West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Cathedral of the Incarnation
The cathedral of the Diocese of Nashville, a Neo-Romanesque church on West End Avenue that has anchored Catholic life in middle Tennessee since 1914.
The Cathedral of the Incarnation sits on West End Avenue near Centennial Park, a block from Vanderbilt University. Built in 1914 from Tennessee limestone, it is a dignified Neo-Romanesque building with a copper-domed tower, round arches, and a warm, honey-colored exterior. The interior features marble from several countries, a baldacchino over the altar, and stained glass windows from the Franz Mayer studios in Munich. Nashville is Music City, and the cathedral takes that seriously — the music program is strong, with a well-regarded choir and organ. Tennessee Catholics are a small community, and this cathedral has been their center for over a century.
Diocese: Diocese of Nashville
Style: Neo-Romanesque
What to See
The Munich stained glass is excellent — the color and detail hold up well after a century. The marble work inside is varied and worth a slow walk. The copper dome on the tower has turned green with age and is a neighborhood landmark.
Pilgrim Notes
Daily Mass is available. The cathedral is near Vanderbilt and Centennial Park, in a walkable part of Nashville. If you visit on a Sunday, the music at the principal Mass is worth hearing.