St. Mary's Church Annapolis
A historic Catholic parish in Annapolis, Maryland, renowned for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St. Mary's Church Annapolis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Catholic parish in Annapolis, Maryland, renowned for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.
"The architecture, the peaceful ambiance, and the sense of reverence all around made it such a special experience. "
🎯 Parking is Private
St. Mary's parking is private; use public garages & shuttle to avoid towing. :car:
✨ Interior Beauty
Step inside to be amazed by the architecture and serene ambiance. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Interior Architecture
Be in awe of the breathtaking architecture and peaceful ambiance that invites reflection and calm.
Historic Landmark
A timeless symbol of Annapolis's rich history and community spirit, this gem is worth experiencing.
Parish Garden
A small but beautiful parish garden offers a tranquil spot for reflection amidst the city.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Visit Etiquette
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Insider Tips
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🎯 Parking is Private
St. Mary's parking is private; use public garages & shuttle to avoid towing. :car:
✨ Interior Beauty
Step inside to be amazed by the architecture and serene ambiance. :sparkles:
⛪ Attend a Mass
Consider attending a mass for a truly beautiful and reverent experience. :church:
🌿 Peaceful Garden
The small parish garden offers a lovely spot for quiet contemplation. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Parking is Private
St. Mary's parking is private; use public garages & shuttle to avoid towing. :car:
✨ Interior Beauty
Step inside to be amazed by the architecture and serene ambiance. :sparkles:
⛪ Attend a Mass
Consider attending a mass for a truly beautiful and reverent experience. :church:
🌿 Peaceful Garden
The small parish garden offers a lovely spot for quiet contemplation. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Church for its absolutely beautiful interior architecture and peaceful, reverent ambiance, making it a truly special and unforgettable experience. However, some reviews point to issues with pastoral staff attitude and unconventional service setups, suggesting a disconnect between the church's beauty and its operational practices.
"Absolutely beautiful. I was in awe the moment I stepped inside. The architecture, the peaceful ambiance, and the sense of reverence all around made it such a special experience. It’s a place that invites reflection and calm.
Whether you're attending a service or just visiting, the solemn atmosphere and stunning details of St. Mary’s Church make it truly unforgettable. A quiet gem worth experiencing."
Nea Bacolod
"This Church is beautiful but it seems like the pastoral staff has forgotten that.
We got married here in 2023, and the receptionist at the time was unreasonably rude and unhelpful. I’ve worked at a Church being the receptionist and that is not an acceptable attitude to have towards others.
In general, it seems like this Church is not aware of its beauty. Putting the choir near the altar and not in the choir loft, not enforcing a dress code for EMs (hoodies as an EM is unacceptable).
Then we went for a 5 pm Mass on a Saturday… and were shocked to see it was outside? Why? There were not enough chairs - how is that inviting for visitors? Then you had people bringing lawn chairs like they were attending a cook out. Super tacky and irreverent. Why are they not using their beautiful Church? All of this screams a lack of belief n the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. These are common symptoms of a Church that is stuck in boomer mentality and losing young families because of it. No one wants to attend a church that is not serious about what they believe."
Victoria Smith
"What a find in Annapolis! The interior of the church is gorgeous. The perish garden is small, but beautiful. If you are visiting Annapolis, consider stopping by St. Mary’s Parish."
Mirakmal Niyazmatov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parking directly at St. Mary's Church is private and strictly enforced. Visitors are advised to use the public parking garages in downtown Annapolis and utilize the shuttle service to reach the church.
While there isn't direct public transport to the church itself, Annapolis has a downtown shuttle service that can bring you close to the church's vicinity from various parking areas.
Yes, St. Mary's Church is centrally located in downtown Annapolis, making it easily walkable from many popular attractions like the Naval Academy and the waterfront.
Driving directions will vary based on your starting point, but navigating to downtown Annapolis and then following signs for the historic district will lead you near the church. Be mindful of the private parking areas.
The most practical 'park and ride' option involves using the public parking garages in downtown Annapolis, which often have shuttle services connecting to various points of interest, including near St. Mary's Church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit St. Mary's Church. Entry is generally free for visitors, though donations are appreciated.
Visiting hours can vary, especially around holidays and services. It's best to check the official church website or call ahead for the most current information.
Yes, St. Mary's Church holds regular masses. You can find the mass schedule on their website, including specific times for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
While there isn't a strict dress code for general visits, it's a place of worship. Modest attire is recommended out of respect. Some reviews mention a lack of enforcement for liturgical ministers.
St. Mary's Church is a popular wedding venue. Interested couples should contact the church office well in advance to inquire about availability, requirements, and booking procedures.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The interior of St. Mary's Church is described as absolutely beautiful, with stunning details and a sense of reverence that makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
Yes, the peaceful ambiance and solemn atmosphere make it an ideal place for reflection and calm.
The church hosts various services, including masses, and may have special events around holidays like Christmas. It's advisable to check their schedule for current offerings.
The parish garden is noted as being small but beautiful, offering a lovely, tranquil space for visitors to enjoy.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, St. Mary's Church is located in downtown Annapolis, which is filled with numerous dining options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
Travelers often recommend places like Boatyard for breakfast, Joss for sushi, and Vin 909 for dinner. +1
St. Mary's Church does not typically offer food or drinks for sale. Visitors will need to dine at nearby restaurants.
There is no cafe or coffee shop within the church premises. However, many cafes are located within walking distance in downtown Annapolis.
Downtown Annapolis offers a wide variety of cuisines, including seafood, American, Italian, sushi, and more, catering to diverse tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning interior architecture and the charming parish garden offer excellent opportunities for photography. The exterior also presents a beautiful historic facade.
While photos are generally allowed, it's crucial to be respectful during mass. Avoid flash photography and be discreet to not disturb the service.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of ongoing services or events and to avoid intrusive photography.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for the interior. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the architecture.
The combination of historic architecture, stained glass windows, and the peaceful garden provides unique and memorable photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, consider the timing to ensure a more enjoyable experience for younger ones. Weekday mornings might offer a less crowded and more serene environment. If attending a service, explain the importance of quiet behavior beforehand. For families looking for dining options nearby, downtown Annapolis has a variety of restaurants that can accommodate children's tastes.
💍 Couples and Wedding Planning
Couples planning their wedding should contact the church office well in advance to inquire about availability, requirements, and the booking process. Be prepared for a thorough process, and note that some past couples have mentioned challenges with communication from administrative staff.
⛪ Devout Visitors
Visitors interested in attending mass are encouraged to check the church's schedule for specific times. While the church is beautiful, some reviews suggest that adherence to traditional practices during services can vary. It's recommended to approach the experience with an open mind and a focus on personal devotion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
+1Beyond its architectural beauty, St. Mary's has been a cornerstone of the community, hosting significant events and serving generations of families. Its presence in downtown Annapolis adds to the city's rich historical tapestry, drawing visitors interested in both religious heritage and colonial American history. The church's longevity and continued role in the community underscore its importance as a landmark.
+1For those interested in genealogy or local history, St. Mary's Church offers a connection to the past. Its records and historical significance make it a point of interest for researchers and history enthusiasts alike. The church's enduring legacy is a key part of the Annapolis experience.
Attending Services and Events
+1While the church is a place of reverence, some reviews suggest that the experience of attending services can vary. There have been comments regarding the setup of services and adherence to traditional practices. It's advisable for visitors to check the latest service details and be mindful of the church's guidelines to ensure a respectful experience.
Beyond regular masses, St. Mary's Church may host special events or seasonal services, such as Christmas mass. Checking their official website or contacting the parish office directly is the best way to stay informed about any upcoming events or specific schedules.
Navigating Annapolis and Parking
To avoid any issues, visitors are strongly recommended to utilize the public parking garages available in downtown Annapolis. These garages offer a more reliable and legal parking solution. From these garages, you can often access a shuttle service that conveniently transports you to various points of interest, including the vicinity of St. Mary's Church.
Walking is also a great way to explore Annapolis once you've parked. St. Mary's Church is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many other popular sites, such as the waterfront and the U.S. Naval Academy. This makes it a convenient stop on a day of sightseeing.
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