It's worth noting that there are two Basilicas in downtown Saint Louis and this is the one that is adjacent to the Gateway Arch Park at the riverside. Officially named the "Basilica of St. Louis, King of France", this was the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River, built between 1831 and 1834. It is one of the only buildings that was not demolished to make way for the Arch and the park. That proximity makes it quite a popular tourist destination. Built in Greek Revival style, the church is noted for its marble altars, a painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns given by Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre, and an accurate copy of the painting of the Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez installed in the church in the latter half of the twentieth century. Note: The parking lot here is specifically for cathedral visitors and can not be used for parking to see other stuff in downtown. [Review 17230 overall - 138 in Missouri - 747 of 2022.] read more

Old Cathedral - Old Cathedral, Saint Louis - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I was here for a wedding. The cathedral is beautiful, old world elegance. Large windows letting a tremendous amount of light in. The service was excellent and the priest was kind, gentle and funny with the bride and groom. It was a delightful wedding. read more

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VO cathedral is a nice thing to check out. We were exploring St. Louis we walk around and saw how much cool sites we took a bunch of pictures of this old cathedral. I thought it was really neat. read more

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This is a cool old Cathedral. I visited while at the Arch, and I walked there, so I can't speak for the parking situation, but it seemed like there was parking specifically for the Cathedral right at it. read more

A Cathedral of many names and many years. "Basilica of St. Louis, King of France." "Basilica St. Louis" or now "The Old Cathedral. Built from 1830 to 1835 it was the first Cathedral built west of the Mississippi. While many consider it to be on the Arch grounds it really sits on it own property. In the 1930's St. Louis wanted to build the Gateway Arch and took most of the land along the riverfront for the purpose of this monument. It was taken by eminent domain. Can't take a church by eminent domain hence it stood. While not a huge church nor ornate it has stood in St. Louis as the center of the Catholic Church. And the western part of the United States. What many need to understand the "Louisiana Purchase" took place in 1803. For this area was part of France. The United States was really an eastern conglomeration of old English colonies. This was the beginning of the formation of what is now the United States. And this Basilica was built a mere 27 years after the purchase. I hope the significance of this Cathedral is more understandable. read more

Old Cathedral - Alter - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I've wanted to visit the Old Cathedral for years. Now I can't wait to attend mass there tomorrow morning. read more

Old Cathedral - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Have been wanting to see Old Cathedral for years. Website said they'd be open. Parking lot empty. Doors locked. No signage. No staff. Not cool. I hope to update this review when I return from a successful visit, bit I don't know when that'll be. read more

What a treasure this place is. The sole surviving building from the demolition of the waterfront in preparation for the building of the Arch, this is the site of the first Cathedral in St. Louis. Bishop DeBourg, Bishop of Louisiana and Florida, was consecrated here. It's a quiet site, as most tourists focus on the Arch or the Old Courthouse. The church itself is rather modestly decorated, and features, behind the altar, a replica of Velazquez's Crucifixion of Christ. The front vestibule has three panels of large-type text history, so you'll learn more than you ever knew about this site and about the history of Catholic St. Louis. I think even the non-Catholic will be enriched by visiting. As for you Catholics, if you stop by, say a quick prayer for me :-) It's known as the Old Cathedral, but it was originally the "Basilica of St. Louis, King of France." read more

Warning: We came here right after going to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. I think it's hard to compare any church to that place. This place is right next to the arch, so if you're in the area, it's worth a look (it's the first cathedral west of the Mississippi). The inside is pretty and VERY pristine. It doesn't look hundreds of years old AT ALL. read more

This was the most beautiful churches I think I have seen. The priest was very welcoming and I enjoyed my visit here. It's a must see. Free parking. read more

While exploring the Arch and St. Louis downtown area, I'd walked by this church but it was closed and so when I walked by a second time and the door opened, I was really happy that I had the opportunity to check it out! Walking in, experienced the bliss of air-condition and it was great to have a few moments of peace and quiet while sitting in comfy pews. It's a surprisingly simple church without much ornation, just this old master painting of Christ on the Cross surrounded by salmon colored walls and a stucco ceiling. BTW, this is the oldest place of worship west of the Mississippi and dates back to 1770 which predates the founding of the US! If in the area, definitely visit, take a breather and enjoy! Note: #299 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016 read more

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Beautiful building and peaceful grounds. Went near the end of a service and everyone was friendly. They have the traditional candle lightings for prayer and use larger candles which makes for a nice setting. This is a building rich in history and community. Recommend visiting. read more

Absolutely beautiful church but the people who work there are so unbelievably nasty! I pulled into the parking lot which said "no trailers, buses or RVs" and was aggressively approached by a man and rudely told to leave the parking lot as my small truck couldn't be parked there. Instead of being polite and asking me to move my truck he was quite nasty. As a Catholic, I'm appalled at how I was talked to and abruptly left. Very sad this is how people are treated instead of being educated on how to properly park to visit such a cherish church. read more

Seriously, no one has reviewed this yet? How is that even possible? I mean...it's the first Catholic Cathedral in St. Louis...I think it's the second oldest church west of the Mississippi (please don't quote me on that, I mean it when I say I think that's true). Regardless of my lack of trivial knowledge positivity....this is a beautiful old church that still holds services and is, first and foremost, I believe, a very popular and beautiful place to get married. Like I said, the church is old..well over 200 years old. The building smells old, but otherwise, it has been kept in impeccable condition. It is mostly white and the walls are covered in very old paintings. The windows are not stained glass, but that beautiful old curvy type clear glass (you know what I am talking about). The long story short, it's beautiful and old and a place that all St. Louisans should enter at some point. At it's heart, sure it's just a church. But there's a ton of history here and considering the amazing location, it's surprising how easily forgotten this church has come to be. The parking lot, yes, is very very small and can lead to problems if you are planning on having a huge wedding...but otherwise, what a beautiful venue...for church, a family Christmas mass, or a wedding.... read more

I am thankful that I live in a city that has such rich and vibrant history that seems to mimic the whole country. I am ever in awe when I come to the Old Cathedral, or as it's formal name is: Basilica of St. Louis, King of France. Not only do we have one, but two Basilica's here in this city, which is pretty awesome in it's own right. This church isn't overly pretentious, but it's simple in it's splendor with beautiful marble and paintings that were given to the dioceses from Louis XVIII which make them that much more special to be given from a king to a city far from it's borders. Plus if you go into the basement they have some historical items that were given to the city in the early years. read more

That baby is all I need to say! I walked in and saw some very cool religious paintings, white statues and candles. I turned around to leave and saw this cool ass baby in a glass case! read more

Old Cathedral - This baby is by the door up on the right as your leaving. This baby is the coolest! This baby deserves to be on yelp! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

right by the Arch .. we were there to see the arch and saw this Old church .. and it was open so we stopped by to check it out .. I gather its the oldest church in town .. its small and looked old. read more

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One of the prettiest churches of this style in the country. The ceiling is made from horse hair and plaster. Take a tour of the museum for some wonderful St Louis history. read more

This is a pretty church, but on your wedding day you won't feel God's presence...Instead you can expect a short tempered, mean spirited " wedding coordinator" who will suck the happiness right out of the room. She yelled, and I do mean yelled, at me and my bridesmaids as we waited to walk down the aisle. She shoved my eleven year old Jr. bridesmaid down the aisle. The worst and most unsettling part was her repeatedly telling me my wedding was a " disaster"! I have witnessed more civilized bar fights. Please choose a different church for your special day! This woman really needs to be fired or retire! She disgraced our day, and this church. I'm laid back and was able to brush it off, but it was enough to ruin the wedding. St. Louis is home to so many amazing churches that there is no reason to put up with this type of treatment. read more

The Old Cathedral is undergoing major restoration work. From what I could see this morning at Mass, the interior work is complete or nearly so and it is even more beautiful than before. If you've visited the Old Cathedral prior to the restoration, I don't want to give you details so that you may experience the surprise of seeing the update. If you have never visited before, it's well worth the trip. Regardless of your religious affiliation, this is a St. Louis treasure you don't want to miss. read more