The Church
The light, columned interior and the paintings given by French and Spanish kings.
Old Cathedral of St. Louis
The oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi, finished in 1834 and still standing beside the Gateway Arch.
The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, known simply as the Old Cathedral, was finished in 1834 on the site of the city's first church. When the old riverfront was cleared to build the Gateway Arch, it was the only building left standing, and now it sits right beside the Arch.
Its Greek Revival portico and simple, elegant interior are a quiet contrast to the steel curve next door. Mass is still said here daily.
- Best Time
- Year-round
- Time Needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Every day; check oldcathedralstl.org for hours
- Getting There
- At 209 Walnut Street on the Gateway Arch grounds, downtown St. Louis.
What to See
2 of 2 are freeMuseum
A small museum of the parish's 250 years and its early records.
Know Before You Go
- It's an active church; visitors are welcome outside Mass times.
Where to Stay
Stay in St. Louis.
Where to Eat
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Tennessee
Elvis's Graceland, the blues on Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.
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Last checked 2026-10-31. Part of the Midwest list.