Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, St. Louis, USA Verified listing

Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, St. Louis, USA

The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also goes by the name Old Cathedral. In French, it's called Cathédrale Saint-Louis-Roi-de-France de Saint-Louis. This Catholic church stands in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. It holds deep roots in the city’s history. It became the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River. Until 1844, it served as the city’s only parish.

Builders completed the current church between 1831 and 1834. The building stands near the Mississippi River, right beside Gateway Arch National Park. However, the church sits outside the park boundary. During construction of the Arch grounds, developers cleared out nearby buildings. They chose to protect the church because of its historical importance.

The Old Cathedral now serves as a personal parish. It doesn’t serve a specific neighborhood. Rev. Nicholas Smith leads the parish today. Although it ranks 177th out of 196 parishes in size, it remains highly active. Many couples select it for weddings. In fact, it holds second place in wedding totals for the Archdiocese.

This popularity comes from its beauty, history, and location. Its spot next to the Arch brings steady tourist traffic. Many stop in for a quiet visit. Some take photos. Others attend Mass. Locals often choose it for ceremonies or special events. Staff keep the church open and inviting.

The setting adds even more value. Lawns and memorials surround the church. The river flows just steps away. Clean stone walls give it a simple, timeless look. This style contrasts with the sleek Arch nearby. That contrast helps the church stand out.

Although it looks small, the basilica holds great meaning. Its story stretches back to the city’s beginning. Parishioners still gather to worship. Therefore, the church continues to inspire faith and curiosity.

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