Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Gargoyle Guardians: The cathedral features 16 gargoyles, which not only serve as decorative elements but also function to divert rainwater away from the building, preserving its structure.

Brick by Brick: It was the first building in Georgia constructed entirely of brick, showcasing the architectural advancements of its time.

Stained Glass Spectacle: The cathedral boasts 81 stained glass windows, many installed around 1904, depicting various biblical scenes and saints.

Towering Heights: Standing at 214 feet tall, with a roof height of 96 feet, the cathedral's spires are a prominent feature of Savannah's skyline.  Local lore suggests that the cathedral's towering spires have, on multiple occasions, collapsed during storms, allegedly resulting in fatalities. While these tales are part of Savannah's rich tapestry of ghost stories, they contribute to the city's haunted reputation.

Fire and Rebirth: A devastating fire in 1898 left only the walls and spires standing. Remarkably, the congregation rebuilt the cathedral, celebrating Christmas Mass in the new facility by 1899. 

Musical Marvel: The cathedral houses a pipe organ installed in 1987, featuring 34 ranks and 2,308 pipes, with a case and console made of solid white oak and black walnut. 

Rose Window Wonder: The Great Rose Window is a central feature, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and adding to the cathedral's stunning interior.

Baptismal Font Beauty: The baptismal font is intricately designed, serving as a focal point for the sacrament of baptism within the cathedral.

Holy Oils Ambry: The cathedral features a Holy Oils Ambry, a special cabinet that stores the sacred oils used in various sacraments. 

Haunted Neighbors: Located adjacent to Lafayette Square, the cathedral shares its vicinity with several haunted sites, including the Andrew Low House and the Hamilton-Turner Inn. Visitors often report unexplained phenomena in the area, attributing them to the restless spirits of the square.

Unexplained Cold Spots: Certain areas within the cathedral are known for sudden drops in temperature, even when the rest of the building remains warm. Paranormal enthusiasts often associate these cold spots with ghostly presences.

Cultural Landmark: The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Trial By Fire:  An incident of note occurred in 2003 when Stuart Vincent Smith attempted to set the cathedral on fire. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison for arson and related charges.

Bishop Stephen D. Parkes: Appointed as the fifteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah by Pope Francis in 2020, Bishop Parkes was consecrated and installed at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Literary Fame:  Born in Savannah in 1925, Flannery O'Connor was baptized and attended Mass at this cathedral during her early years. Her childhood home is located just a short distance from the cathedral, and she could see its steeples from her upper-floor windows. O'Connor remained a devout Catholic throughout her life, and the cathedral's influence is evident in the spiritual themes present in her literary works.