St. John's Cathedral: A Symbol of Faith and Resilience
A majestic Anglican cathedral in St. John's, Antigua, showcasing neo-Baroque architecture and a rich history of faith and resilience.
St. John's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, is the spiritual center of Antigua and Barbuda. Perched atop a hill in St. John's, the capital, this Anglican church serves as the seat of the Diocese of the North East Caribbean and Aruba. The current cathedral, consecrated in 1848, is the third church to occupy this site, a testament to the island's history of natural disasters and the enduring spirit of its people. The first St. John's Anglican Church, a simple wooden structure, was built in 1681. It was replaced by a larger brick church in 1720, but both were destroyed by earthquakes in 1683 and 1745 respectively. The present cathedral, designed in a neo-Baroque style by English architect Thomas Fuller, was constructed with features to withstand seismic activity. The interior includes a unique pitch pine structure and cladding to provide lateral reinforcement. The imposing white twin towers, reaching 70 feet, are a defining feature, though they were initially criticized as resembling "pagan temples with two dumpy pepper pot towers". Today, the cathedral is admired as one of the most impressive cathedrals in the West Indies. The cathedral's south gate, once the main entrance, features statues of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist, said to have been taken from a French ship in 1756. Inside, the dark pine furnishings and stained-glass windows create a serene atmosphere. The cathedral hosts religious services, community gatherings, and cultural events, remaining a vibrant part of local life. Visitors can explore the peaceful gardens surrounding the church and enjoy panoramic views of St. John's.
Local tips
- Take a stroll around the cathedral grounds to enjoy panoramic views of St. John's and capture stunning photos.
- Visit during a service to experience the cathedral's vibrant community and appreciate its spiritual significance.
- Look for the statues of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist at the south gate, rumored to have been taken from a French ship.
- Escape the midday sun and admire the cathedral's stained-glass windows and dark pitch pine furnishings.
A brief summary to Saint John's Cathedral
- 45F5+36M, Church St, St John's, AG
- +1268-462-0820
Getting There
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Walking
From the Antigua Cruise Port (Heritage Quay or Redcliffe Quay), the cathedral is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Head south on the main streets (Redcliffe St, St Marys St or High St North), turn left on Market Street, continue to the end, then turn right onto Newgate Street. The Cathedral will be on your left. This route allows you to experience the local atmosphere of St. John's.
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Public Transport
Buses in Antigua are privately owned mini-vans that operate from the East and West Bus Stations in St. John's. From either bus station, the cathedral is a 10-15 minute walk. Bus fares within St. John's are approximately EC$2.25-3.75. Please note that buses may not have space for luggage.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Antigua, including at the airport, hotels, and the cruise port. A taxi from the cruise port to the cathedral is a short ride within St. John's. Taxi fares are fixed by the government. Expect to pay around EC$20-30 for a short trip within St. John's. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
