Have a question? Give us a call (912) 499-0777
Savannah, Georgia, is known for a lot of iconic things — its fascinating history, haunted houses, and delicious southern cuisine, to name a few!
However, one of the most unique things Savannah is known for is its stunning homes, buildings, and other architectural gems. Savannah is one of the country's largest National Landmark Historic Districts, making it a fantastic place for architecture enthusiasts to visit!
Savannah, Georgia, was founded in 1733, more than 40 years before the United States gained independence from England in 1776. In addition to its role in the American Revolutionary War, the city also survived the Civil War relatively unscathed, while many other towns in the South, like Atlanta, were burned down during the March to the Sea.
Because of its rich history that spans nearly 300 years and infrastructure that has stood the test of time, Savannah is home to a wide array of architectural styles that date back to the early 1700s. From historic houses and restaurants to restored churches and hotels, Savannah is filled with hundreds (if not thousands!) of buildings with architectural or historical significance that offer visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.
If you're planning a trip to Savannah's Historic District soon, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the following architectural styles.
The Georgian style is one of the oldest architectural styles in Savannah, GA. Georgian architecture (also called Colonial architecture in the United States) dates back to the early 1700s and was popular until the early 1800s, between the reigns of George I and George IV in England (hence the name!).
Savannah's Georgian architecture emphasizes classic sophistication and refined beauty. It focuses heavily on symmetry, with a central front door and evenly spaced windows. These buildings are usually square with hipped roofs and feature more ornate, classical details, like grand columns and detailed moldings.
Savannah Example: The Olde Pink House Restaurant
Federal architecture has often been considered the "first" architectural style in the United States because of its popularity in the late 1700s and early 1800s after the American Revolutionary War.
Though Federal architecture shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Georgian style, it has its own unique charm. Like the Georgian style, Federal homes feature a square or rectangular shape with symmetrically placed windows and a central front door. However, unlike Georgian homes, the Federal style is much more understated and refined. Palladian windows and iron railings leading to a raised portico often give Federal homes a more "formal" appearance.
Savannah Example: The Isaiah Davenport House
Greek Revival architecture started to gain popularity in the United States in the early to mid-1800s. As the nation continued to grow, Americans were inspired by the democratic philosophies of Ancient Greece and wanted to showcase this in not only their politics, but also the look of their homes. Greek Revival buildings were especially popular in the American South, in cities like Savannah, GA
Greek Revival architecture is known for its symmetrical design with prominent columns (often Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian) that support a covered porch or portico and a gabled roof with a pediment. These homes give off a sturdy, safe, and secure feeling. Though buildings in Ancient Greece were often built with heavy stone or marble, many of the homes in Savannah were constructed with wood and painted with white plaster to mimic this architectural style's grand look.
Savannah Examples: The First Baptist Church & Trinity Church
Gothic Revival architecture is one of the many Victorian architecture styles that surged in popularity from the 1830s to the 1900s during the reign of Queen Victoria in England, also known as the "Victorian Era" or "Victorian Period." Though this arch and dome construction style was often used for churches, it was also used on homes in Savannah and other American cities.
The Gothic Revival style is marked by ornate detailing, including steeply-pitched gable roofs, pointed arches, flying buttresses, gables with decorative motifs, decorative stonework, spires, and towers. It's also common for Gothic Revival buildings, especially churches, to feature stained glass windows and large, welcoming entry hallways.
Savannah Examples: Temple Mickve Israel & The Green Meldrim House
The Italianate style originated in Italy in the 1600s but didn't gain popularity in the United States until the mid to late-1800s. This architectural style, reimagined in the United States, was inspired by the farmhouses and villas in Italy's countryside.
The Italianate style features a low-pitched, gabled roof with decorative brackets and rounded windows with thick, decorative hoods. Homes built in this style are generally taller instead of longer — often described as being pulled "up" toward the sky — so the doors and windows are narrower than many other architectural designs from the 1800s.
Savannah Example: Mercer Williams House
These are just a tiny sampling of the dozens of architectural styles you'll be able to see during a trip to Savannah, GA! Because of Savannah's commitment to historic preservation, our city is filled with hundreds of notable examples of historical architecture that showcase the diversity of architectural splendor and intricate craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Though less well-known than the styles listed above, other architectural styles that make up the city's architectural tapestry include the Regency style, the Second French Empire style, the Art Deco style, and the French Renaissance architecture style.
If you’d like a more in-depth look at Savannah’s architecture, be sure to book a tour with Architectural Tours of Savannah during your trip to Savannah!
This company offers tours led by Jonathan Stalcup, a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Master’s in Architecture. During the tour, he shares the city’s fascinating history of architectural design, starting with the oldest building and working his way toward the present day. You’ll see buildings in the styles of the Georgian Era, Federal Era, Regency Era, Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Gothic Revival, Romanesque Revival, Renaissance Revival, Queen Anne, Early Commercial, Art Deco, Functionalism, Neo-Historicism, and Contemporary.
If you're a self-proclaimed architecture enthusiast, you'll love wandering the charming streets of Historic Downtown Savannah to discover the intricate details, soaring spires, sleek lines, and stately homes that showcase Savannah's architectural diversity!
If you are looking for a place to stay during your trip to Savannah, we would love to host you in one of our vacation rentals in Historic Downtown Savannah. Each of our rentals offers unique charm, and we have a range of historic homes and modern properties to choose from, giving you a small taste of Savannah's architectural diversity from the comfort of your vacation home!
Browse our vacation rentals to find the perfect place to stay, and contact us with any questions. We look forward to welcoming you to "The Hostess City!"
Find your perfect getaway with unparalleled luxury in Savannah! Choose from our premier rental properties and secure your spot!
Subscribe now for the latest Savannah rental opportunities! Get exclusive updates on listings and special deals. Don't miss out – find your perfect space in this historic city!
