The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis image

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Tourist attraction Church Catholic church Place of worship Catholic cathedral Basilica

One of the Best Places To Visits in St. Louis


Address

4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, United States

Website

www.cathedralstl.org

Contact

+1 314-373-8200

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (3.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beautiful (23) visit (21) church (16) Louis (16) mosaic (15) mosaics (14) interior (11) cathedral (11) tour (10) stunning (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jack C. 1 year ago on Google • 445 reviews
    Awesome Church! Very beautiful Church! Amazing Music! Without doubt this Cathedral is absolutely worth the visit because it will be a great opportunity and adventure. Have a great day, know God loves you, and know when you learn true devotion to Our Savior Jesus Christ he helps you become your happiest and most heroic version of yourself!❤️✝️⛪️🙏😃
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luis M. 1 year ago on Google
    I get to travel all around the United States and visit some beautiful places. This church is one of the most beautiful churches I've seen in my life. I wouldn't expect this to be in the US if I saw it in pictures. The mosaic work is amazing, the construction is superb.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trevor J. 1 year ago on Google
    A must-visit. Absolutely amazing interior. There is so much to see here. Make sure to visit the various chapels and take the time after a mass to go to the front of the sanctuary and look toward the rear. I was especially struck by the vivid blue and red windows at the opposing ends of the building.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam S. 2 years ago on Google
    I had no idea St Louis had such a stunning church. The mosaics are just incredible. The staff were warm and welcoming. I cannot say how much we enjoyed our visit here. Definitely the highlight of our two days in St Louis.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scotty H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever visited, particularly in the United States. I rank it much above St. Patrick’s in NYC. The mosaics are breathtaking, containing over 41 million pieces of glass that were installed over 76 years by generations of the same family. I cannot recommend a visit to this great Catholic church highly enough, especially if you love art and architecture.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ted W. 6 months ago on Google • 294 reviews
    We hopped on a basic trolley tour of St. Louis, and boy were we delighted that this was a stop along the way (the only stop where we deboarded). Over 40 million mosaic tiles painstakingly installed over 40 years - I think that my mouth was open the entire time. It's best to visit outside of the worship schedule so that you can tour the entire interior.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vipila B. 5 months ago on Google • 191 reviews
    Go here! Not religious, but did find a place to write the name of a deceased loved one for a prayer which was really neat. Just so beautiful and amazing place. Go down to the museum downstairs, very cool! A massive and impressive cathedral that combines both Eastern and Western European architectural styles. As impressive as the exterior is, the interior is on a whole other level. It might not be so ancient as the European churches. However, the number of mosaic pieces is incredible. The work that was done 100 years old is unbelievably gorgeous...You feel like you are a part of this huge masterpiece. Over 40 million mosaic tiles painstakingly installed over 40 years - I think that my mouth was open the entire time. It's best to visit outside of the worship schedule so that you can tour the entire interior. Must recommended
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike O. 2 years ago on Google
    An absolutely stunning cathedral. The main chapel was closed for remodeling, so my wife was able to attend Mass beneath the cathedral in St Cecelia's Chapel, at the end of a limestone corridor. The parishioner who showed us how to get down there said it was "in the belly of the Earth," and it definitely had that feel.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam R. 2 years ago on Google
    The art and grandeur was breath taking. I found such calm and peace while there which was much needed in my life right now. Even if you are not Catholic or Christian I would recommend making a stop to admire the beauty.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean & Kristin P. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible/beautiful church. While I am not overly religious, I was in all of his beauty. Very clean and highly polished marble large wooden pews, huge vaulted ceilings, filled with gorgeous mosaics. They have on display the chair that the pope sat in on a visit. As well as a rare 14th century choir book on display. Regardless of your religious affiliations if you have the chance to stop by and see this basilica, it is well worth your time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael Wu P. 10 months ago on Google
    This is one of the most beautiful cathedral we've seen around the world. It has the most beautiful mosaic that rivals those in France and UK. In fact it's the largest collection of mosaic in the world. Building the church took 7 years, but the mosaic work took 76 years. If you visit St. Louis, this is a site that you should not miss. It's literally jaw-dropping. Amazing!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay B. 3 months ago on Google • 308 reviews New
    One of the most beautiful churches in America . It's absolutely amazing to visiting walk through this holy church. Be respectful of the church goers. Free tours are available Check the website to get times .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simply S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful colors Beautiful art and story of our Lord. I would recommend this place if you are in the St Louis area. Free to enter and look around, upon entering is breathtakingly stunning. To the right and down in the basement is a smaller museum and the history of the cathedral and clergymen. Parking is in the back (not very big) or park on the street.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miss D. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful cathedrals i’ve visited. Amazing art and mosaics. So huge and very solemn. They also have a small Shop inside where you could buy different kinds of things, rosaries, caps, etc.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely gorgeous, a must visit in St. Louis. Parking to visit the Basilica is plentiful along the street. And then when you approach from the outside you marvel at the presence of something so powerful and beautiful outside of Europe. Then as you open the massive and intricately carved entrance doors you are confronted by cacophony of color from the Byzantine style mosaic awash a sea of gold that can only be described as awe inspiring. The sheer scale and quality of the tile work could take a full day to appreciate. The high altar at the front of the army of pews gives you a sense of a building within a building, and is a prize for the eyes in itself. And then you turn and see the full Stained glass window blazing with color and understand you are in a special place no matter your religion. In the basement there is a small museum describing the creation of these mosaics along with other pieces of the basilica’s history. The silence pervading this place is not proscriptive, but natural feeling. A perfect place for reflection and quiet enjoyment.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kate L. 11 months ago on Google
    This is a must if you like history and culture. The mosaics are out of this world. The marble incredible. We had a great guide “The Podiatrist” ( sorry we could not remember your name). He gave us an A+ tour with interesting facts/history and humor. Who would have thought such a gem. Just one of many attractions to visit in St Louis.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arin S. 9 months ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning architectural masterpiece in St. Louis! To find this unbelievably European craftsmanship in St. Louis was really not on my list of expectations. This has to be one of the most beautiful churches in the nation, potentially worth noting on the global scale. With architecture this beautiful, it’s hard not to feel a sense of divinity in the room. Had me questioning my atheism (ok, not really, but you know what I mean). Truly stunning marvel that St. Louis is beyond lucky to have in the city!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neerja T. 1 year ago on Google
    Under the big green dome you will find a Byzantine interior that has the most stunning mosaics! Breathtakingly beautiful! Built after the turn of the 20th century and something of a curiosity, this cathedral combines a Romanesque exterior with a brilliant Byzantine interior with 42 million pieces of glass used in 83,000 square feet of mosaic art, created by 20 artists over a span of 75 years. We sat for some time to absorb the atmosphere and left awestruck! Do not forget to visit The museum which is situated below and accessible through a flight of steps from the first hallway! Plans and how the basilica was built are detailed here! Displays depicting design and installation of mosaics make for interesting reading! An original Kilgen organ console and even the chisel used for cutting the mosaics too is displayed ! Crypts of the cardinals are located here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Praghalathan K. 5 months ago on Google • 124 reviews
    The real experience of viewing this majestic piece of architecture is difficult to portray in words or photography. If you want to feel it, you have to be inside this cathedral. This basilica is dedicated to St. Louis. the historical figure that gave the city of St. Louis its name - and it lives up to its reputation. The central dome and the mosaic art on the ceiling, walls, and pillars are just astounding. The grandeur of this landmark building is something not to be missed.

  • 5/5 Ilaya F. 5 months ago on Google • 100 reviews
    It might not be so ancient as the European churches. However, the number of mosaic pieces is incredible. The work that was done 100 years old is unbelievably gorgeous...You feel like you are a part of this huge masterpiece. Just emotions. ❤️❤️❤️

  • 5/5 Miriam S. 3 months ago on Google • 83 reviews New
    Beautiful Cathedral. We took a guided tour thru the main part of the church, then thru the back of the altar where the organist sits and the priest comes from during services. There are 4 smaller chappels at each corner of the main church. They were each equally beautiful and unique. One of the chapels was named "Blessed Sacrament Chapel" (which I was not supposed to photograph, but I didn't realize that till after I saw the sign, too late, I'm fast with the camera, slow to read signs). Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the lengthy history of the church and the beautifully built interior. The architecture of the interior is mostly Byzantine, as well as Romanesque. The walls, ceilings, domes were covered with gold mosaic tile...it was truly a beautiful church. The church is open for anyone to visit and tour on your own but you don't get to experience the whole church. Call ahead to schedule a tour.

  • 5/5 Apple C. 6 months ago on Google
    Go here! Not religious, but did find a place to write the name of a deceased loved one for a prayer which was really neat. Just so beautiful and amazing place. Go down to the museum downstairs, very cool!

  • 5/5 Chen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely breathtaking. It is the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen in my life. It should be the No.1 place to visit in St. Louis. Its beauty and magnificence are truly unforgettable. It is an experience you must have in person. I highly recommend that everyone visits this amazing cathedral. You won’t be disappointed. It is free and open everyday.

  • 5/5 Gail J. 4 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    Took a guided tour, so glad we did. Our guide pointed out features we would never have noticed on our own. The Basilica is stunning & must be seen to fully appreciate. Free tours, but check days and times in advance. They are scheduled at specific times to avoid Mass. Make sure to visit the basement to see photos taken during construction.

  • 5/5 Auda G. 7 months ago on Google
    Quoted from the visitors guide- “… unique design combines architecture of Romanesque style on the exterior with a wondrous Byzantine style interior. In the narthe (vestibule) the mosaics depict the life of Saint Louis IX, King of France… “…one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, created by 20 different artists and covering 83,000 square feet. The installation, containing 41.5 million pieces of glass tessare employing over 7,000 colors, began in 1912 and was completed in 1988 by the Ravenna Mosaic Co….Pope John Paul Il designated the Cathedral of St. Louis a Basilica in 1997.” Make sure to go downstairs to the mosaic museum. Absolutely outstanding and breathtaking. A must see.

  • 5/5 Andrew H. 7 months ago on Google
    Religious or not, everyone should visit here at least once. It is stunning. It takes your breath away when you step inside. It feels like you're stepping into a Cathedral Basilica in Italy.

  • 5/5 Serge R (. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the most beautiful church in the US (yes, more impressive than NY cathedral, SFO cathedrals, or DC National Cathedral, though all 3 superb as well) because of its sheer size, the rare neo-byzantine architecture, and the amazingly beautiful and extensive mosaics. Absolutely stunning. Worth a trip to St Louis just for it.

  • 5/5 LeClara G. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful. Our docent was amazing. The Cathedral Basilica was breathtaking.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 10 months ago on Google
    This is the most amazing cathedral! Do not miss this!!! The mosaic tiles are phenomenal 👏! I spoke to a person while there who had just returned from Rome. He was in awe and said the pope doesn't even have have a Cathedral this beautiful!!

  • 5/5 Patrick V. 11 months ago on Google
    A massive and impressive cathedral that combines both Eastern and Western European architectural styles. As impressive as the exterior is, the interior is on a whole other level. Just seeing pictures of the interior was enough for me to want to visit. I wasn't aware though that the designs and artwork on the walls/ceilings were mosaics and not paintings. That made it all the more impressive just thinking of all the effort it took to finish it. There are free tours that occur throughout the day and we were fortunate enough to catch one. This is recommended as you are able to go to a few places that are inaccesible if not on the tour. There is also a small museum in the basement.

  • 5/5 Rafael C. 10 months ago on Google
    Truly a religious experience!, the artistic work done inside, with all that ceiling tile forming shapes and stories are out of this time line, also the Architecture of this massive building is astonishing that really amazed me and made me sit on s bench to admire... as soon as we step foot inside, a priest welcomed us, and directed us into places to visit, like the right and left wings, one of them is where John Paul II visited!! and they have a picture of him to show it, also we visit the free gallery in the basement where they show the construction process, and also the places where old Cardinals tombs reside. Definitely this is s place to visit and feel peace and quite from a busy life style, and reconnect with the divinity within.

  • 5/5 Margie W. 10 months ago on Google
    For a moment I thought I was in Paris. Fun fact : it takes only 7 years to build this beautiful Neo-Byzantine Romanesque Revival style church, but the mosaics was starting from 1912 and completed in 1988 contain 41.5 million glasses and has more than 7000 colors. We feel in awe.

  • 5/5 Tracy 1 year ago on Google
    Nice architecture and mosaic. Peaceful. I feel like a lot of people that went there are tourists. Plenty of parking on the street or the church itself.


Call +1 314-373-8200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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