the parish was founded in 1565 by the Spanish. This is where the first Mass was held in what is now considered the continental U.S. Over the next several hundred years, churches were built and destroyed repeatedly due to fire, decay, and conflict. A more permanent church was completed in 1797, and it was elevated to a cathedral in 1870. The interior was later destroyed by fire but has since been renovated. Admission is free, and the inside is intricately decorated. Definitely worth a peek read more

Cathedral Basilica is a nice walk-through visit while meandering through St. Augustine. It is free to go in while there aren't any services, but always be respectful of those in prayer. It's a pretty cathedral with lots of history. I especially loved the wooden beams on the ceiling, it reminded me more of Dutch architecture than Spanish. One of the odd quirks of this particular cathedral is that you exit through a gift shop, which kind of threw me off and didn't feel genuine. Overall, if you're interested in architecture and history, this is an okay stop while exploring that city but definitely not a must. read more

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We visited this basilica when we were in Saint Augustine on our last trip. It's just off of the Constitution Plaza. We were taking refuge from the rain and heat and all the action in this very popular Florida town. This is one of the first churches I have ever reviewed on yelp; but, I must tell you the odds are stacked in the church's favor that it's going to be close to a five star score. Also, St. Augustine has quite a few very historic churches, parishes, shrines, and religious destinations so you can almost make a full day of visiting these sites. We found the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to be absolutely amazing, cool, and inspiring. Don't forget to pick up something from the Gift Shop as you depart or make a donation. read more

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Historic cathedral in downtown Saint Augustine, although going through a few reconstructions over the years, has some parts dating to the late 1700s. The cathedral is a national historic site and definitely worth a visit. The church is lovely: statues, stained glass, ceiling and wooden pews make for a beautiful interior. There were too many visitors for a quiet, spiritual experience but wandering around you could feel the history and the holiness. A good explanatory brochure helps you make the most of your visit. read more

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The Tour guide was knowledgeable but patronizing. He also celebrated a historical figure being in hell, which upset my group.

What a beautiful and amazing church this is! It's great to see so many people attend daily mass too this is a special place! The gift shop is really fun as well... read more

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What a beautiful and special place. I am not Catholic but non-denominational. We were in town for the night of lights and also went to mass. It was very good. The priest's message was great! Sitting in such a historic building was inspiring. read more

The Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful, architectural gem sitting on the edg of st Augustine's hstoric district. This is supposedly the oldest Catholic parish in the United States and dates it's origin back to the 1500's. The architecture is stunning; the stained glass windows are beautiful. read more

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For my decades worth of traveling this globe... I am always drawn to cathedrals and churches. This one did not disappoint and is absolutely stunning inside. Rich in history and just as deep in beauty, this is a must see while in St. Augustine. read more

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Beautiful historic church! Mass was first celebrated on September 8, 1565 and it remains the oldest Catholic parish in the United States. We really enjoyed looking at the beautiful stained glass windows at night when the light shone through. Amazing architecture and so happy that it survived an early fire and that further restoration was completed to keep it looking so beautiful. The St. John Historical Commission posted a plaque with important information so we could really appreciate the history here. read more

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Got to see the church before, during and after mass. It is the oldest church in the US. It is very nice. Their parking is high at $25 Go straight up the lion bridge to it. read more

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The holiness washes over you. The oldest Christian congregation in the United States. The main altar is gold leaf and the stained glass is wonderfully done. There is a prayer room off the main church where anyone can sit and reflect/pray. I would recommend EVERYONE of every religion to visit it is stunning read more

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Breathing, absolutely stunning. Just wow. Photos can't do it justice. Very peaceful, very beautiful. I was able to fit my double stroller with ease. Definitely will come back. Just stunning! read more

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A beautiful Catholic church that dates back hundreds of years. Definitely take the time and stop in and say your prayer to our Lord.. well worth the time to visit. read more

This beautiful cathedral was visited by the pope and classified as minor cathedral. This cathedral was built in early 1700. It has the history of the oldest church in Florida. It is protected landmark and register in state historic preservation board. It is located at the prime location of the St. Augustine. Along the St. George Street, I think this is the most significant building. The interior ceiling is amazing. Stain glass windows can be found. Red roof interior painting with decorations roof truss make the color stand out. The exterior is not impressive as the interior. Very typical church on the outside look. I like the altar look golden and presentable. Statue is located courtyard is Father Pedro Camp. This church has been rebuilding for many time. Including Henry Flagler funded for the rebuilding. read more

I have stopped, prayed, and lit candles in churches all over Europe. The Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine is just as beautiful, as some the most famous churches in the world. read more

This is a really, truly stunning cathedral. Without question, first time visitors to St. Augustine should stop in to admire the amazing interior of this cathedral. I can't remember the last time I was so stunned by the interior of a church (especially one in North America) - and I'm not even a Christian! A little history: The cathedral's congregation was established in 1565, making it the oldest Christian congregation in the United States! The current cathedral was built between 1793 and 1797, making it the oldest church in Florida! And the interior of the church is really beautiful. Don't miss the side chapel with the glittery and gold mosaic of the Last Supper. A truly beautiful church - not to be missed whether you're Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, or not a Christian at all! read more

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This is one of the most beautiful Cathedral Basilicas that I've ever set foot inside! I was here for about 30 minutes and the inside was quiet, since all what could be heard was the sound of the choir singing hymns with angelic voices! I have some videos of this place as well, but stupid Google Maps no longer supports videos on it, I think. (Why it's really like this is beyond me) Anyway, this is a truly breathtaking place which makes you fell like you are in heaven, the moment you walk in! You cannot go to St. Augustine and not visit this truly historic place, since it is the oldest parish in the United States of America! read more

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Beautiful cathedral, free to tour although donations are welcomed. Located right at the heart of downtown. Great quiet escape from the busy St George street. read more

Cathedral Basilica - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

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Fun place to tour and take in the beautiful stained glass and tapestries! Got my Saint cards here in the gift shop:)

This was a stop on the trolley tour, which is always great to get your lay of the land in any new city. So, the story is, that somebody sent someone to St Augustine at some point in the 19th century to establish something (I think it was kick out the French, build a central plaza, and build a cathedral). Listen, this ain't the Duomo in Milan, but it is quaint, and pretty, and the colors in the ceiling and the altar are definitely worth a quick stop to sit and say a prayer. In fact, say a prayer for me. Holy Moly, I could use it. Oh...and afterwards, walk up the street to Maple St. Biscuit, and load up! read more

From the outside you wouldn't know the impressive designs on the inside. The oldest active parish in the country - check Stained glass windows (have you tried rubbing them with vinegar?) - check Tourists joining mass in shorts slipping down - check Folks brining in pizza to mass - check. Not even kidding. You want some soda and fries with that? Spanish style architecture design - check read more

The Parish of Saint Augustine Florida was founded on September 8, 1565. The permanent Parish Church was built between 1793 and 1797 and became a Cathedral in 1870 with the establishment of the Diocese of Saint Augustine. The Cathedral was raised to the status of a minor Basilica in 1976 by Pop Paul VI. The Mother Church of nearly 175,000 Roman Catholics of the Diocese of Saint Augustine, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine is an active Parish family of approximately 1200 members. The Cathedral is kept in absolutely pristine condition. It is truly a majestic must see building. They hold FREE Big Name concerts the first Friday of every month inside the Cathedral which has wonderful acoustics and an amazing Pipe Organ. read more

Cathedral Basilica - Bruce Xu Organ Concert - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Absolutely stunning inside with great architecture and beautiful stained glass. We lit a candle and said a prayer. The gift shop also has some nice items, I picked up a St Augustine rosary for my mother. You can also exit through the gift shop as well. Unfortunately the restrooms were locked up. read more

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Beautiful cathedral. Easy to enter and view. Beautiful and I believe a must visit for the Catholic and non-Catholic (that's us), religious and non. It's just a beautiful feat in human creativity, talent and skill. Pay attention to the architecture, the paintings and overall sense of welcome here. read more

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love this place. Stopped by for 7am mass on my birthday. street parking only meter parking by the hour. Public parking is $10 for the entire day. Cathedral parking available by permit only read more

Cathedral Basilica - candles for a fee. big is $5 and small is $2 - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

This is an absolutely gorgeous if small Catholic cathedral and basilica. The interior is just a work of art. You can enter the grounds via the west side of the basilica. Because it is still in use as a church visitors are requested to remain quiet and not interfere with the worshipers. there's a small chapel on the left of the main sanctuary where adoration occurs. read more

Cathedral Basilica - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

I just attended the mass now and the person who is guarding the bathroom at Church is very rude and seems like a racist. My mother and my 6 year old niece were asked if they attended the 11 am mass before they were let in. Yes, we did attend the mass. She picks and chooses who she lets inside the gated bathroom. There were other people after my mom and niece who were let in but because my mother and niece are not white, but Asian they waited for a while. I don't know how this Church is but I don't think this would be a place for non-white parishioners. On a positive note, the music and cantor were amazing. read more

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is where the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine resides. If you are looking for the true authentic Christianity of Jesus Christ, this is the place for you. Let me remind you that the Catholic Church is the only Christian Church that can trace its beginning to Jesus. If you want to received Jesus Christ, body and blood, soul and divinity, then this is the place for you. Stop by for a visit sometime. read more

I LOVE this church. It's beautiful inside full of history. If you come during the week they give tours and tell you all about the history of how it came to be. If you are in town visiting they have plenty of masses to choose from to fit your schedule which is nice when you are traveling. read more

Cathedral Basilica - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

This is an amazing church, beautiful architecture, an amazing history and a must see for anyone visiting the city read more

Cathedral Basilica - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Beautiful, historic church built between 1793-1797, in the Spanish Colonial and Renaissance Revival architectural styles. The bell tower recalls those of the Spanish missions. There are four other bells present at the cathedral, one of which is thought to be the oldest bell in the United States. Since the original church burned down several times, they decided to try to build this reincarnation of nonflammable materials. The answer came in the form of the coquina, which does not burn, was easy to quarry because of the seawater saturated in it, and the proximity of the quarries to the center of the city made it easy to transport. The church is located in the heart of the downtown historic district, across from La Plaza de la Constitucion. The interior is beautiful and now open to the public (it had been closed for a long time, due to undergoing restoration and scaffolding). It is definitely worth a visit, even if it's just to admire the interior. Make sure to check out the mosaics, the beautiful organ, stained glass, and statues! read more

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What a gorgeous church, as the oldest established basilica in the USA it is a must visit if coming to St. Augustine. We are orlando residents but my in-laws live in St. Augustine and my sons great great grandparents and grandparents were married at the basilica and all kids have been baptized here so it was extra special to get our son baptized here. Mass is beautiful and while this church is a tourist stop they have large signs explaining to the tourist to please join mass or come back after mass as to not disturb. It's centrally located in downtown St Augustine and parking is hard to find around depending on when you are coming. If attending mass there is a small lot with attendant out the back and it's closed after mass. The artistry inside of the church is spectacular, they have two baptismal areas a newer one at the front of the church and the older one to the side of the church, if you don't know about it, odds are you will miss seeing it. Hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful basilica and learn its history while you are there. read more

Beautiful church, Italian/Spanish old world. Came here on pilgrimage and it was a divine experience.

My Catholic cousin from NYC was very happy to come to The Cathedral during the Christmas season. She enjoys going to church and this was one of her must see sights in St. Augustine. Despite the various tours and places I took her to in the Ancient City, she preferred going to Mass and the churches. The evening service was interesting and funny. The priest was jovial and Polish. I was very intrigued. The building itself was amazing and my eye wandered everywhere. I was grateful to experience Mass in one of the oldest churches in Florida. The priest blessed her rosary and scapular despite the needs of the huge crowds. We were interrupted by other parishioners yet the priest was kind and told them ladies first. We thanked the priest and walked away happily. A little fun and blessed adventure that night in the historic city, St Augustine. read more

Very interesting Church in the middle of the old town. Fantastic artwork and very relaxing. One should take their time and walk through the church. read more

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Beautiful vigil mass today and the church was full. They have a few pews in the back of the church reserved for families with small children. This is where we sat and throughout the mass, folks kept trying to visit the church. While these visits aren't usually an issue, it is not allowed during masses. There were a few ushers that "manned" the entrance to ensure non-mass attendees knew mass was in session. Homily today was fantastic. read more

If you love history, visiting the oldest Catholic Church in the USA should be on your list of places to visit in St Augustine. It's a beautiful cathedral inside, quiet, with lovely stained glass windows. I enjoyed the stillness while I sat in the pews drinking in the beauty around me. If time had permitted I would have loved to have gone to mass but could not. read more

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Small cathedral, well maintained sanctuary of worship. Learned that this is the first Catholic Church in the USA. People are friendly and place is full of the Holy Spirit. Beautiful building in the heart of downtown St Augustine. Loved the Spanish inspired architecture. read more

Cathedral Basilica - The spawn hanging with St Augustine...milk drink as usual. - Churches Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

During a tour of St. Augustine, we hopped off our trolley so we can inspect Cathedral Basilica up close. The church is simply gorgeous. It is inviting and serene, which is what one would want in a place of worship. Whether you are a believer or not, being in a church such as this makes you believe that if there is Someone up there, this is one of the places where a prayer could be heard. Its atmosphere helps one focus and meditate. Also, considering that St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited (by Europeans) in the country and how those immigrants of those centuries past relied heavily on their faith, it is amazing just to be in this building and try to imagine the place bustling with activity. If you are in the area, a visit to Cathedral Basilica is worth your time. To pray or meditate, to admire the beauty of the place, or to just ponder history, this church would be a great location to do so. read more