Things to Do at St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral might not look like much from the outside - it's actually quite modest for what's supposedly the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America. Built between 1812 and 1820, this brick and mortar structure has witnessed some pretty significant moments in Belizean history, including the coronations of four Mosquito Coast kings in the 1800s. The cathedral sits quietly in the heart of Belize City, and while it won't knock your socks off architecturally, there's something genuinely moving about standing in a place where so much colonial and post-colonial history unfolded. What makes St. John's particularly interesting is how it reflects the complex layers of Belize's past - British colonial influence, indigenous resistance, and the slow march toward independence. The building itself is surprisingly intimate once you step inside, with that kind of worn wooden pew atmosphere that speaks to decades of regular use by actual congregations rather than just tourist visits.

St. John's Cathedral sits on Albert Street in downtown Belize City, making it an easy walk from most hotels and guesthouses clustered within a few blocks of the city center. Walking beats driving here. From the water taxi terminal or bus station, expect a 10-minute trek through streets that get busy fast-though taxis are cheap and plentiful if you can't handle the chaos. Most drivers know the spot. Street parking is limited anyway, so your feet are the smart choice in this part of town.