Lafayette Square

A Glimpse of History

Established in 1837, Lafayette Square pays tribute to the Marquis de Lafayette, the French military officer who lent his skills and passion to the American Revolutionary War. The connection goes beyond a symbolic tribute - Lafayette actually visited Savannah in person in 1825, giving the square a more direct historical tie to the man it honors than is often the case with similarly named landmarks. One of the city's 22 historic squares in Savannah's Historic District, it has its own distinct story to tell.

At the heart of the square stands a fountain donated by the Colonial Dames of Georgia in 1984 to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Georgia colony. It's become quite the romantic hotspot - don't be surprised if you stumble upon a wedding ceremony while visiting. One fun seasonal detail: during Savannah's Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, the fountain water is dyed green, a small but eye-catching touch that ties the square into the city's broader festivities.

Architectural Sites

The square is surrounded by notable historic buildings. The northeast corner is home to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, with its twin spires and French Gothic design. The "basilica" designation is a formal distinction granted by the Catholic Church that elevates it above a standard cathedral in terms of ecclesiastical status, and the interior is worth seeing even for non-religious visitors interested in architecture.

On the western edge, you'll come across the Andrew Low House from 1849, now operating as a museum that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. The Hamilton-Turner Inn adds more character to the square - this Second Empire style mansion built in 1873 has found new life as a cozy inn. Literary fans might appreciate knowing that the southeast corner houses the childhood home of Flannery O'Connor, one of America's most distinctive storytellers, which is also open to the public as a museum dedicated to her life and legacy.

The fountain centerpiece surrounded by lush trees in the heart of Savannah

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Visitor Experience

When the downtown energy gets a bit much, Lafayette Square offers a welcome breather. You can claim one of the scattered benches, listen to the fountain's soothing sounds, and watch the world go by. The square welcomes four-legged friends too, so you'll often see locals and tourists walking their dogs through the area.

The square's position next to the Cathedral Basilica also puts it at the center of Savannah's Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, one of the largest such events in the country. Beyond that, the square frequently kicks off the popular Haunted House Tours - because what historic area would be complete without a few ghost stories? Just note that there aren't any public restrooms or playground equipment in the square itself, though the grassy areas provide plenty of space for kids to run around while parents relax under the shade of towering trees.

A shaded brick pathway through the square's tranquil green space

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Natural Charm

The square features cobblestone sidewalks and mature oak trees draped with Spanish moss that sway in the Georgia breeze. The well-maintained landscaping creates a serene urban retreat for everyone who passes through.

Lafayette Square offers a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty typical of Savannah's historic district.