10 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Georgia

Many people in Georgia are religious, with most of the residents in the state being Christian. As a result, there are many Cathedrals and Churches in the state. While all of them have their own unique charm and community, there are a few that stand out for their architecture, design, and history. Here are the 10 most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals in Georgia.

1. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

One of Georgia’s beautiful cathedrals is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Savannah. This Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Diocese of the city’s Mother Church. It is also one of the most impressive cathedrals in the South.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is open to the public for tours from Mondays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, there are no tours on Sunday while mass is in session. Furthermore, the Cathedral is closed to tours during holy days, funerals, weddings, or any religious event. While tourists don’t have to pay to enter the Cathedral, a donation of $3 per person donation is welcomed.

2. Peachtree Christian Church

The Peachtree Christian Church is an important landmark situated on a bustling road in Atlanta. Since its inception in 1920, the church has been a prominent figure in the community. Established architect Philip Trammell Shutze designed the building. The Peachtree Christian Church officially opened in 1925, but today, it’s one of Atlanta’s historic landmarks, attracting tourists from all over the country due to its architectural beauty. The church is open to the public on Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, it is closed to tours on Saturdays.

3. Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Another beautiful church in Atlanta, Georgia, is the Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. This historic church was founded in 1883 in downtown Atlanta. However, in 1910, it was moved closer to the neighborhood of Druid Hills. The structure that stands today was built in 1940 and designed by Francis Palmer Smith, a prominent architect at the time. The style of the building is French Gothic, which is evident by the pointed arches on the aisles, chancel, and the top of the window.

4. The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church

The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta is one of the most beautiful churches in Georgia. It was designed by Rudolph Niernsee (who also designed the State House in Columbia, South Carolina) free of charge. The church’s design exemplifies the Early Romanesque Revival architecture, with broad, smooth exterior wall surfaces. Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church’s cornerstone was first laid in 1857 and eventually completed in 1863, resulting in one of the earliest Catholic communities in the state. The beautiful marble altars were manufactured by John P. Mullen from Baltimore, who had to smuggle them through a Union blockade during the height of the Civil War in order to install them in time for the consecration.

5. The Smallest Church in America

The Smallest Church in America, as it is fondly called, is located about 40 minutes from Savanah on US Hwy 17. Its other name is Christ’s Chapel. This tiny church is open 24 hours a day and is meant as a haven for weary travelers. The Smallest Church in America was first established in 1950 and contains pews for 12 people and a pulpit for a minister. The church is open to all denominations and was built by a man named Grocer Agnes Harper, who put Jesus Christ’s name on the deed. Sadly, the church burnt down in 2015 due to arson but soon received funding and was rebuilt. It officially opened its doors to travelers in April 2017.

6. Cathedral of Christ the King

The Christ the King parish was established in 1936. When the congregation first purchased four acres of land, they used the mansion occupying the site to hold mass. However, for construction on the Cathedral to begin, they needed to demolish the mansion. Furthermore, the parish purchased the adjacent land from the KKK, who previously used the site as their headquarters. Henry D. Dagit, Jr. designed the Cathedral of Christ the King. It is a Gothic Revival with smidges of Art Deco inside, especially on the stone reredos.

7. Independent Presbyterian Church

The Independent Presbyterian Church, located in Savannah, is one of Georgia’s most beautiful churches. It was founded in 1755, and the land where it stands was deeded by King George II of Great Britain to be used by the Church of Scotland’s colonial adherents. The church has burnt down twice, once in 1796 and again in 1889. The reproduction, which still stands today, was completed in 1891.

8. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in downtown Atlanta is a Roman Catholic church. The building was completed in 1898 and was listed as a Historic landmark in 1976. During its first few decades, the church saw steady growth, but by 1917, it boasted one of the largest parishes operated by the Marists. However, they returned control of the church to the Archdiocese of Atlanta in the 60s. Unfortunately, the neighborhood around the church went through a period of decline over the next few years, and there were rumors the church would close. But, it continued to operate and actually saw an increase in its congregation. This church was so popular that Mother Teresa attended mass there in 1995.

9. Friendship Baptist Church

The Friendship Baptist Church was Atlanta’s first African-American Baptist congregation, officially established in 1862. However, the church was displaced when the Atlanta Falcons began buying property for a new stadium. In 2017, construction began on a 44,000-square-foot church consisting of a 500-seat auditorium, educational rooms, counseling offices, choir spaces, and a historical exhibition commemorating the church’s history.

10. Saint Johns Episcopal Church

The Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Savanah, Georgia, is one of the most beautiful churches in the state. It was formed in 1841 from the overflow of the growing Christ Church. The plan was to increase the Episcopal presence in the state. Edward Padelford was a local businessman and one of the church’s founders. After he passed away in 1870, his name was memorialized on one of the church’s stained glass windows.

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