Cathedral of Saint Paul 🇺🇸

Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the Cathedral of Saint Paul serves as the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. Originally established as a parish in 1872, the current Victorian Gothic-style building was designed by Chicago architect Adolphus Druiding and completed in 1893. Built with striking red brick and white limestone walls, this historic landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and even served as a filming location for the movie October Baby.

Outside, you can explore the courtyard featuring an outdoor altar depicting the death of Saint Joseph. Step inside to admire the nave, where ten solid granite columns support soaring vaults and arches. As you walk through, look for stained-glass aisle windows by G.

C. Riordan & Company, a large Saint Paul window over the entrance, the 14 Stations of the Cross, and statues of holy figures like Saint Anthony of Padua and the Blessed Mother. The sanctuary highlights a Carrara marble altar detailed with Mexican onyx columns and martyr relics, while music lovers will appreciate the Anna Catharine Grace Memorial Pipe Organ installed in 2022.

What to see at Cathedral of Saint Paul

• Victorian Neo-Gothic red brick and white limestone exterior
• Nave supported by ten solid granite columns and stained-glass windows
• Carrara marble sanctuary altar featuring Mexican onyx accents
• Outdoor courtyard altar depicting the death of Saint Joseph
• Anna Catharine Grace Memorial Pipe Organ built by the Noack Organ Company

Visiting tips

Be sure to view the large Saint Paul window situated above the main entrance when entering the cathedral.

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

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of Saint Paul is easy to reach on Birmingham’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Birmingham Museum of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Birmingham travel guide.