Charleston is known as “The Holy City” because of its open borders to religious freedom on the peninsula several hundred years ago. This is represented in the number of various religious building that exist throughout the area.
The oldest continuously worshipping congregation in the south was co-founded with Charles Towne in 1861, by the English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians, and French Huguenots of the original settlement.
The Parish House architecturally designed by Robert Mills is Greek-revival, and is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Tours are available.
Founded in 1682, it is one of the oldest Baptist congregations in the American South and one of the first congregations to relocate to Charleston in 1696. The Sanctuary built in 1820, was designed by Robert Mills, one of the first American born architects. Still an active congregation, tours are available.
Founded in 1846 , this historic building contains a Gothic style sanctuary with stained glass windows and flying buttresses. This cathedral is one of the four bell ringing towers in Charleston. Tours can be arranged in advance.
Founded in 1749, a Greek Revival synagogue that is the 2nd oldest in use in the U.S. Also, one of the oldest continuous use congregations and the fourth oldest congregation in America. This was the birthplace of American Reform Judaism in 1824. Tours are available.
The oldest African Methodist Episcopal church building in the southern United States. Founded in 1816, reorganized in 1865 and the current building was constructed in 1891. The first independent African-American denomination in the U.S. and one of the oldest African Methodist congregations.
Historic St. Michael's Church is one of the oldest surviving religious structure in Charleston, built in 1761. The church houses the oldest tower clock in North America. The clock and change ringing bells date back to colonial times. The bells are one of four sets that exist in Charleston. Open for tours.
The oldest religious congregation in South Carolina., established in 1681. The current location was completed in 1723 but burned to the ground in 1835. The current building was erected in 1835 and the steeple was added between 1848 and 1850. The steeple served as the rear tower of a set of range lighthouses to guide mariners into Charleston's harbor. The church is one of only two in the United States known to have served this function. Tours are available.