Saint John's Cathedral: A Symbol of Resilience
Discover the majestic Saint John's Cathedral in Antigua, a symbol of faith, resilience, and architectural beauty in the heart of St. John's.
Saint John's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, is an Anglican church that serves as the seat of the Diocese of the North East Caribbean and Aruba. Perched on a hilltop in St. John's, Antigua, it is the third church to occupy the site, with previous structures succumbing to earthquakes in 1683 and 1745. The current cathedral, built in 1845, showcases a blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. The cathedral's design, by English architect Thomas Fuller, features impressive white twin towers that reach a height of 70 feet and are topped with cupolas. The interior is equally striking, with dark pitch pine furnishings and stained-glass windows. A unique feature is the pitch pine interior structure and cladding, designed to provide lateral reinforcement against earthquakes and hurricanes. The iron gates at the south entrance are flanked by statues of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist, reportedly seized from a French ship in 1756. Visitors can explore the cathedral's rich history and admire its architecture. The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful space for reflection. The cathedral is also close to other attractions in St. John's, such as local markets and historical sites.
Local tips
- Take a leisurely stroll around the cathedral grounds to admire the architecture and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
- Visit during the day to fully appreciate the stained-glass windows and intricate wooden furnishings.
- Check out the iron gates at the south entrance and the statues of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist.
A brief summary to Saint John's Cathedral
- 45F5+36M, Church St, St John's, AG
- +1268-462-0820
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
From the Antigua Cruise Port, Saint John's Cathedral is a straightforward walk. Head east on Heritage Quay, then turn left onto Church Street. Continue on Church Street, and the cathedral will be on your right. The walk is about 10-15 minutes.
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Public Transport
To reach Saint John's Cathedral via public transport, take a local bus or taxi towards St. John's city center. Alight near Church Street and walk towards the cathedral. Bus fares typically range from $2-$5 USD. Note that buses operate from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Antigua. A taxi from V.C. Bird International Airport to St. John's costs around US$7. From the cruise port, a short taxi ride to the cathedral should cost a minimal amount. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
