How long does it take to walk Savannah's historic district churches?

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles, following a flat path through several of Savannah's famous squares.

Is the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist worth visiting?

Yes, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the South. Its French Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, and massive pipe organ make it a highlight for any traveler in Savannah.

Can I go inside the churches in Savannah?

Many of these historic churches allow visitors during designated hours, usually between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays. However, they are closed to tourists during religious services, so it is always best to check their official calendars before arriving.

Are there any Jewish history sites in Savannah?

Yes, Congregation Mickve Israel is a key stop on this walk. It is the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States and features a unique Gothic Revival synagogue building and a museum with historic artifacts.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Absolutely. The route is flat and passes through several public squares like Johnson Square and Monterey Square, which provide plenty of space for children to move around between stops.

What is the oldest church in Savannah?

Christ Church Episcopal is the oldest congregation, established in 1733. However, the First African Baptist Church holds the title for the oldest continuous Black congregation in North America.

What is the best time of day for this walk?

Morning is best. Most churches open for visitors around 9:00 AM, and you can finish the walk near City Market just in time for lunch.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Savannah is often celebrated for its lush squares and Spanish moss, but its skyline is defined by something equally captivating: its historic steeples. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'Sacred Spaces' of the Historic District, where faith, architecture, and social history intersect. From the very first parish established in Georgia to the oldest continuous Black congregation in North America, this walking route offers a profound look at how diverse religious communities shaped the Hostess City of the South. As you navigate the brick-paved streets, you will encounter a stunning array of architectural styles, including the soaring French Gothic spires of the Cathedral Basilica and the rare Neo-Gothic design of one of the nation’s oldest synagogues. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a look at beautiful buildings; it is a journey through Savannah’s complex social fabric. You will learn about the Wesley brothers and the origins of Methodism, the arrival of Jewish settlers just months after the city’s founding, and the secret history of the Underground Railroad hidden beneath floorboards. Each stop on this self-guided adventure provides a quiet moment of reflection away from the bustling waterfront. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this route allows you to discover the city at your own pace, stopping to admire intricate stained glass or to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding squares. Experience the spiritual heart of Savannah through these enduring monuments of stone, brick, and spirit.

Highlights

The 'Mother Church of Georgia' at Johnson Square

The towering twin spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

One of the few Neo-Gothic synagogues in the United States

The site where the Wesley brothers shaped the future of Methodism

The secret history of the Underground Railroad at First African Baptist Church

Classic Greek Revival architecture at the Independent Presbyterian Church

Tour Stops (6)

Christ Church Episcopal

Welcome to the 'Mother Church of Georgia.' Established in 1733, the same year as the colony itself, this was the first parish in the state. While the current Greek Revival building dates to 1838, the history here goes back to the very beginning of Savannah. Famous figures like John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, served as rector here in the 1730s. As you look at the towering white columns, imagine the early settlers gathering here for both spiritual guidance and civic meetings. It stands as a testament to the enduring presence of the Anglican and later Episcopal tradition in the South.

The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah

This striking white granite building is a masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture. Founded in 1755 by Scots-Irish settlers, the congregation has a deep-rooted history in the city. The current structure, completed in 1891, is a faithful reconstruction of an earlier 1819 building that was destroyed by fire. Pay close attention to the towering steeple and the elegant windows. It is said that Lowell Mason, the famous hymn composer, served as the organist here. The church's design was heavily influenced by St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, bringing a touch of English classical grace to the Georgia coast.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Prepare to be amazed by one of the most photographed buildings in Savannah. This French Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah. Established by French colonial émigrés fleeing the revolution in Haiti and France, the congregation built this stunning structure in the late 19th century. After a devastating fire in 1898, it was meticulously restored. Take a moment to admire the twin spires and the intricate rose window. Inside, if open, the murals and stained glass—crafted in Innsbruck, Austria—provide a breathtaking display of color and light that rivals the great cathedrals of Europe.

Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church

Located on Taylor Street, this church serves as a living memorial to John and Charles Wesley. Though the brothers were Anglican, their work in Savannah laid the groundwork for the Methodist movement. This Gothic Revival building, completed in 1890, features stunning pointed arches and detailed stonework. One of its most famous features is the 'Wesley Window,' a stained-glass tribute to the brothers. The church's location near Forsyth Park makes it a peaceful cornerstone of the southern end of the Historic District, reflecting the long-standing influence of Methodism on the city’s social and religious life.

Congregation Mickve Israel

This is one of the most unique stops on our walking route. Congregation Mickve Israel was founded in 1733 by a group of 42 Jewish settlers who arrived in Savannah just months after Oglethorpe. It is the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. What makes this building particularly special is its Neo-Gothic architecture—a style rarely used for synagogues. Completed in 1878, it looks more like a European cathedral than a traditional house of worship. The congregation still holds two of the oldest Torah scrolls in North America, which were brought over by the original settlers in the 18th century.

First African Baptist Church

We conclude our walk at a site of immense historical and spiritual importance. First African Baptist Church is home to the oldest continuous Black congregation in North America, organized in 1773. The building you see today was constructed by enslaved people, who worked on the church at night after their forced labor was done. Look closely at the floorboards; you may see holes drilled in a diamond pattern. These were not for ventilation, but to provide air to people hidden in a secret space beneath the floor as they escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad. It remains a powerful symbol of resilience and faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided walking route through Savannah’s historic churches is one of the best ways to experience the city's history. It covers over 250 years of heritage, from the founding of the colony at Christ Church to the Underground Railroad history at First African Baptist Church.