Visiting Savannah’s St. John The Baptist Cathedral

Last Updated on: 14th May 2024, 11:53 am

Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah, GA

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, GA is truly one of the most incredible Cathedrals in the United States, if not the world!

It is called “The Sistine of the South” because it is so intricately painted with beautiful murals.

There are some incredible sites of religious and spiritual significance on the USA – from visiting unique religious communities like the Amish in Wisconsin, to visiting the National Cathedral in Washington, DC – you don’t have to cross an ocean for a proper pilgrimage and to see some extraordinary cathedrals and churches in the USA!

Of all the cathedrals and churches I’ve visited across more than 20 states, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah, Savannah’s Cathedral, will always be one of my very favorites! Read on to see why!

An Almost-Local Guide to Savannah, GA

I’ve been to Savannah many, many times. My mother – bless her heart – was born and raised in Richmond Hill, Georgia, only about 20 minutes outside of Savannah.

Richmond Hill is primarily known as being the town Henry Ford made into his summer home. He built the school my Mom both went to and taught at, the churches she grew up and was married in, and the library she borrowed books from. His mansion was abandoned for a number of years, and my Mom remembers sneaking in and playing there as a child.

Henry Ford also had a barber he always used when he was in Savannah – which explains the weirdly creepy fact of my Grandfather having a box of Henry Ford’s hair on display in my grandparents home.

I know. It’s weird.

My parents met and married in Savannah when my Dad moved there as a News Reporter in the 80’s. After they married they lived in downtown Savannah, just a block from the famous and Instagrammable Forsyth-park. They loved eating at Savannah’s best restaurants and finding the best food in Savannah, and walking through Forsyth park in the evenings.

By the time I was born, sadly, my parents moved to Kentucky.

But I’ve made an annual pilgrimage to Savannah almost every year of my life to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the extraordinary city itself.

So – this guide to Savannah isn’t quite a local guide, but I do know Savannah well, and as a reporter, my Dad covered some of the most pivotal moments in Savannah’s history – including the murders made famous by the quintessential Savannah book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

He even once shot a news story repelling off of the left tower of the Savannah Cathedral.

I’ve seen the news story many times – but I hadn’t been to the Cathedral itself for yours!

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History of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah

Savannah’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is frequently named one of the Top Cathedrals to visit in the USA!

It is is particularly cool for me because it actually has roots with the French! I’ve always gotten such strange looks when I tell people I’m sort of from the South and also half-French : but the Savannah Cathedral is proof that it’s a real thing to be Southern and French people! 

French Catholic immigrants – some nobles fleeing from the French Revolution – founded the Congrégation de Saint Jean-Baptiste in Savannah in the late 1700’s.

The congregation grew and grew, outgrowing two small parish churches, before securing the land the Cathedral stands on today. Originally a part of the Diocese of South Carolina, when Georgia didn’t have it’s own Diocese, the original churches were repaired many times (hurricanes are a thing down South!). Eventually, Savannah got it’s own Diocese and at that point the church was officially named a “Cathedral.”

It wasn’t until 1870 that planning for the current Cathedral began. They started building it in 1873, originally dedicating it to “Our Lady of Perpetual Help.” (Anybody else like: yeah! I need her! Perpetual help please!!!) 

Sad part of the story ahead! 

Just two years after the iconic spires of the Savannah Cathedral were added a fire ravaged the Cathedral.

This picture is so striking to me because it’s the Cathedral…..just eerily see-through.

But, as you might have gathered from this story already, those French Catholics in Savannah were resilient! 

By 1912 the redecoration of the Cathedral was complete and the damage was repaired, complete with new stained glass imported from Austria! The Cathedral was re-consecrated in 1920. 

Of course – a French Gothic Cathedral in the Savannah heat and hurricanes has needed repairs many times since then! After the Vatican II Counsel, which radically changed the way congregations interacted with priests and allowed English masses, the high altar had to be flipped around to face the congregation. The spires, in particular, have needed ongoing restoration work — something my Dad saw up close and personal when he shot that news story!

Religious & Spiritual Sites in Savannah, GA

While the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, GA might be the gem of Savannah’s religious pilgrimage sites, the city has an absolute wealth of spiritual and religious sites to explore. Along with it’s extraordinary position to learn about Black History, Savannah is home to diverse places of worship worth a comprehensive tour. From historically African-American churches, to a magnificent Synagogue: Savannah is a must-visit place for travelers interested in religious and spiritual history. I’ll share a few more must-see places of worship in Savannah at the bottom of this post! 

Of course, the Cathedral is at the heart of much of that history. 

And oh my: is it not stunning inside?!

The Savannah Cathedral is frequently referred to as the Sistine of the South because of its lavish decoration — just look at that dreamy shade of blue on the ceilings! It really is like walking into a medieval painting. I’m always having to shake my head when I’m there: is this really Georgia!? 

Like many Roman Catholic Cathedrals, the murals around the high altar are the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

The front altar weighs over 9,000 pounds. It is made of white Carrar marble and across the front an inscription reads: “Beati Qui Ad Cenam Agni Vocati Sunt.” That translates from Latin to “Blessed are they who are called to the banquet of the Lamb.”

Murals of the Savannah’s St. John the Baptist Cathedral

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Savannah Cathedral are the murals adorning the walls.

While they might look like frescoes – painted directly onto the plastar – they are actually painted on canvas. They were painted in New York City and transferred to Savannah in 1912 for installation!

Two of my favorites are the mural of Pentacors and of the Sermon on the Mount. The colors of the murals in Savannah’s Cathedral are so bright it really feels as though you are being pulled into the story of Jesus…

Video of Savannah Cathedral’s Murals

Amazing Facts about the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah

The Cathedral contains over 70 stained glass windows – including the Rose Window above the organ!

The organ itself was built in 1987, so is more modern. It’s made of oak and is really beautiful to behold! It’s on my bucket list to hear an organ concert played at the Savannah Cathedral someday! 

One of my favorite stories is about the Baptisry that greets you right as you walk in. It was installed in 2000 during the most recent renovation. Unfortunately, during the time it was meant to be installed (and it weighs over 8,000 pounds – marble again!) – there was a city-wide hurricane evacuation. The workers stayed anyway, and spend the night in the church riding out the hurricane to finish installing it!

Also certainly don’t miss the stations of the cross. These eye-level wooden works of art are a devotional tool to guide the viewer through the last day of Jesus’ life as he or she walks around the Cathedral. The Stations at the Savannah Cathedral have had a few identity crises: when they were installed in 1900 they were painted in full-color, later someone stripped the color deciding they liked the raw wood better, and they were re-colorized in 2000. Make up your mind, Savannah! (I personally like them colored!) 

Visiting the Savannah Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at Christmastime 

Christmastime is particularly magical at the Cathedral. I was so glad that my trip with with Mom was so soon after Christmas the extravagant decorations were still up!

Savannah’s Cathedral boasts the largest and most intricate Nativity scene I have ever seen. It changes a little bit every year – you walk through it – glimpsing in minieature Christ’s birth, the angels making their pronouncement to the shephard, and you can peek over the walls of Bethlehem. Also there are plastic Alligators dotting the landscape: this is Georgia after all -. why not have some fun?!

(Note: I DID have a run-in with an Alligator on this trip. Tip for the future: when you grandfather tells you they are having problems with a large alligator by the small lake they live on, don’t go wandering to that lake alone and in the dark! Ooops! I still have all 4 limbs!)

Hours of Savannah’s Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

In order to see the artwork at its best – I highly recommend going on a bright day and not waiting until it’s dusk! Mornings would be a great time to visit! 

The Cathedral is open for self-guided tours: 

Monday-Saturday – 9:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M and 12:45 P.M. – 5:00 P.M

As you can tell from the history above: keeping the Cathedral intact and renovated is no small project! I always recommend leaving a small donation, around $3, in appreciation for your visit and the amazing artwork! 

Places of Worship to Tour in Savannah, GA

A walk through the Historic District of Savannah will offer up a wealth of beautiful and historic places of worship. 

Congregation Mikveh Israel is one of the oldest synagogues in the entire USA! What’s more – it’s a very rare example of a Gothic style synagogue. The synagogue offers tours on Weekdays that last around 40-45 minutes. A highlight of the tour is getting to see the two oldest Torah scrolls in North America as well as letters from US Presidents such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

The First African Baptist Church in Savannah is the nation’s oldest African-American congregation. The original lectern and pews, carved with African symbols, remain to this day and there is a small museum on site illustrating the congregation’s history.

Christ Church in Savannah is the oldest congregation in the Colony of Georgia. Fun Fact: It was also the first church to ever hold a Sunday School class in what is now the United States! A Greek Revival style-building complete with Columns. John Wesley  himself, the founder of Methodism, was once rector here and published America’s first hymn book while he was rector! 

More Details for Visiting Savannah’s St. John the Baptist Cathedral

When To Visit Savannah

Winter is a great time to visit Savannah – so long as you aren’t hoping to take a dip in the ocean at nearby Jekyll Island or Hilton Head in South Carolina! Bring a Jacket, as well. And know that flight prices are much higher around Christmas but drop sharply after New Years Day. 

How to Get To Savannah Georgia

From my home in Ohio, Savannah is actually driveable – but not for a weekend trip. It takes approx. 10 hours from Cincinnati. The nearest Airport is Savannah – Hilton Head. Don’t discount flying into Jacksonville and renting a car to drive north if there’s a significant price difference. For Savannah-Hilton Head Airport there is a small Priority Pass lounge in the Terminal for those of you who use Priority Pass for access to Airport lounges. Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns points and miles for your airfare – such as 5x points through Amex Platinum.

Transportation in Savannah 

I highly recommend walking through the Savannah Historic District. There are so many hop-on hop-off buses advertised but I find it’s a very walkable city that just really is not very big! Ride Shares like Uber and Lyft are easy to find in Savannah proper – and parking is not free on the street. Do rent a car if you want to get out of Savannah City Center properly. The car rentals at Savannah-Hilton Head Airport are inexpensive and super quick to get in and out of. If you hold an American Express Platinum Card don’t forget to use your automatic Gold Status with Avis and Hertz to get a much nicer car for a fraction of the price.

Where to Eat in Savannah

Um….everywhere?! The Pink House, one of Savannah’s most famous restaurants, had a bad fire, but they are re-opened now. The best place to wander and find great food is at Savannah Market – which is more of a car-less street with lots of storefronts. Don’t forget to try a Praline Sample at Savannah Candy Kitchen. They give a generous free sample and I’ve been known to hit up all 3 locations in an afternoon! (Ask to try the Chocolate Pralines!) I find River Street a fun street to walk down and explore, but the prices at restaurants are a bit overblown. If you have a car and want to drive out a way, Love’s Seafood in Richmond Hill is a family favorite for Georgia White Shrimp (my uncle used to fish for them and we know the Love family well!).

I sincerely hope you get a chance to visit Savannah, GA soon! It’s a truly gorgeous city and the Savannah Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is really something to see!

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