Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist 🇺🇸

When you visit Boise, Idaho, you can explore the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, a Romanesque Revival Catholic cathedral and parish church listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Tourtellotte & Hummel and constructed with local Boise Sandstone quarried at Table Rock, this cruciform building serves as the seat of the Diocese of Boise and the Bishop of Boise. You will find architectural inspiration drawn from Germany's Cathedral of Mainz and France's Basilica of Saint-Sernin.

Outside, admire the center gable featuring a statue of St. John the Evangelist, a rose window, corbeling along the roofline, and two incomplete towers. Inside, you can gaze at magnificent stained glass windows created by Chicago's John J. Kinsella Company in 1920 depicting scenes from the life of Christ, the Adoration of the Magi, the Ascension, and various saints.

Look for the window above the 2,900-pipe organ depicting Saint Cecilia, as well as decorative gargoyles supporting architectural burdens. You can also see the historic 1906 Tudor Revival rectory behind the cathedral, the 1925 school building, and a remodeled downstairs chapel revealing exposed stone. It stands as a historic landmark in the Fort Street Historic District.

What to see at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

• Romanesque Revival architecture built with local Boise Sandstone from Table Rock
• Intricate stained glass windows fashioned by the John J. Kinsella Company
• A 3-manual, 2,900-pipe organ installed by Tellers-Kent in 1921
• Exterior details including a rose window, corbeling, and a statue of St. John the Evangelist
• Historic parish grounds featuring a 1906 Tudor Revival rectory and 1925 school building

Visiting tips

Observe the inner details of the sanctuary, such as the decorative gargoyles holding the burdens of the church on their backs.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is easy to reach on Boise’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Boise travel guide.