When you visit St. Louis, Missouri, step into history at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France—colloquially known as the Old Cathedral. Built between 1831 and 1834 near the historic riverfront, this Greek Revival structure stands on land dedicated to the Catholic Church back when Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau founded the city.
As the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River, it was preserved intact while surrounding buildings were demolished for Gateway Arch National Park. Though surrounded by the park along the Mississippi River, it remains an independent personal parish church and a popular tourist destination. Inside, you can admire marble altars, a historic painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns donated by French King Louis XVIII, and a copy of Diego Velázquez's Crucifixion.
Above the main entrance, look for gold engravings and Hebrew lettering spelling the Tetragrammaton. Down in the church basement, you will discover historic artifacts associated with the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, including an early 19th-century bell gifted by the Louisiana territory governor. Below the sanctuary lies the burial vault of Bishop Joseph Rosati, who ordered the church's construction.
What to see at Basilica of St. Louis, King of France
- Greek Revival architecture completed in 1834 by Laveille and Morton
- Painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns gifted by Louis XVIII
- Historic basement artifacts, including an early 19th-century bell
- Gold Latin entrance inscription and Hebrew Tetragrammaton lettering
- Burial vault of Bishop Joseph Rosati located underneath the sanctuary
Visiting tips
Head down into the church basement to explore historical archdiocese artifacts, including an early 19th-century governor's bell.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Basilica of St. Louis, King of France is easy to reach on St. Louis’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cahokia and Gateway Arch. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our St. Louis travel guide.
See the full St. Louis travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.