St. John's Anglican Cathedral (St. John the Divine)
Church Street, St. John’s, Antigua
Finished in 1848, St. John's Anglican Cathedral reflects some of the history of the European presence in Antigua. Built in the neo-baroque style, the freestone structure seems out of place on the Caribbean island, with its iron fence, stained-glass windows, and two lofty towers with cupolas on top. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, with services taking place throughout the week.
The basics
St. John's Anglican Cathedral has two 70-foot (21-meter) towers, which serve as distinctive landmarks of the island, being the first structures that people see when approaching Antigua by boat. While the view is impressive to some, the sight of the towers once struck fear into the hearts of enslaved people who were arriving, as it reminded them of the oppressive power of the British who ruled over Antigua.
Inside the church are the famed bronze statues of two saints: St. John the Baptist and the one whom the church was named after, St. John the Divine. The stoic, European look of the cathedral is a unique departure from the relaxed ocean vibe of this Caribbean island. Guided cultural tours of Antigua typically include a stop at the cathedral.
Things to know before you go
- The church reopened in 2018, following extensive restorations.
- A historic graveyard dating back to the 1700s is also on-site.
- The cathedral is also known as St. John the Divine, the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba.
- Outside the Heritage Quay area, sidewalks and roads in Antigua can be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair; booking a wheelchair-accessible tour is advised.
How to get there
St. John's Cathedral is located on the western end of Antigua, about a 15-minute drive from the airport. The cathedral is within walking distance of most of the historical attractions of the island. It is also close to the two main bus stations, the West bus station opposite the public market, and the East bus station on Independence Avenue.
When to get there
Mass and prayer services are held throughout the week in both the mornings and evenings; check the cathedral website for times. Overall, you’ll encounter the biggest crowds from December to February, as this is peak tourist season in Antigua. For an authentic island experience, visit during Antigua’s Carnival, which takes place from late July to early August. The 13-day event features parades, pageants, concerts, and more, attracting plenty of locals and visitors.
The Museum of Antigua & Barbuda
Less than a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, set in the former St. John’s Courthouse, recounts the history of this twin-island nation, from its geological beginnings to its political independence from Britain. It also has a small gift shop selling work by local artists.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!