St. Louis Cathedral Basilica
Missouri
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, also known as Saint Louis Cathedral or the New Cathedral, is a prominent Catholic cathedral located in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Completed in 1914, it serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the seat of Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski. The cathedral was constructed to replace the older Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and was officially consecrated in 1926. It is celebrated worldwide for housing one of the largest mosaic installations in the Western Hemisphere, covering 83,000 square feet with over 41 million glass tesserae in more than 7,000 colors. The mosaics depict biblical scenes, the life of King Louis IX of France, and significant archdiocesan events, created by renowned artists including August Oetken and Tiffany Studios. The cathedral also contains burial crypts of notable archdiocesan leaders and a museum dedicated to its mosaics and artifacts. Its architectural design was led by Thomas P. Barnett of Barnett, Haynes & Barnett. The cathedral's grounds include the Chancery Building designed by Wenceslaus Sarmiento. The cathedral's significance is enhanced by its designation as a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997 and its role as a spiritual and cultural landmark in St. Louis.
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Consiglio: Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and to allow ample time to appreciate the vast mosaic artwork. Advance reservations are recommended for guided tours, especially during peak tourist seasons. The cathedral offers discounts for groups, seniors, and students. Attending a Mass can provide a deeper spiritual experience of the site. Photography is allowed but be respectful of worshippers and services.
Fatti interessanti
- •The cathedral houses the largest mosaic collection in the world, covering 83,000 square feet with over 41.5 million glass tesserae in more than 7,000 colors.
- •The mosaics include works by Tiffany Studios and artist August Oetken, with contributions by artisans such as Hildreth Meiere and Paul and Arno Heuduck.
- •The cathedral contains burial crypts for prominent archdiocesan leaders, including Cardinals John J. Glennon, Joseph Ritter, and John Carberry.
- •A Solemn Pontifical Mass of Requiem was held here in 1943 for Butch O'Hare, a US Navy fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient.
- •The Chancery Building on the cathedral grounds was designed by modernist architect Wenceslaus Sarmiento around 1965.
Storia
Planning for the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis began in the 1870s under Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick, with formal efforts organized in 1871.
The current cathedral replaced the older Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and construction officially started with a groundbreaking ceremony in 1907.
The cornerstone was laid in 1908, and the cathedral was dedicated in 1914, though full consecration took place in 1926.
Mosaic installation began in 1912 and continued until 1988, making it a decades-long artistic endeavor.
The cathedral was elevated to basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 1997, recognizing its religious and cultural importance.
Guida del luogo
Main Dome MosaicsCompleted 1988
The main dome features mosaics by Jan Henryk de Rosen depicting biblical scenes from both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a spiritual focal point of the cathedral's interior.
Narthex MosaicsCompleted 1988
Located at the entrance, these mosaics illustrate the life of King Louis IX of France, the cathedral's namesake and patron saint of St. Louis.
Side Chapels and Sanctuary WallsEarly 20th century
These areas contain mosaics designed and installed by Tiffany Studios, showcasing intricate religious iconography and artistry.
Crypt and MuseumMuseum established post-consecration
The basement houses a museum dedicated to the cathedral's mosaics and artifacts, along with a chapel and burial crypts of former archdiocesan leaders.
Chancery BuildingCirca 1965
A distinctive circular building on the cathedral grounds designed by modernist architect Wenceslaus Sarmiento around 1965, contrasting with the cathedral's traditional architecture.
Contatto
Telefono: (314) 373-8200
