Things to Do at St. John's Cathedral

Complete Guide to St. John's Cathedral in Belize City

About St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral stands as the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America and one of Belize City's most significant historical landmarks. Built between 1812 and 1820 using bricks brought as ballast from Europe, this magnificent structure has witnessed nearly two centuries of Belizean history. The cathedral served as the coronation site for four Mosquito Coast kings between 1815 and 1845, making it a unique venue in Central American colonial history. The cathedral's architecture reflects classic colonial Anglican design with its imposing brick facade, wooden interior, and distinctive bell tower. Despite surviving hurricanes, fires, and the test of time, St. John's Cathedral remains an active place of worship and a testament to Belize's rich cultural heritage. The building houses fascinating historical artifacts, memorial plaques, and beautiful stained glass windows that tell the story of Belize's transformation from British Honduras to an independent nation.

What to See & Do

Historic Coronation Site

View the exact location where four Mosquito Coast kings were crowned, making this the only cathedral in the Americas to host such ceremonies

Original Brick Architecture

Admire the European ballast bricks and colonial construction techniques that have withstood centuries of tropical weather

Memorial Plaques and Monuments

Explore numerous historical plaques commemorating British colonial officials, settlers, and significant events in Belizean history

Stained Glass Windows

Marvel at the beautiful stained glass artwork that filters Caribbean sunlight into colorful displays throughout the interior

Historic Cemetery Grounds

Walk through the surrounding cemetery containing graves dating back to the early 1800s, including notable colonial figures

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with services on Sundays at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Visiting hours may vary during religious services.

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission for visitors. Donations are welcomed to support cathedral maintenance and historical preservation efforts.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography. Avoid visiting during Sunday services unless attending worship.

Suggested Duration

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for a thorough visit including the interior, grounds, and cemetery

Getting There

St. John's Cathedral is located on Albert Street in the heart of Belize City's historic downtown district. From the international airport, take a taxi (25-minute drive) or water taxi to the city center. If staying in downtown Belize City, the cathedral is easily walkable from most hotels and guesthouses. Local buses and taxis regularly service Albert Street. For those arriving by cruise ship, the cathedral is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Tourism Village. Street parking is available, though spaces can be limited during peak hours.

Things to Do Nearby

Government House
Former British colonial governor's residence, now a museum showcasing Belizean history and culture, just a few blocks away
Belize City Museum
Small but informative museum detailing the city's maritime and colonial history, located within walking distance
Baron Bliss Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse and tomb of Belize's greatest benefactor, offering harbor views and historical significance
Swing Bridge
One of the few manually operated swing bridges in the world, connecting the north and south sides of Belize City
Tourism Village
Waterfront shopping and dining complex popular with cruise ship passengers, featuring local crafts and restaurants

Tips & Advice

Dress modestly when visiting as this is an active place of worship - cover shoulders and wear long pants or skirts
Bring a camera but be respectful when photographing, especially during any religious services or ceremonies
Visit early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and humidity, and to have better lighting for interior photography
Combine your visit with other nearby historic sites like Government House to make the most of your time in downtown Belize City

Tours & Activities at St. John's Cathedral