Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, often called the New Cathedral, anchors the city's Central West End with a green-domed silhouette inspired by the great churches of the Byzantine world. Built between 1907 and 1914, its exterior of gray granite gives little hint of the dazzling interior within.
The cathedral is celebrated above all for its mosaics, which cover some 83,000 square feet and incorporate more than 41 million tesserae in over 7,000 colors, one of the largest mosaic installations in the world. Begun in 1912 and completed in 1988, they depict biblical scenes, saints, and the religious history of St. Louis, shimmering across domes and arches in gold and jewel tones.
Designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997, who also visited two years later, the cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. It remains an active place of worship and a major draw for visitors, who come to see its mausoleum, its museum, and the breathtaking sweep of its mosaic-clad ceilings.
- Location
- 38.6425, -90.2547
- Local time
- 17:37 (America/Chicago)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Sun | 07:00–17:00 |
Open to visitors 07:00-17:00 daily; free entry. Touring waits until daily Mass concludes; weekend access may be limited by events. Mosaic Museum has shorter hours.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Louis IX of France Saint
Patron of the cathedral; his life is depicted in the narthex mosaics.
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Rose Philippine Duchesne Saint
Depicted in the Northeast pendentive mosaic for her work in the St. Louis region.
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Frances Xavier Cabrini Saint
Depicted in the Southwest pendentive mosaic as a saint of the American Church.
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Isaac Jogues Saint
North American Jesuit martyr depicted in the Southeast pendentive mosaic.
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Mary, the Blessed Virgin Saint
Honored in the Lady Chapel designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
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Joseph Saint
His statue is the focal feature of the Tiffany-designed All Saints Chapel.
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Peter the Apostle Saint
Depicted in the mosaics of the Arch of Triumph.
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Francis of Assisi Saint
Depicted among the saints in the Arch of Triumph mosaics.
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Patrick Saint
Depicted among the saints in the Arch of Triumph mosaics.
Care & donations
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis
Accepts donations to support the cathedral and its mosaics
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