Explore the Sacred Beauty of Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine established its roots and influence from the first Spanish settlers that colonized here in the mid 1500’s. When Don Pedro Menéndez de Aviles arrived along the east coast of Florida in 1565, he brought with him his strong Catholic faith. Along with the the settlement of St. Augustine came the building of a place of worship for Aviles and his fellow explorers and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine—America’s oldest parish—was founded.
Today the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is a National Historic Landmark with its distinctive Moorish architecture and exterior bell tower, characteristic of the Spanish style. When you step inside this sacred place, you’ll experience the soaring rafters and exposed beams with the breathtaking tabernacle where Mass is held daily. Adorning the walls of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine are the stunning murals depicting the history of Catholicism in Florida by noted artist Hugo Olhms.
Years of planning came to fruition in 2015 as a multi-million dollar renovation project was completed for this remarkable Catholic parish. The upgrades for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine included new Italian marble floors in the sanctuary and construction of an additional choir loft. Other improvements involved restoration of stained glass and repainting of statues and columns.
Declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark on April 15, 1970, this majestic sanctuary is the oldest church in Florida. Even one of the four bells placed at this cathedral is still believed to be the oldest bell in the United States. Like the city itself, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine has a storied history that should be a part of your adventure in St. Augustine’s Old Town. Visit the Cathedral Parish of St. Augustine website for complete information and mass schedules.
