2 Hours Savannah Architectural Tour: Five Architects

Five men built Savannah's reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in America.

A two-hour guided walking tour of Savannah's historic district that traces the work of five architects—William Jay, Charles Klusky, Harper Folkes, William Gibbons Preston and John Norris—whose buildings and designs from 1817 through 1923 define the city. Groups stay under ten people, so you can ask your guide questions and linger at stops without holding up a crowd. Admission to house museums is not included; this is an outdoor walking tour only.

Step-by-step itinerary

Savannah architectural history tour

• Discuss William Jay's architecture
• Discuss Charles Klusky
• Discuss Harper Folkes and Bullochs Houses
• Discuss Savannah's armory and William Gibbons Preston
• Discuss John Norris and Jim Williams
• Discuss John Norris further
• Discuss Andrew Low and John Norris
• Visit St John the Baptist Cathedral and Hamilton-Turner House
• Discuss William Jay's first commissioned work

The Experience

The tour walks through Savannah's historic district and stops at landmarks including the Owens-Thomas House, Mercer Williams House Museum and Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. At each stop, your guide discusses the architect's background, the building's role in Savannah's development and how these five men came to shape the city's character. You'll hear about William Jay, who is considered Savannah's father of architecture, and his first commissioned work at the Owens-Thomas House. The itinerary also covers Charles Klusky, the Harper Folkes House, Savannah's original armory and the work of preservationist Jim Williams at the Mercer Williams House Museum.

The walk takes two hours and covers the material essence of Savannah's architecture across more than a century. Your guide uses listen-talk technology so you can hear clearly from up to 150 feet away, which matters on a walking tour where the group spreads out naturally. You'll receive a take-home map at the end so you can revisit the buildings on your own or guide a friend through the same route later.

What’s included

• A live guide in English.
• listen-talk technology so you hear your guide clearly from up to 150 feet away.
• a take-home map to guide yourself through the same route after the tour ends.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Noble Jones Tours, LLC

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and uses audio technology to keep the group connected across the walk, so you can follow the architectural history and ask questions without straining to hear or falling behind. Groups stay small, which means the pace works for all fitness levels and you're not rushed through the stops.

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Top questions

Who were the five architects that shaped Savannah?

The tour focuses on William Jay, Charles Klusky, Harper Folkes, William Gibbons Preston and John Norris. William Jay is discussed as Savannah's father of architecture, and his work at the Owens-Thomas House is highlighted as his first commissioned project in the city.

What buildings and sites does the tour visit?

The walking tour includes stops at the Owens-Thomas House, Mercer Williams House Museum, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, St John the Baptist Cathedral, the Hamilton-Turner House and the site of Savannah's original armory. The tour also discusses the Harper Folkes House and other historic homes from the 1817 through 1923 period.

Can I go inside the house museums on this tour?

No, this is an outdoor walking tour only and admission to house museums is not included. The guide discusses the buildings and their architects from outside, but entry fees are separate if you want to visit the interiors afterward.

How many people are on the tour at once?

Groups are capped at ten people, which keeps the experience personal and gives you room to ask your guide questions without the noise and pace of a larger group.