Old Cathedral, Saint Louis
The Basilica of Saint Louis, formerly the Cathedral of Saint Louis, is named for King Louis IX of France, the same monarch for whom the city itself is named. Also known colloquially as the Old Cathedral, it was the first cathedral built west of the Mississippi River, completed in 1834.
Surrounded by the Gateway Arch grounds, the church is technically not part of the Gateway Arch National Park. Fortunately, it was spared demolition due to its historical significance, while other neighboring buildings were destroyed to make way for the Arch.
In recognition of its importance, Pope John XXIII designated it a basilica in 1961鈥攁 special designation given to church buildings distinguished for ceremonial purposes.
Built in the Greek Revival style, the basilica is noted for its marble altars, a painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns (a gift from Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre), and an accurate copy of Diego Vel谩zquez鈥檚 Crucifixion, installed in the latter half of the 20th century.
Engraved in gold over the entrance are the Latin words: "In honor of Saint Louis. Dedicated to the one and triune God. A.D. 1834." Hebrew letters, intended to spell out the Tetragrammaton, are also inscribed above the main entrance.
The mosaics in the Cathedral of Saint Louis are a breathtaking showcase of artistry and devotion, covering nearly every inch of the church鈥檚 walls, ceilings, and floors. Crafted with vibrant colors and intricate designs, they depict biblical scenes, saints, and symbols of the Catholic faith. Highlights include the detailed representations of Christ, the apostles, and Saint Louis himself, as well as ornamental patterns that draw the eye upward toward the soaring ceilings.
In the basement of the church, visitors can see a number of artifacts associated with the history of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Louis, including a bell donated by the governor of the Louisiana Territory in the early 19th century.
Surrounded by the Gateway Arch grounds, the church is technically not part of the Gateway Arch National Park. Fortunately, it was spared demolition due to its historical significance, while other neighboring buildings were destroyed to make way for the Arch.
In recognition of its importance, Pope John XXIII designated it a basilica in 1961鈥攁 special designation given to church buildings distinguished for ceremonial purposes.
Built in the Greek Revival style, the basilica is noted for its marble altars, a painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns (a gift from Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre), and an accurate copy of Diego Vel谩zquez鈥檚 Crucifixion, installed in the latter half of the 20th century.
Engraved in gold over the entrance are the Latin words: "In honor of Saint Louis. Dedicated to the one and triune God. A.D. 1834." Hebrew letters, intended to spell out the Tetragrammaton, are also inscribed above the main entrance.
The mosaics in the Cathedral of Saint Louis are a breathtaking showcase of artistry and devotion, covering nearly every inch of the church鈥檚 walls, ceilings, and floors. Crafted with vibrant colors and intricate designs, they depict biblical scenes, saints, and symbols of the Catholic faith. Highlights include the detailed representations of Christ, the apostles, and Saint Louis himself, as well as ornamental patterns that draw the eye upward toward the soaring ceilings.
In the basement of the church, visitors can see a number of artifacts associated with the history of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Louis, including a bell donated by the governor of the Louisiana Territory in the early 19th century.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saint Louis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Old Cathedral
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saint Louis, Missouri
Create Your Own Walk in Saint Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saint Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Forest Park Walking Tour
Forest Park, a massive urban park in Saint Louis, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Renowned for its multiple entertaining and educational facilities, such as museums, zoo, and green areas, it is often and quite deservedly regarded as one of the city's crown jewels 鈥� an ideal location for a great time out! Let's see what you can find on the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Walking Tour
Saint Louis, Missouri, is a perfect destination for those with a taste for great architecture, especially if it is associated with an important spiritual value. Indeed, this city features some of the most famous and interesting churches in the USA.
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Saint Louis Downtown Walking Tour
Missouri鈥檚 main city, Saint Louis, is a vibrant metropolis, alive with culture, music, and art. But before the French fur traders ever showed up, this land was home to the Mississippian tribes, who had already built thriving communities along the river.
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles