Cathedral Square: Mobile's Historic Heart
Discover Mobile's historic heart at Cathedral Square: a vibrant park where history, culture, and community converge in a beautiful downtown setting.
Cathedral Square, nestled in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and community spirit. Bordered by North Claiborne, Dauphin, North Jackson, and Conti Streets, this urban oasis serves as a focal point for locals and tourists alike. Originally, the square was part of the city's 18th-century Catholic cemetery, Campo Santo, established by French colonists as the final resting place for Mobile’s early settlers. In 1819, as Mobile expanded, most burials were moved to the new Church Street Graveyard, though remnants continued to surface along Conti Street until the 1890s. Following the cemetery's relocation, the area evolved into a bustling commercial district. In 1979, these buildings were demolished to create a public park facing the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The current park layout, implemented in 1996, mirrors the cathedral, with brick sidewalks tracing the walls and nave, and a semicircular colonnade with fountains echoing the apse. Today, Cathedral Square hosts numerous cultural events, including art walks, farmers' markets, live music, and festivals. It is a social crossroads and a center for Mobile's arts community.
Local tips
- Check the local event listings for festivals, art walks, and concerts that frequently take place in the square.
- Visit the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception adjacent to the square to admire its stunning architecture and stained glass windows.
- Explore the nearby historic districts, such as Lower Dauphin Street and Church Street, for a glimpse into Mobile's past.
A brief summary to Cathedral Square
- 300 Conti St, Mobile, Central Business District, Alabama, 36602, US
- +1251-208-1650
Getting There
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Walking
From Dauphin Street, a central thoroughfare in downtown Mobile, walk towards Conti Street. Turn left onto Conti Street and continue for two blocks to Cathedral Square at 300 Conti St. This short walk allows you to see downtown Mobile.
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Public Transport
The Wave Transit System provides bus service in Mobile. Check local bus schedules for routes with stops near Dauphin Street or Government Street, close to Cathedral Square. Disembark at the nearest stop to Conti Street and walk a short distance to the square. A single ride fare is $1.25, and a day pass is $3.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in downtown Mobile. Request a ride to Cathedral Square at 300 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602. A short trip within downtown Mobile typically costs $8 to $15, depending on distance and demand.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to the intersection of Conti Street and Claiborne Street. Limited metered street parking is available around Cathedral Square for $1.00 per hour. Parking garages and lots are within walking distance, such as the garage at 254 Government Street.
