Experience the religious devotion and community spirit of Biloxi on a visit to the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This historic space has been a meeting point of the city’s multi-ethnic population for over 150 years. Attend Mass and spend time admiring the artistic features of the current cathedral.
The story of the cathedral is one of community togetherness, natural disasters and perseverance. It started as a simple place of worship on a street corner of downtown Biloxi in 1843. Following hurricane damage, a larger church was erected in 1870, only to be destroyed during the Great Biloxi Fire of 1900. Visit today’s cathedral building, which opened its doors in 1902 and has since survived several hurricanes.
Take a moment to appreciate the typical gothic elements of the cathedral’s exterior. This is the work of Theodore Brune, a German-American architect responsible for numerous churches in the Gulf Coast cities of Louisiana and Mississippi. Standout features of the brick structure are multiple lancet windows, strong buttresses and a square clock tower.
Inside, arcades with lofty archways and pillars crowned by gilded capitals run on either side of the nave. Carved portrayals of the Stations of the Cross adorn the walls. Frescoes of saints decorate the nave’s ceiling.
Study the biblical scenes depicted on the stained-glass windows, which were donated by the widow of local canning businessman Lazaro Lopez. Also of artistic interest are the hand-carved cathedra and the marble altars.
Find the cathedral in downtown Biloxi, less than a 5-minute walk from the city’s bus station. Free street parking is available on the surrounding streets during limited hours. Stop at the nearby attractions of the Coastal Mardi Gras Museum and MGM Park baseball field.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Bless Virgin Mary is open daily and admission is free. Attend one of the Mass services that take place up to three times a day throughout the week.
