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Lafayette Square: Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Georgia. Twin spires with chiming bells rise high above this French Gothic cathedral, seat of the Diocese of Savannah. Dedicated in 1876, it was destroyed by fire in 1898, then rebuilt from the original plans of Francis Baldwin, architect. The interior is rich with Italian marble, Austrian stained glass and opulent Persian rugs. The first event of Saint Patrick's Day each year is the Mass in the cathedral; then the Hibernians head for Forsyth Park to march in a parade that is second only to New York City's. Savannah (even the water in the fountains) is green for a day. Abercorn Street at Lafayette Square.

--Visitor's Guide to Savannah

Lafayette Square
1. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Abercorn Street at Lafayette Square. Oldest Roman Catholic Church in Georgia.
2. Andrew Low House Museum
329 Abercorn Street. Headquarters of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia.
3. Battersby-Hartridge-Anderson House
(1852) 119 East Charleton Street. A brick residence in a design that's typical in Charleston, rare in Savannah.
4. Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home
(c.1855) 207 East Charlton Street. High-stooped house museum with a schedule of lectures and readings.
5. Hamilton-Turner House
(1873) 330 Abercorn Street. Outstanding example of Second Empire architecture with four iron balconies; house museum and gift shop.

Map | Next Stop: Madison Square

Franklin Square
Johnson Square
Reynolds Square
Warren Square
Washington Square
Greene Square
Columbia Square
Oglethorpe Square
Wright Square
Telfair Square
Orleans Square
Chippewa Square
Colonial Park Cemetary
Troup Square
Lafayette Square
Madison Square
Pulaski Square
Monterey Square
Calhoun Square
Whitefield Square

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