and a small donation of $3 is no problem to support the church.
Absolutely worth seeing, and a small donation of $3 is no problem to support the church.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loving Life at the Beach
13 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Definitely go for a service. It is the most uplifting spiritual service even if you are not a Catholic. The reverence and beauty of the cathedral is beyond any other.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheilahalf1007
Clementon, NJ31 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Beautiful church, definitely a stop a long the way! Small donation is suggested, photos are allowed.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BatonRougeTraveler55
Louisiana22 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The church will definitely give you chills. The beauty is magnificent. Reminds me of the many churches I visited in Europe. This church is a must see.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michie1291
Greenfield, MA5,496 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Definitely worth a visit when in Savannah. Open for mass attendance, for tours, and for just wandering through it on your own. Check their website to make sure there are no special events that cause it to be closed to the public. I got off the Trolley Tour bus stop only to find that it was closed in preparation for an evening concert. I simply returned the next day.
It’s stunning and even though the public has access, everyone remains quiet when inside the basilica. I spent about 45 minutes slowly strolling through and taking photos. Many people sat in the pews for quiet reflection and some were kneeling in prayer. My only regret was not attending a mass here. Maybe on a future visit?
It’s stunning and even though the public has access, everyone remains quiet when inside the basilica. I spent about 45 minutes slowly strolling through and taking photos. Many people sat in the pews for quiet reflection and some were kneeling in prayer. My only regret was not attending a mass here. Maybe on a future visit?
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ
Glen Mills, PA11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful church! The stations of the cross are a highlight. Interesting fact though - with all of the money that the Catholic Church has you would think that they could hire a reputable company to dust off these gorgeous pieces of art every now and then. Don’t let that stop you though. It’s a great stop while in Savannah.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkCE61
Blountville, TN5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
No matter if you are a Christian, Catholic or non-religious this magnificent structure is a MUST to see while you are in Savannah!
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol Ann J
Germantown, NY1,762 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on E Harris Street is a magnificent cathedral. One may see the double spires from the historic district before arrival. Upon entering the main doors inside, one is left breathless. The architecture of the cathedral, stained glass windows, and large three-dimensional stations of the cross are exquisite. The cathedral is open for prayer and reflection at times during the day. One morning when we visited, we were fortunate to hear the organist playing. No matter what one's religious affiliation, the cathedral should not be missed.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie
Tampa, FL38 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
St. John’s Cathedral church was absolutely beautiful ❤️ We donated a few $$, lit a candle, prayed and took some pictures. A must visit when in Savannah
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YogaGal1
Davidson, NC114 contributions
I will be in Savannah in less that two weeks! Did you have a formal tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and, if so, how did you organize that? I see nothing on their website.
SS_Forever
Dallas, TX472 contributions
No when we arrived in the morning that had volunteers walking around answering questions. When they stopped playing the organ that gathered who was there up front and gave a short talk on the church. No formal tour.
Brittney R
Beeville, TX14 contributions
Are dogs allowed to enter the cathedral?
BamaGal83
Phil Campbell, AL320 contributions
Not inside the church. However, I'm not sure about service dogs. That might be permitted.
Brittney R
Beeville, TX14 contributions
Are dogs allowed to enter the cathedral?
Pam D
41 contributions
no I would not think so, it's a "working" church and since only service dogs are normally allowed in a church I would think the same would apply here.
Corby L
Shannon, AL
How early should you arrive at the church for the Christmas Eve midnight mass to ensure you can get a seat inside the church?
Venture151534
Georgia Coast, GA9 contributions
Sorry don’t know.
John L
Radford, VA26 contributions
Is there a dress code for Sunday Mass?
NYCIrish1944
Granby, CT729 contributions
Based on what I saw, there is no dress code. There was a great mixture of folks attending the mass (5:30 on Sat. night). Some of the did suits, but most had either sweaters or winter jackets. I wore jeans with a sweater and I fit in fine.
The major issue is parking on the street. Only solution is to get there early. It is a beautiful Cathedral !!
JAR1964
Bluffton, SC244 contributions
Is there a Midnight Mass Christmas Eve and do you have to purchase tickets?
faycassi
San Diego, CA157 contributions
There was a midnight Mass. Residents of Savannah told us that you have to arrive very early as the number of people are attending and late arrives end up standing outside for the Mass.
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