Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Chattanooga
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is a historic Catholic church that has served as the home of the first permanent Catholic congregation in the area. Constructed in 1888 in the Gothic architectural style, the basilica is perched on one of the highest hills in downtown Chattanooga, making it a prominent landmark. The church鈥檚 brick fa莽ade sits on a limestone foundation and features a steeply pitched gable roof. Among its most notable features are its twin towers, intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and groined vault ceiling.
The church鈥檚 main entrance is framed by a two-story stone portal, featuring decorative engravings and stained glass windows鈥攐ne of which displays the seal of the United States, while another incorporates a Shamrock motif, symbolizing both the Holy Trinity and the thirteen original colonies.
The basilica鈥檚 east tower features an attached five-sided turret, as well as an octagonal cornerstone of Tennessee pink marble. The nave and side aisles of the church are lined with seven tall lancet stained glass windows on each side, separated by brick buttresses that enhance the building鈥檚 Gothic character. The rear of the church includes a multi-leveled apse crowned by a small cupola, adding to its architectural elegance. Inside, the groined vault ceiling, suspended ornate pendants, and arched sanctuary entrances create a striking visual experience. Above the rear nave, a choir loft and organ are situated within a recessed alcove, enhancing the church's acoustics for worship and music performances.
The stained glass windows and Stations of the Cross inside the basilica are among its most treasured artistic features. The fourteen stained glass windows, installed in 1890, illustrate key moments from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul鈥攐ne side dedicated to Peter鈥檚 journey, the other to Paul鈥檚 missionary work. These six-by-thirty-foot masterpieces fill the sanctuary with vibrant light and storytelling. The Stations of the Cross, added in 1892, depict the Passion of Christ in stunning detail. According to historical accounts, a French artist spent nearly two decades designing and modeling them, and it is believed that only two sets of these stations were ever produced.
The church鈥檚 main entrance is framed by a two-story stone portal, featuring decorative engravings and stained glass windows鈥攐ne of which displays the seal of the United States, while another incorporates a Shamrock motif, symbolizing both the Holy Trinity and the thirteen original colonies.
The basilica鈥檚 east tower features an attached five-sided turret, as well as an octagonal cornerstone of Tennessee pink marble. The nave and side aisles of the church are lined with seven tall lancet stained glass windows on each side, separated by brick buttresses that enhance the building鈥檚 Gothic character. The rear of the church includes a multi-leveled apse crowned by a small cupola, adding to its architectural elegance. Inside, the groined vault ceiling, suspended ornate pendants, and arched sanctuary entrances create a striking visual experience. Above the rear nave, a choir loft and organ are situated within a recessed alcove, enhancing the church's acoustics for worship and music performances.
The stained glass windows and Stations of the Cross inside the basilica are among its most treasured artistic features. The fourteen stained glass windows, installed in 1890, illustrate key moments from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul鈥攐ne side dedicated to Peter鈥檚 journey, the other to Paul鈥檚 missionary work. These six-by-thirty-foot masterpieces fill the sanctuary with vibrant light and storytelling. The Stations of the Cross, added in 1892, depict the Passion of Christ in stunning detail. According to historical accounts, a French artist spent nearly two decades designing and modeling them, and it is believed that only two sets of these stations were ever produced.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chattanooga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Map
Sight Name: Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Create Your Own Walk in Chattanooga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chattanooga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chattanooga Introduction Walking Tour
Boredom is hard to come by in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River in the southeastern part of the state, its official nickname is the "Scenic City", alluding to the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. On top of this, there are multiple unofficial monikers like the "River City", "Chatt", "Nooga", and "Chattown".
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles