Christ Church Cathedral dominates the neighbourhood around George Street and King Street with its striking white stone façade. Learn about this historic cathedral’s connection to the city’s past and explore its gorgeous interior.
The original church was constructed here in 1670, although this cathedral is actually the fifth incarnation to exist on this site. The current cathedral was built in 1841, soon after Nassau officially became a city, and later underwent extensive restorations in the 1990s. Check out the memorial plaques inside the cathedral, which explore aspects of the building’s long history. These plaques, dating back as far as the 19th century, describe the losses of distinguished citizens, army officers and government officials.
Admire the cathedral’s beautiful Gothic-style exterior. Composed of local limestone, the blocks are mainly held together naturally by their size and weight.
Step inside the cathedral’s airy interior and look up at the vaulted mahogany ceiling. Supported by thick, white pillars, the cathedral’s impressive ceiling has beams handcrafted by shipbuilders. The mahogany pews you’ll see near the entrance are carefully constructed replicas of the originals and were added during the restoration of the church in the 1990s.
Examine the gorgeous stained-glass windows on the northern and southern sides of the building. These beautiful creations were designed by Statesville Stained Glass Company in North Carolina. On the centre panel of the east window, see a depiction of the Crucifixion. The two side panels show the Empty Tomb and the Ascension.
The cathedral is particularly spirited on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when choir performances take place. Stop by for Sunday Mass, Communion and prayer meetings at any time of year. During the quarterly opening of the city’s Supreme Court, watch a grand procession of judges and barristers dressed in robes, which begins at the church and continues to Parliament Square.
Find Christ Church Cathedral at the corner of George Street and King Street in downtown Nassau. The cathedral is open daily except holidays. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
