Old Christ Church
A 19th-century Episcopal church in Pensacola, FL, offering historical tours and serving as a charming wedding venue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Old Christ Church
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century Episcopal church in Pensacola, FL, offering historical tours and serving as a charming wedding venue.
"This tour is a part of list given when you pay $10 to take tours in downtown Pensacola."
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Essential for entry! Guides like Hannah make history fun and answer all your questions.
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead
No dedicated lot. Street parking or garages are your best bet, especially for events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Interior and Exterior
Admire the 19th-century Episcopal church's beautiful design, including its unique windows and wooden arches.
Rector's Crypt
Beneath the church floor
Discover the intriguing history of the first three rectors buried beneath the church floor.
Wedding Venue Charm
Main sanctuary
Experience the intimate and luxurious atmosphere of this popular wedding venue, often enhanced by live music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour for Entry
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Essential for entry! Guides like Hannah make history fun and answer all your questions.
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead
No dedicated lot. Street parking or garages are your best bet, especially for events.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Weddings here often feature live strings, adding a luxurious touch to the ceremony.
👻 Haunted History
Explore the church's spooky past with tales of vicars and K2 hits. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Essential for entry! Guides like Hannah make history fun and answer all your questions.
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead
No dedicated lot. Street parking or garages are your best bet, especially for events.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Weddings here often feature live strings, adding a luxurious touch to the ceremony.
👻 Haunted History
Explore the church's spooky past with tales of vicars and K2 hits. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Christ Church for its historical significance, beautiful architecture, and its charm as a wedding venue. The knowledgeable tour guides are frequently highlighted for making history engaging. However, some guests have encountered rude staff, and parking can be a significant inconvenience.
"You have to take a tour to go inside but it is so worth it . Hannah our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about everything that she showed us and answered all of the questions with great detail about every building that we went into. We all had so much fun on this tour. That we may come and do it again next year. She made history fun. She is going to make a great teacher one day. ❤️"
Michelle Hogan
"A quant little chapel. We attended a wedding there and it was a perfect venue. Maybe 50 seats in the pews. A unique 2 aisle set up with no center aisle. Historic and centrally located. Nice restaurants and a pub close by. If attending an event plan ahead for parking. There is no real parking lot for the facility."
Dale Thompson
"This tour is a part of list given when you pay $10 to take tours in downtown Pensacola.
The church is beautiful inside and out. The original building was built in 1832. It seems all the rectors died in short period of time. Will attach notes from your:
Built 1832 reverend sunders first rector died of yellow fever 4 years later
Rev Peak built Christ church school house. Died 3-4 years of tuberculosis
Rev Scott died old. Left during civil war. Rev Flowers took his plane and died within 10 weeks yellow fever
Church damaged during civil war started major renovations in 1879. Added wooden arches, extended church back 20 feet.
1903 most congregation lived in North Hills.
Church abandoned till 1936 (1 decade) Lady came and fixed windows gave church to city. 1936 public library 1936. History museum.
Deed given back to church. 500k historic landmark. A lot of weddings. Symphony and chorus. No longer a congregation.
1st 3 rectors are buried under floor boards. The graves are the only ones here. 2 out of 3 were found to be tampered by archeologist.
If you enjoy historical churches I highly recommend visiting!"
Dr. Rosie Ann Riley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Christ Church is located in downtown Pensacola, Florida. It's accessible by car, with nearby parking garages and street parking options. Public transportation might be limited, so check local routes if needed.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking lot for Old Christ Church. Visitors attending tours or events should plan to use street parking or nearby public parking garages.
If you are in the downtown Pensacola area, walking to Old Christ Church is a pleasant option. The historic district is quite walkable, and you can enjoy the surroundings.
Many visitors enjoy taking a guided tour that includes Old Christ Church and other historic sites in downtown Pensacola. This often provides the most comprehensive historical context.
While specific bus routes can vary, checking with Pensacola's public transit authority for routes serving the downtown area would be the best approach. Rideshare services are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
To enter Old Christ Church, you must take a guided tour. These tours are often part of a larger historical tour package for downtown Pensacola.
Admission to Old Christ Church is typically included with a historical tour ticket, which costs around $10 for access to multiple downtown museums and sites.
Tour hours can vary, but they are generally available during daytime hours on weekdays. It's best to check the specific schedule for the historical tours that include the church.
While not always mandatory, booking your historical tour tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
Yes, Old Christ Church is a popular venue for weddings and other events. Inquiries for booking should be directed to the venue management. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautiful 19th-century architecture, including stained-glass windows and wooden arches. The tour will also highlight the history of the rectors buried beneath the floor.
Yes, Old Christ Church has a reputation for being haunted, with stories of paranormal activity and the spirits of its former rectors. +1
A tour focusing on Old Christ Church, as part of a larger historical tour, can vary. Individual site visits within a tour might be around 20-30 minutes, but the overall tour duration will be longer.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to confirm with your tour guide. Professional photography or videography might require special arrangements.
Built in the 1830s, it's one of Pensacola's oldest churches, with a history tied to early settlers, the Civil War, and significant renovations. It's a designated historic landmark.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Old Christ Church is located in downtown Pensacola, which has a variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafes nearby, perfect for a meal before or after your visit.
No, food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the church to preserve its historic integrity. Please consume any food or beverages outside the building.
You'll find a range of options from casual pubs to more upscale dining experiences in the downtown Pensacola area surrounding the church.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the nearby Palafox Street for diverse culinary choices, from seafood to Southern comfort food.
While it's a popular wedding venue, receptions might be held at separate facilities nearby, as the church itself is primarily for ceremonies.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, stained-glass windows, and the unique altar setup offer great photo opportunities. The surrounding historic district also provides charming backdrops.
Yes, personal photography is usually permitted inside Old Christ Church during tours. However, always check with your guide for any specific restrictions.
The historical markers, the original building elements, and the crypt area (if accessible during the tour) can offer unique photographic perspectives.
Wedding photography is very popular here, capturing the romantic and historic ambiance. Drone photography might be restricted due to its location.
A versatile camera like a Fujifilm X100VI is great for capturing both the architecture and candid moments. A wide-angle lens can be useful for interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church itself is beautiful, the focus is on historical context. Ensure children understand that it's a place of historical significance and former worship. Parking can be a challenge, so factor in extra time for finding a spot if you're driving.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While tours focus on history, the underlying stories of hauntings are often part of the narrative. Be respectful of the site and its history, and remember that paranormal experiences can be subjective.
💍 Couples & Wedding Planners
When planning, be mindful of the limited seating capacity and the lack of dedicated parking. It's also advisable to communicate clearly with the venue staff regarding any guest concerns, as some reviews have noted less-than-ideal interactions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Tragically, the early years of the church were marked by the untimely deaths of its first three rectors, often from yellow fever or tuberculosis. These rectors are famously buried beneath the church's floorboards, adding a layer of historical intrigue and a touch of the macabre to its story. Archeological investigations have even suggested some of these graves may have been tampered with.
After a period of abandonment, the church was revitalized in 1936, serving as a public library and later a history museum before its deed was returned to the church. Today, it's a cherished historic landmark, no longer functioning as an active congregation but hosting events, concerts, and tours that allow visitors to connect with its enduring legacy.
The Paranormal Perspective
The church's history, particularly the stories of its rectors who died under mysterious or tragic circumstances and are buried beneath the sanctuary, fuels these paranormal claims. The idea of lingering spirits adds an eerie allure for those interested in the supernatural.
While the historical tours focus on factual accounts, the whispers of hauntings are an undeniable part of the church's modern narrative, making it a point of interest for those seeking a more thrilling historical experience.
A Dream Wedding Venue
Couples often enhance the romantic ambiance with live music, such as string trios, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to their special day. The historic backdrop provides a beautiful setting for wedding photography, capturing timeless moments.
While the church itself is stunning, potential guests and wedding parties should be aware of the parking situation, as there is no dedicated lot. Additionally, some reviews mention instances of rude staff, which is something to consider when booking such a significant event.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit