St Mary's Basilica, Natchez Travel Guide

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Discover Natchez's historic St. Mary's Basilica: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and a beacon of faith since 1843.

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St Mary's Basilica

St. Mary's Basilica, formerly St. Mary's Cathedral, is a stunning Catholic church in Natchez, Mississippi, showcasing Gothic Revival architecture. Construction began in 1842, with the church dedicated in 1843, though it wasn't fully completed until 1882. Designated a minor basilica in 1998, it stands as a testament to the city's rich history and enduring faith.

A brief summary to St Mary's Basilica

105 S Union St, Natchez, Mississippi, 39121, US
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Monday 7:15 am-4:15 pm
Tuesday 7:15 am-4:15 pm
Wednesday 7:15 am-4:15 pm
Thursday 7:15 am-4:15 pm
Friday 7:15 am-4:15 pm
Saturday 7:15 am-4:15 pm
Sunday 7:15 am-4:15 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St Mary's Basilica.

Take a self-guided tour using the brochures available in English, French, and German to fully appreciate the Basilica's history and art.
Note that the Basilica's opening hours may vary according to Holy days. Check the official website for current mass times and service information.
Explore the gardens behind the Basilica to view the fountain, memorial, and historic canon from the Spanish-American War.

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Explore St Mary's Basilica on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

St. Mary's Basilica is located downtown at 105 S Union St, Natchez, MS 39121. From most downtown locations, the Basilica is easily accessible on foot. Walking from the Natchez Visitor Center (640 S Canal St), head north on Canal Street, turn right onto Main Street, then turn left onto S Union Street. The Basilica will be on your left. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

The Natchez Transit System (NTS) provides public transportation in Natchez. Check the NTS schedule for routes and times to the downtown area. From the nearest NTS stop, follow walking directions to the Basilica. A single ride on NTS costs approximately $1.25. Exact fare may be required.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxi and ride-sharing services are available in Natchez. Request a ride to St. Mary's Basilica at 105 S Union St. A short taxi or ride-share trip within downtown Natchez typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on distance and demand.

Discover more about St Mary's Basilica

St. Mary's Basilica, located in the heart of Natchez, Mississippi, is a testament to the city's rich history and architectural beauty. Originally dedicated as Our Lady of Sorrows in 1843, this Catholic church began construction in 1842 but wasn't fully completed until 1882. The Diocese of Natchez was established in 1837, and Bishop John J. Chanche initiated the cathedral's construction shortly after arriving in 1841.Designed in the Gothic Revival style by Baltimore architect Robert Cary Long Jr., with James Hardie as the supervising architect, the basilica features a brick structure with a semi-circular apse, ornamental pinnacles, and buttresses. A central square tower, capped with a spire and pinnacles, incorporates a recessed Gothic-arched entrance. Inside, visitors are greeted by a bright and airy interior, adorned with beautiful statues, stained-glass windows, and Carrara marble altars crafted in Italy. Twelve of the sixteen stained-glass windows were designed by Tiroler Glasmalerei of Innsbruck, Austria, and installed between 1884 and 1893, while the remaining four were designed by Emil Frei of St. Louis, Missouri, and installed in 1961.St. Mary's served as the cathedral for the Diocese of Natchez until 1977 when the Diocese moved to Jackson, Mississippi. In 1998, it was designated a minor basilica, with a formal dedication on September 25, 1999. The basilica displays the symbols of this designation: an umbraculum (a silk canopy with yellow and red stripes), a tintinnabulum (a bell mounted on a pole), and the papal coat of arms. The gardens at the rear contain a fountain, a memorial, and a canon from the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. Today, St. Mary's Basilica welcomes visitors daily, offering self-guided tour brochures in English, French, and German.