St. Philip's Church
4.8(320)google
4.5(18)yelp
History
Overview
Boasting the oldest Anglican congregation in South Carolina, St. Philip's Church is an architectural and historic jewel located in the heart of Charleston's French Quarter. The current historic structure, completed in 1838, is easily recognized by its soaring, elegant stuccoed brick steeple that acts as a visual beacon across the historic skyline. Inside, the sanctuary features beautiful grand columns, historic oil paintings, and an atmosphere of reverent antiquity. The surrounding historic graveyard serves as the final resting place for prominent American historical figures, including signers of the Declaration of Independence, providing a deeply reflective walking experience.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SatClosed
Sun8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeOpen to visitors during specific weekday hours. Clear afternoons between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM offer the absolute peak exterior aesthetics; the low sun highlights the legendary pink stucco masonry walls and soaring steeple perfectly against the deep blue sky, framing an iconic shot through the historic cemetery gates.
Getting TherePerfectly placed downtown at 142 Church Street. Highly walkable from any French Quarter block. Ride the free CARTA DASH shuttle streetcar straight to the Meeting & Market intersection, then take a brief 3-minute stroll east. No curbside parking exists on this historic single-lane cobblestone corridor; use local paid decks.
Travel Tips
- Situated on a historic, narrow cobblestone segment of Church St, the church has zero parking; the entry lane is a critical fire route. Route vehicles directly to the 85 Queen St Garage; idling or stopping in active carriage paths guarantees flatbed towing within 5 minutes.
- The gated graveyard contains graves of Declaration signers; walking over burial mounds or performing stone rubbings is strictly illegal. Dense overhead foliage causes darkness early; the historical cemetery area closes sharply to all individual guests at 4:00 PM.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Operating as an active Episcopal sanctuary, visiting blocks shift dynamically around church services; Sunday liturgies bar all casual tourism. Visitors must honor a conservative dress code: no sleeveless tops, athletic shorts, flip-flops, or hats are permitted inside.
Reviews
Positive
- The architectural aesthetics are stunning; its soaring pink-brick spire is an icon of Charleston's skyline. The ornate interior vaults and organ show unparalleled heritage.
- The historic graveyard is of immense historical value, containing signatures of the Declaration of Independence. Walking among shaded ancient gravestones offers a sacred, solemn, and serene atmosphere.
- Excellent location right in the historic heart of Church Street, walking distance to nearby Rainbow Row and the French Quarter, making it a must-stop on a Charleston walking tour.
- Entering the church and graveyard is free. The parish volunteers are warm and humble, enthusiastically handing out free historical self-guided brochures and offering brief info.
Heads up
- Since it remains an active place of worship, photography inside is strictly restricted, and it completely closes to tourists during religious services or weddings.
- There are no dedicated public lounges, restrooms, or water fountains for tourists. As an ancient historical building, accessible features like wheelchair ramps are limited.
- Surrounding Church Street is very narrow and cobblestoned, with zero parking at the entrance. Drivers must walk from distant paid public garages, challenging for mobility-impaired guests.
- During the day when tour buses cluster, the narrow graveyard paths get packed with large groups, disrupting the solemn atmosphere with noisy guide speakers and crowds.