This is the oldest Catholic Church in the city and the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is a Spanish Colonial Renaissance cathedral located on the corner of Cathedral Street and St. George Street and is considered home to North America’s first Catholic parish. When the British gave the city back to the Spanish, Catholicism returned and the crown ordered a new church to be built. The first cornerstone was laid in 1793 and opened its doors in December 1797.

Although the parish has been renovated many times due to fire damage, the Spanish mission character has remained. Inside, you will find detailed stained glass windows, intricately painted wooden beams, striking murals adorning cathedral walls, and a grand display of 56 organ pipes. The murals depict scenes from the history of the Catholic Church in the development of the New World. The windows show scenes from the life of Saint Augustine of Hippo, for whom the city was named.

Guided tours are offered throughout the day, and visitors are welcome to light candles for loved ones at any time. Mass is celebrated at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Cathedral gift shop offers an array of religious items: rosaries, prayer books, bibles, medals, saint prayer cards, CDs, scapulars, and crucifixes. Tours of the Cathedral are offered daily. Please call (904) 829-0620 to reserve a spot for you or your group.

The Cathedral offers the sacraments, including marriage, to practicing Catholics who go through the appropriate pre-cana courses and are eligible for marriage. Contact the Cathedral for more information about weddings.