Cathedral Of Christ The King

Cathedral of Christ the King Atlanta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Set within Atlanta’s prestigious Buckhead neighborhood, the Cathedral of Christ the King is a monument to faith, architectural excellence, and community service. Established in 1936 during the Great Depression, it has grown from a small parish into the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta. The site itself is steeped in complex history, transitioning from a Greek Revival mansion with a controversial past to a cathedral acclaimed as the “most beautiful building in Atlanta” by Architectural Record in 1939. Designed by Philadelphia’s Henry D. Dagit firm in the French Gothic Revival style, the cathedral features Indiana limestone, local granite, Georgia marble, and remarkable stained glass. Today, it serves over 5,000 families and welcomes visitors to experience its spiritual and cultural legacy (official Cathedral website, city-data.com, cathedralctk.com).

Early Land History and Site Origins
Parish Foundation and Early Growth
Architectural Vision and Construction
Cathedral Status and Diocesan Role
Expansion and Modern Developments
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Community Impact and Leadership Highlights
Architectural and Cultural Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit

Early Land History and Site Origins

In 1916, Edward M. Durant constructed a grand Greek Revival mansion on the site now occupied by the cathedral (official Cathedral website). The mansion’s history includes an episode in 1921 when it was purchased by the Ku Klux Klan for use as their “Imperial Palace.” However, the Great Depression led to foreclosure, and the Catholic Church acquired the property in the 1930s for $35,000, recognizing its accessibility and potential for community impact (agoatlanta2020.com).

Parish Foundation and Early Growth

Founded in 1936, the parish adopted the motto “Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperat,” embodying its dedication to Christ the King (official Cathedral website). The first Mass occurred on August 15, 1936. Initially serving 250 families, early liturgies took place on the mansion’s porch and later inside a temporary chapel, before moving to a school auditorium as the community expanded (agoatlanta2020.com).

Architectural Vision and Construction

The parish chose the French Gothic Revival style, commissioning Henry D. Dagit of Philadelphia. Construction began in 1937, with the cornerstone blessed on October 31, 1937, and dedication on January 18, 1939 (city-data.com). The $400,000 structure employed Indiana limestone, Stone Mountain granite, and Georgia marble. Its beauty and craftsmanship earned national recognition as Atlanta’s most beautiful building (city-data.com).

Cathedral Status and Diocesan Role

Originally a parish church, Christ the King was elevated to Co-Cathedral in 1937 by Pope Pius XI, then to Cathedral status in 1956 with the creation of the Diocese of Atlanta (city-data.com). As the diocese’s mother church, it became the center of Catholic life in northern Georgia (agoatlanta2020.com).

Expansion and Modern Developments

The cathedral now serves around 5,000 families, making it one of the largest Catholic parishes in the U.S. (city-data.com). The campus has grown to include a kindergarten–8th grade school, recognized twice as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. Renovations have added new classrooms, a courtyard, a park, and enhanced parking (city-data.com).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  (Check the official calendar for updates.)
Admission: Free; donations appreciated.
Guided Tours: Available by appointment (cathedralctk.com).
Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices.
Parking: On-site parking deck and nearby street parking.
Public Transit: MARTA Buckhead station nearby.

Community Impact and Leadership Highlights

The cathedral supports over 100 ministries, including food drives, Habitat for Humanity, and outreach to the homeless and incarcerated (city-data.com). It fosters unity through ecumenical partnerships and interfaith initiatives (Atlanta.com). Notable leaders include Archbishop Wilton Gregory, the first African American president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who made significant strides in inclusion and transparency (city-data.com).

Architectural and Cultural Recognition

The cathedral’s French Gothic Revival design features soaring arches, ribbed vaults, and a luminous rose window (cathedralctk.com). Its stained glass, crafted by acclaimed artisans, illustrates biblical stories and saints (issuu.com). The building’s design and artistry have set a standard for religious architecture in Atlanta (sah-archipedia.org, sbcharch.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the cathedral’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, Sunday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or for events.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, entry is free. Donations are welcome.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment. Contact the parish office or check the official website.

Q: Is the cathedral accessible?
A: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and restrooms.

Q: Can non-parishioners get married at the cathedral?
A: Yes, the cathedral is a popular venue for weddings.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Yes, except during services. Please avoid flash and disruptive behavior.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 2699 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone & Email: Available at cathedralctk.com
Mass Schedule: Multiple daily and weekend services (calendar)
Confession & Adoration: See the calendar for times.
Nearby Attractions: Atlanta History Center, Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art.

For the most current details, check the official website and events calendar.

Summary

The Cathedral of Christ the King is a dynamic symbol of Atlanta’s faith, history, and community spirit. Its accessible hours, free admission, and comprehensive amenities invite visitors to explore its sacred spaces, join in worship, or appreciate its cultural and architectural significance. As both a living parish and a historic landmark, it offers a unique experience for spiritual seekers, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists alike (official Cathedral website, cathedralctk.com, city-data.com).