Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its stunning architecture and rich history. The city features numerous buildings that showcase a range of styles from different periods.
These architectural gems provide a glimpse into the past and highlight the craftsmanship of earlier times.
This article will highlight the ten best architectural buildings in Savannah.
Visitors and locals alike will appreciate the beauty and significance of these structures.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a casual observer, these buildings are sure to impress.
1. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist stands as a landmark in Savannah, Georgia.
This stunning building features 81 stained glass windows and 16 gargoyles. Its spires reach up to 214 feet.
In 2020, the church was officially named the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, reflecting its historical and architectural significance.
Located on Lafayette Square, the cathedral’s grand architecture and rich history make it a must-see for visitors exploring Savannah.
2. Forsyth Park Fountain
The Forsyth Park Fountain is a striking landmark in Savannah. Built in 1858, it stands at 30 feet tall and features a marble basin with decorative statues.
Located at the center of Forsyth Park, the fountain is a popular attraction for visitors. Its historic significance and beauty make it a key part of Savannah’s charm.
This fountain, created by Janes, Beebe and Company, is one of the first large-scale cast-iron fountains in the United States. It continues to be a central feature of the park, reflecting Savannah’s rich history.
3. Savannah City Hall
Savannah City Hall, designed by Hyman Witcover, was built between 1904 and 1905 and opened in 1906. The building features a stunning gilded dome that stands out in the cityscape.
It is an important part of the Savannah Historic District. The architecture reflects the city’s rich history and dedication to preserving its past.
4. Telfair Academy
Telfair Academy is one of Savannah’s architectural gems. Designed by British architect William Jay, the building showcases a neoclassical Regency style.
Built between 1818-1819, it served as a mansion for Alexander Telfair, son of Georgia governor Edward Telfair.
Today, Telfair Academy is a public art museum. It features two 19th-century period rooms and houses American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts within its historic walls. The Telfair Academy is an essential stop for anyone interested in Savannah’s architectural and cultural history.
5. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a significant architectural gem in Savannah, Georgia.
Located in downtown Savannah, this Regency-style house was constructed between 1818 and 1821.
The house, restored to its 1886 appearance, features original furnishings and elegant design details. It is also notable as Savannah’s first Registered National Historic Landmark.
Visitors to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace can enjoy guided tours that explore her life and contributions.
6. Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House is a historic home located in Savannah, Georgia.
Built in 1819, this mansion showcases English Regency architecture.
The house is known for its stucco exterior, which contrasts with the more common red-brick Federal style of neighboring buildings.
Visitors can explore the original slave quarters and learn about the complex relationships between the powerful and the enslaved in early 19th century Savannah. More details can be found on the official website.
7. Hamilton-Turner Inn
The Hamilton-Turner Inn, originally built in 1873, is a notable example of French Empire-style architecture in Savannah.
Located at 330 Abercorn Street, it served as the home of Samuel Pugh Hamilton, known as the Lord of Lafayette Square.
This historic mansion has gained fame through literature, notably in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Since its conversion into an inn in 2000, it has become a symbol of southern elegance and charm.
Guests staying here can enjoy a southern-inspired breakfast and the unique charm of this well-preserved building’s original interior elements.
8. Isaiah Davenport House
The Isaiah Davenport House in Savannah, Georgia, is a prime example of Federal-style architecture.
Built in 1820 by Isaiah Davenport, a skilled carpenter and builder, the home showcases fine interior plasterwork and authentically restored period rooms.
Located at 324 East State Street, it was the first project of the Historic Savannah Foundation, marking the start of the city’s preservation movement.
Visitors are often impressed by the spectacular staircase and original nineteenth-century furnishings.
Learn more about its features and history from the official website.
9. Sorrel-Weed House
The Sorrel-Weed House, located on Madison Square, stands as an iconic architectural gem in Savannah.
Designed by Charles Cluskey, this historic home showcases a blend of Greek Revival and English Regency styles.
Built between 1835 and 1840, the house was originally commissioned for Francis Sorrel, a wealthy shipping merchant.
The Sorrel-Weed House is notable not only for its architecture but also for its intriguing history.
Visitors often remark on its grand entrance and spacious layout, which covers over 16,000 square feet.
10. Green-Meldrim House
The Green-Meldrim House is a standout example of Gothic Revival architecture in Savannah, Georgia.
Built in 1853, it was one of the most expensive houses of its time in the city.
Its unique features include a crenellated parapet and oriel windows, which add to its gothic charm.
Located on Madison Square, this historic home is now a National Historic Landmark.
Visitors can tour the house to appreciate its preserved original adornments and architectural beauty.
Historical Significance
Savannah, Georgia, boasts a rich architectural history that reflects its early architectural styles and significant contributions to American architecture. The city’s layout and buildings play a crucial role in understanding its historical value.
Early Architectural Styles
Savannah’s architectural history began in 1733 with British General James Oglethorpe, who founded the city.
Oglethorpe’s grid pattern planning, known as the Oglethorpe plan, featured wide streets and numerous public squares. This design is praised for its innovation and functionality.
Many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand today.
For example, the Mercer-Williams House represents stunning Victorian architecture and allows visitors to explore Savannah’s history. The Andrew Low House is another significant site, showcasing early American design and craftsmanship.
Notable Fact: The Historic Savannah Foundation and SCAD have restored several important buildings, preserving the city’s rich heritage.
Contributions to American Architecture
Savannah’s architectural planning and preservation efforts have made significant contributions to American architecture.
The city’s layout, with its public squares and grid streets, influenced urban planning across the United States.
The well-preserved National Historic Landmark District features buildings and structures dating back to the early 18th century.
This district is known for its historic significance and has inspired preservation initiatives nationwide.
Key Point: The Georgia State Railroad Museum, a pre-Civil War structure, highlights Savannah’s role in industrial advancements and historical architecture, making it an important part of American architectural history.
Architectural Influences
Savannah, Georgia, showcases a variety of architectural influences that reflect its rich history and cultural evolution. Each era brought unique styles and features that continue to draw attention and appreciation.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival architecture in Savannah reflects a resurgence of interest in the early American colonial style.
Typically featuring symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and brick or wood exteriors, these buildings often include prominent entryways with decorative pediments.
The Davenport House is a prime example, demonstrating the elegance and simplicity of this style.
Recognizable by its classic proportions and decorative crown moldings, Colonial Revival structures often have large, multi-paned windows and shutters. This style harks back to the city’s early days, providing a direct link to Savannah’s colonial past.
Victorian Era
The Victorian era brought intricate designs and ornamental features to Savannah.
Characterized by asymmetrical shapes, steeply pitched roofs, and elaborate trims, these buildings often stand out due to their vibrant colors and decorative woodwork.
The Gingerbread House is a notable example, showcasing intricate carvings and detailed brackets under the eaves.
Many buildings from this period exhibit bay windows and expansive porches with ornate railings. The Victorian era left a lasting impression on Savannah’s architectural landscape, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to the city.
Modernist Touches
Modernist architecture introduced clean lines and functional forms to Savannah, often forgoing traditional ornamentation.
Buildings from this period emphasize simplicity, efficiency, and the use of new materials like steel and glass.
Savannah’s Civic Center is an example, featuring a streamlined design that focuses on practicality.
Large windows and open interior spaces are hallmarks of this style, aiming to maximize light and space.
Despite its contrast to older styles, modernist architecture blends harmoniously into Savannah’s eclectic architectural scene, reflecting the city’s ongoing evolution.
Preservation Efforts
In Savannah, dedicated efforts are made to maintain historic buildings and districts. This involves specific preservation techniques and extensive restoration projects. These approaches ensure the city’s architectural heritage remains intact.
Historic Districts
Savannah’s historic districts play a crucial role in preservation.
The city’s first historic district was officially designated in 1966 due to its unique city plan and well-preserved buildings. This designation promotes the conservation of structures dating back to 1733.
Efforts to maintain these districts are led by organizations like the Historic Savannah Foundation.
They focus on advocacy and legal protection to uphold the aesthetic and historical value.
Key areas include the Victorian District and the National Historic Landmark District. Each of these regions showcases architectural styles such as Georgian and Victorian, ensuring Savannah’s rich history is preserved.
Restoration Projects
Restoration projects are another vital aspect of architectural preservation. These initiatives aim to restore historic buildings to their original glory.
One notable example is the revolving fund used by the Historic Savannah Foundation, which saved 145 buildings between 1955 and 1980.
Projects like the Whitfield House, which received a 2024 Preservation Award, highlight the success of these efforts.
Restoration involves not only rebuilding structures but also reviving their historical significance. This dedication helps preserve Savannah’s architectural integrity for future generations.