st. mary basilica

Well, I grew up Baptist and attended First Baptist ....... across the street from this lovely Basilica. However, I was in St. Mary's last Christmas when my nephew was married there.....if I'm correct, it's like the oldest and largest anywhere in the Southeast.

Although not quite the caliber of a cathedral in Europe, this is an impressive church for the southern US. And, almost enough to make an Athiest think twice. Combined with the Tiffany stained glass of the Episcopal church just a few blocks away and the other denomination churches / synagogues in close proximity, a sinner doesn't stand a chance in this part of Natchez.We got to the church just as Saturday afternoon mass was finishing up on 2/14 and swam upstream to get in and see the beautiful stained glass windows, stations of the cross, and statues of the saints. We marked food available to purchase because they had a bake sale going on outside when we were there - chocolate chip cake and other sinful delights.There is also a nice park area East of the church with fountains to wonder around.

Enjoyed Sunday mass and the people made us feel very welcome.Great service and beautiful building. Easy parking available outside.

Park on the street out front and walk through old wooden doors into a lovely church, the Holy See of MS, ca. 1848. The lighting, both natural and artificial, is something special, and I loved the statues of saints located high on each pillar: they seem to be looking at YOU. There are long, stained glass panels on all four sides of church which is unusual.

Stepped in to admire the Basilica, based on my B&B owners' advice. It is very pretty with multicolored stain glass windows, and blue vaulted ceiling

If you like stain glass, this is a must visit. The windows were large with beautiful colors and incredible details.

A beautiful basilica that should not be missed no matter what your religious affiliation. We attended Mass and also during the Christmas Pilgrimage there was a concert presented by Alcorn College singers and accompanists in the evening. The performers walked in, two by two, and gathered at the front alter, and began their beautiful presentation. It was moving and in a sense, a spiritual experience. I don't know if this is an annual Christmas event, but if it is, I highly recommend you attend.

The Deep South outside parts of Louisiana is rarely associated with Catholicism, but Natchez was and is to a large extent a Catholic town.Back in the day, some smaller American towns distinguished themselves by erecting Catholic basilicas almost equal to those of bygone Europe. Lovely examples in Tipton and Beloit, Kansas, spring to mind, as does St. Mary in Natchez. Open until 4:15 PM, it's worth a stop if you're downtown.Another religious surprise is the nearby old synagogue, which harkens back to especially after the War Between The States when Jewish merchants formed a vital part of Natchez. Formerly numbering several thousand, that community is now down to some four or five families, but their historic shul can still be toured by appointment.

Church was magnificent and well maintained for it's age. Park behind the building was a nice quiet area with a large fountain.

I went on a Monday afternoon.There was a sign saying no tours and no photograhy.I almost left after seeing that sign.Then I saw a small note:Non-member individuals may enter on the right.Upon entering I noticed that the aisle was cordoned off.There was one 1/4 pew open so I sat down.There were a few people on the other side,some near the front so I assumed they were church members.I then focused my attention on the beautiful apse and all the stained glass.It was a sunny day so the glass really did its thing.I wish I could have gone around to see the small stations of the cross but,alas,I could only see the one right above me.If you go to Natchez do yourself a favor and check out the Basilica.Just be prepared for less on Mondays.

This is one of the prettiest churches in America. You should definitely take time to go in and view this lovely old churches. It was originally a cathedral.

Beautiful church and park surrounding it is peaceful and full of giant oaks. Located in the heart of historic downtown area. Walking distance to everything.

This is a very historic church and quite beautiful. Churches aren't built like this any more--sadly, a time gone-by.

St. Mary's is a must see even for non-Catholics. It DOES have handicapped access, via a street side elevator, which we really appreciated. We thought St. Louis Basilica was lovely but St. Mary's is in a league all of its own.

The Basilica is open to the public and is easy accessible. The inside is stunning. The woodwork is so ornate and the craftsmanship is beyond fabulous !