Modern Websites for Timeless Cathedrals: A Web Design Guide

Designing a Cathedral Website That Inspires and Connects

Cathedrals are not just architectural marvels—they are places of worship, cultural landmarks, and hubs for community activity. A cathedral’s website needs to reflect this rich blend of heritage and modern engagement while serving the diverse needs of its audience. Here’s how to create a website that does justice to such a unique institution.

1. Showcasing Heritage with Modern Design

1. Use high-quality visuals to highlight architectural beauty, stained glass windows, and historical significance.
2. Incorporate interactive elements like virtual tours or 360° walkthroughs to captivate online visitors.
3. Balance a timeless aesthetic with modern functionality—clean typography and an intuitive layout can achieve this harmony.

2. Prioritising Accessibility

1. Make content accessible for all visitors, including those with visual or motor impairments, by following WCAG guidelines. This can be considering best-practise principles during the UX, Design and Development phase. Below is an example of how we supported Bristol Cathedral by utilising the accessiBe plugin for WordPress.
2. Ensure the site is mobile-friendly, recognising that many users may access it while travelling or planning a visit.

3. Serving a Diverse Audience

1. Include easy-to-find information for tourists, such as visiting hours, guided tour schedules, and directions.
2. Create dedicated sections for worshippers, like service times, special events, and resources for spiritual growth.
3. Offer multilingual options to cater to international visitors.

4. Facilitating Community Engagement

1. Feature a calendar of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings, with clear options to book or RSVP. Below is an example of a ‘What’s on’ feed we used to help Bristol Cathedral promote its events.
2. Promote donation opportunities prominently and transparently to support restoration projects and outreach initiatives.
3. Include stories from the cathedral’s community, such as volunteer experiences or historical anecdotes.

5. Optimising for Search and Navigation

1. Implement strong SEO practices to ensure the site ranks for key search terms like “cathedral near me” or “cathedral tours.”
2. Use an intuitive navigation structure, grouping content into clear categories like “Visit,” “Worship,” “Events,” and “Support Us.”

6. Creating Opportunities for Offline Access

1. Provide downloadable resources such as visitor guides, liturgies, or school educational materials.
2. Ensure important information like contact details and opening hours is easy to screenshot for later use.

Inspiring Awe and Connection Online

A well-designed cathedral website is more than just a digital brochure—it’s a tool for connection, inspiration, and growth. Whether you’re reaching out to worshippers, attracting tourists, or engaging donors, your website can take centre stage in supporting your mission.

To learn more about how we can support your cathedral website, check out our case studio for Bristol Cathedral.

Join Our Arts & Culture Community

We’re bringing together inspiring minds from the arts and culture sector to explore digital opportunities, tackle challenges, and share transformative stories. Be part of the conversation—subscribe to our newsletter and join the journey.