Plizio Visual Lab
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Cayenne is the most significant religious building in French Guiana and the seat of the Diocese of Cayenne. Construction on the current church began in 1825 after an earlier wooden structure fell into disrepair. It was completed in 1833 and has undergone several expansions over the years, most notably the addition of its distinctive bell tower in 1954. The cathedral's architecture is simple yet elegant, characterized by Creole influences and a light-colored facade. Inside, it features a 19th-century high altar imported from Europe and finely crafted stained-glass windows. The cathedral plays a pivotal role in the capital's social and cultural life, serving as the primary venue for major religious festivals. Owing to its historical and architectural importance, it was listed as a historical monument in 1992. Recent restoration work has restored the original colors of the facade and reinforced the stability of the tower.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Statue de Félix Éboué · Témoins de Jéhovah · Musée départemental Alexandre Franconie
- Nearby: Kaw Marshes (33 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 300 | 264 | 251 | 369 | 504 | 334 | 217 | 109 | 54 | 58 | 110 | 303 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Cayenne is open to the public with free entry. The interior with its wooden columns and altars is impressive.
Typical hours
The cathedral is usually open daily from morning to early evening, with breaks during services. Exact times can be checked on site.
Photography
Photography inside the cathedral is allowed, but without flash during services. The painted ceiling and stained glass are worthwhile subjects.
Time needed
A visit to the cathedral takes about 20-30 minutes if you examine the details. Those with more time can also explore the small garden behind the church.
Combine with
The cathedral is in central Cayenne, making a walk to Place des Palmistes a good idea. The Musée Départemental Franconie is also within walking distance.
Getting there
The cathedral is located on Rue du 14 Juillet in downtown Cayenne. It is easily reachable on foot from most central points or by taxi.
Insider tip
Visit the cathedral best in the morning when the light through the stained glass is especially beautiful. Dress appropriately for a place of worship.
Geography
Facts
- Built between 1825 and 1833
- Bell tower added in 1954
- Seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop
- Listed as a historical monument in October 1992
- High altar dates from the 19th century
- Largest religious building in French Guiana
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Saint-Sauveur Cathedral (10)
Assemblée Évangélique La Porte
Evangelical congregation in Cayenne.
Place Léopold Héder🌳 park
Square in Cayenne, France.
Mosquée Assalam Cayenne
Mosque in Cayenne, French Guiana.
Impact de Jésus Christ
Christian group in Cayenne.
Église Mondiale⛪ church
Church in Cayenne, French Guiana.
Ancienne caserne du Génie, dite Hôtel de l'Inspection
Former barracks in Cayenne, now a ruin.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the visiting hours?
Usually daily from 08:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00, except during religious services.
When was the cathedral consecrated?
Construction began in 1825, and it was officially consecrated in 1833.
What architectural style is the church?
It is built in a colonial style and features a yellow facade, typical of Cayenne.
Does entry cost anything?
No, access to the cathedral is free of charge.
What should be kept in mind during the visit?
Respectful clothing is required; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: where is it located?
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral is located in French Guiana.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Statue de Félix Éboué, Témoins de Jéhovah, Musée départemental Alexandre Franconie.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Cayenne is the most significant religious building in French Guiana and the seat of the Diocese of Cayenne.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
Nearby cities
Cayenne
In Cayenne, the largest administrative center and capital of the region, known for its vibrant Creole culture and historic colonial archi…
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Awala-Yalimapo
An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.
History & landmarks
Victor Schœlcher Statue
A significant monument to Victor Schœlcher, who played a crucial role in abolishing slavery in the French colonies.
Thérèse and Léon Blum House
A historic building in Cayenne connected with important figures of French history.
Alexandre-Franconie Museum
The main museum in Cayenne showcasing the history, culture, and natural history of French Guiana within a traditional Creole house.
Prefecture of French Guiana
The official seat of the prefect and an outstanding example of French colonial administration in the Caribbean and South America.
Félix Éboué House
The historical birthplace of famous politician Félix Éboué, which today is a small museum about Guiana's history.
Cayenne Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse at Fort Cépérou that served as another vital landmark for coastal shipping.
Cayenne Central Market
The bustling central market of Cayenne, housed in an iconic steel structure and famous for its local spices.
🗺️
Cayenne City Hall
The beautiful administrative building of the city of Cayenne, designed in a classical colonial style with striking yellow facades.
More places
Ancienne Mairie de Cayenne
The old city hall of Cayenne, showcasing classical colonial administration architecture.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Cayenne
The primary Catholic cathedral of French Guiana, featuring colonial architecture.
Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie
A museum showcasing the natural history, archaeology, and ethnology of French Guiana.
Maison de Félix Éboué
The historic birthplace of Félix Éboué, a prominent French Guianese colonial administrator.
Poudrière de Cayenne
A 19th-century gunpowder magazine used by the French military to store explosives.
Monument aux Morts de Cayenne
A memorial monument dedicated to the soldiers from French Guiana who fell in the World Wars.
Cayenne Gold Refinery
Specialized facilities in the capital where gold extracted from legal mines in the hinterland is melted and prepared for export.
Fort Cépérou
Historic 17th-century fort ruins overlooking the city of Cayenne.