Gothic Revival Catholic church featuring stained glass windows, ornate altars, and a rich history as Mississippi’s first cathedral.
General Information
Parish office: Mon & Fri: 8:30am–12pm, Tue–Thu: 8:30am–3:30pm
Donations welcome
How to Get There
From downtown Natchez, head east on Main Street, turn right onto South Union Street, and the basilica will be on your left at the corner of Main and Union.
Overview
The St. Mary Basilica is a landmark of Catholic heritage and Gothic Revival architecture in the Deep South. Construction began in 1842, and the church was consecrated in 1886, serving as the cathedral of the Diocese of Natchez until 1977. Elevated to the status of minor basilica in 1998, it remains the oldest Catholic building still in use in Mississippi. The basilica’s soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and richly decorated interior reflect the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders and parishioners. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass or explore the church through self-guided tours available in multiple languages.
St. Mary Basilica continues to serve as a vibrant parish community while also drawing thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year. The church’s location beside a peaceful city park adds to its appeal as a place of reflection and beauty. Inside, the basilica houses original altars, hand-carved woodwork, and sacred art that narrate the story of Catholicism in the region. Whether attending a solemn Mass or simply admiring the architecture, visitors to St. Mary’s are immersed in a spiritual and historical experience that captures the essence of Natchez’s religious legacy.
This article uses material from the official website and tourism pages for the St. Mary Basilica, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
