Some say our iconic Holy City nickname stems from the skyline full of steeples + its history of religious tolerance. There are 400+ places of worship on the peninsula alone, and many different religions are practiced around town. While Charleston is now known for its diverse faiths, it’s worth noting that this tolerance developed over time.
Fun fact: New buildings cannot be taller than the tallest church steeple.
The St. Philip’s we know today was constructed from 1835 to 1838.
Photo provided by @mpeacockmedia
Some of the city’s most well-recognized places of worship include, but are not limited to:
- St. Michael’s is the oldest surviving religious building in Charleston; the church was built in the 1750s.
- St. Philip’s was initially constructed as a wooden building in 1681, and the brick church we know today was built in the early 18th century.
Take a quick peek below to see some of the first places to worship in Charleston. Here’s a look at a more complete timeline if you want to take a closer look.
