Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Included on Tour

The 34th annual walking tour flows through some of the most beautiful homes and gardens in Memphis. This year, the rich architectural diversity harbored within the Central Gardens Historical District will be represented by six architecturally significant and beautifully preserved homes, built from 1907 through 1967. The highlighted work of such noted architects as Francis Gassner, J. Frazer Smith, Jones and Furbinger, and Regan and Weller reflects exemplary quality of detail, design and workmanship. This year's tour will be held on Sunday, September 12 between 1-6 p.m.

The tour travels along tree lined streets, from Central to Peabody Avenue, just one block east and west of Belvedere Boulevard. Participants will explore the legacy of the area, as tour guides explain the details of the history, current decor and other interesting facts about each home. In addition, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also designed by Regan and Weller, will be open for tours and will serve as the "will call" location for reserved tickets.

Tickets may be purchased online or on the day of the tour at any of the tour homes. Discounted tickets will also be available beginning August 20, at various locations including Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Miss Cordelia's Grocery and the Woman's Exchange.

Central Gardens is known for its fine residential architecture and interesting history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Neighborhood exemplifies the best in urban residential community planning and architecture of the first three decades of the twentieth century. Many of its original homeowners were among Memphis' most prominent and influential residents. This is a great opportunity for people around the diocese who have never been to the Cathedral to take a guided tour or who have been coming for years and have wondered about its history, architecture and artwork.