CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST AUGUSTINE

By  Mike Miller April 21, 2025

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, located in the heart of St. Augustine, Florida, stands as a beacon of faith and history. It is the oldest Catholic parish in the United States and was founded in 1565.

This Spanish Colonial Renaissance structure is both a sacred space and a National Historic Landmark.

Its striking facade, blending Spanish Mission and Neoclassical styles, and its ornate interior draw visitors seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse into America’s colonial past. 

Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine

The cathedral’s story begins with Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who landed in 1565 and celebrated the first Catholic Mass in what would become the continental U.S.

The current structure, built between 1793 and 1797, replaced earlier churches destroyed by fires and raids, including Sir Francis Drake’s 1586 attack.

Designed by Mariano de la Rocque, the cathedral survived a devastating 1887 fire, with its coquina stone walls enduring.

Architect James Renwick Jr., known for St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, led its reconstruction, adding a bell tower funded by Henry Flagler.

In 1870, it became the seat of the Diocese of St. Augustine, and in 1976, Pope Paul VI designated it a minor basilica, affirming its global significance. 

Situated at 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084, the cathedral faces the historic Plaza de la Constitución.

It’s open daily for visitors, typically from 9 am to 5 pm, though closed during Masses, weddings, or special events.

Mass is held at 7 am Monday through Saturday and multiple times on Sunday. Guided tours are available; call (904) 829-0620 to reserve.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. A gift shop in the bell tower offers religious items.

Visitors should dress respectfully, bring a camera for the stunning interior, and check the website for Mass schedules to avoid interruptions. 

• The cathedral houses one of the oldest bells in the U.S., inscribed “Sancte Joseph. Ora Pro Nobis. D 1682,” salvaged from an earlier church. 

• Its murals, painted by Hugo Ohlms in 1965, depict Florida’s Catholic history, including the Minorcan immigration of 1777. 

• The stained glass windows illustrate the life of St. Augustine of Hippo, featuring his mother, St. Monica. 

• Coquina walls, inspired by Native American techniques, saved the structure during the 1887 fire. 

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST AUGUSTINE WEBSITE