The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Tours

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist which includes heritage architecture, interior views and heritage elements
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist which includes a fountain and a park
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture


Bask in the beauty of the spectacular French Gothic architecture, magnificent artworks and unique history of this renowned Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Savannah.

With its towering spires and stained-glass windows, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an exquisite example of the French Gothic architectural style in the state of Georgia. Take a guided tour of the building and learn about the edifice’s rich history, which dates back to the late 19th century.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is remarkable due to its Georgian location. With a relatively low Catholic population, an edifice of this scale is exceedingly rare. Notice the imposing twin spires as you approach the church, a design almost unheard of in this part of the United States.

Take in the uplifting atmosphere as you walk inside this beautiful place of worship. The acoustic design of the cathedral makes listening to musical performances here a special experience. Notice the grand organ pipes on the balcony. Attend a concert by local choirs and other performances, which have a reputation for being deeply moving experiences.

View Renaissance-style murals as you walk through this stunning church. Many of these artworks were painted in New York in the early 20th century. Study universal symbols in the artworks, including the halo, an indication of holiness. The stained-glass windows, installed at the beginning of the 20th century, are one of the most beautiful features of the church.

Observe the rose window directly above the organ. Look for St. Cecilia, the patroness of music, in the center of this superb piece. The main altar is another draw of the church, weighing approximately 9,000 pounds (4,080 kilograms). The altar was carved in Italy from Carrara marble.

Find this impressive church in Savannah’s historic downtown district. Reach the church on foot or find street parking in the area. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist welcomes visitors of all faiths for weekend and holy day services. Check the official website for weekend Mass times and other special religious events.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a unique Georgian church and is famous for its imposing twin spires, exquisite stained-glass windows and beautiful interior artworks.

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Best Lodging Options Near The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Hyatt Regency Savannah

Hyatt Regency Savannah

4 out of 5
2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA
Hyatt Regency Savannah
The Desoto Savannah

The Desoto Savannah

4 out of 5
15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA
The Desoto Savannah
Marriott Savannah Riverfront

Marriott Savannah Riverfront

4 out of 5
100 General Mcintosh Blvd, Savannah, GA
Marriott Savannah Riverfront
TRYP by Wyndham Savannah Downtown/Historic District

TRYP by Wyndham Savannah Downtown/Historic District

4 out of 5
320 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA
TRYP by Wyndham Savannah Downtown/Historic District
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG

Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG

4 out of 5
201 W Bay St, Savannah, GA
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

5 out of 5
400 W RIVER ST, Savannah, GA
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah

Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah

5 out of 5
256 E Perry Street, Savannah, GA
Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah
Thompson Savannah, by Hyatt

Thompson Savannah, by Hyatt

4.5 out of 5
201 PORT STREET, Savannah, GA
Thompson Savannah, by Hyatt
Holiday Inn Express Savannah - Historic District by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Savannah - Historic District by IHG

3 out of 5
199 E Bay St, Savannah, GA
Holiday Inn Express Savannah - Historic District by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

When visiting The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia, explore the vibrant shopping scene nearby and consider joining a guided tour to learn about the cathedral's rich history. Engaging in a young tour or participating in a Baptist tour can enhance your experience, providing insights into the local culture and architecture while enjoying your visit to Savannah.

Food and drinks

Indulge in Southern cuisine at The Olde Pink House, just 0.4 miles from The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, or savor delightful ice cream at Leopold's Ice Cream, also 0.4 miles away. For a unique experience, visit Butterducks Winery, located 18 miles away.

Shopping

City Market, only 0.6 miles from The Cathedral Basilica, offers a vibrant mix of shops and local art. Abercorn Street, just 0.1 mile away, features family-friendly stores. If you're up for a drive, Oglethorpe Mall, 5 miles away, provides a larger shopping experience with entertainment options.

Recreation

Grayson Stadium, located 2 miles away, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The Club at Savannah Harbor, just 1 mile away, provides a scenic golf experience amidst beautiful landscapes. For family fun, Island Miniature Golf and Games, 8 miles away, promises adventure and laughter for all ages.

Adventure

Explore the McQueens Island Historic Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 0.5 miles from The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For motorsports fans, Oglethorpe Speedway Park, 7 miles away, and Roebling Road Raceway, 15 miles away, offer thrilling racing experiences.

Nightlife

In Savannah, the Savannah Theatre, located 0.2 miles from The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, offers a cultural and romantic atmosphere with family-friendly entertainment. For a thrill, head to Fun Zone Amusement and Sports Park, 9 miles away, where adventure and fun await for all ages.

Find the best attractions near The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah offers a rich blend of culture and history. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of this minor basilica, often referred to as the mother church. Nearby, you'll find charming piazzas and historic houses, perfect for those seeking an outdoor experience. Don't miss the chance to appreciate the beauty of this magnificent cathedral and the vibrant city surrounding it.

  • River Street: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere along River Street, just a half mile from The Cathedral. This historic waterfront area features charming shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Savannah River, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a night out.
  • Forsyth Park: Just 0.4 miles away, Forsyth Park is an urban oasis ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With sprawling green spaces, historic fountains, and walking paths, it offers a perfect escape for relaxation or a picnic.
  • Savannah College of Art and Design: Located only 0.2 miles from the cathedral, SCAD is a hub of creativity. Explore its stunning campus, featuring galleries and exhibitions showcasing student and faculty work, celebrating contemporary art and design.

Best time to go to The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Visitor numbers around The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August81.1°F (27.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

For an affordable visit to The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, consider exploring nearby free attractions like River Street, Forsyth Park, and the Savannah College of Art and Design. Travel during the off-peak months from November to January for lower accommodation rates, and book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals. Check Expedia for last-minute offers and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from the lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Plus, you can refine your choices by hotel type—if you check the "Eco-certified" option, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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