The parish registers date back to 1594, making them the oldest written records of any kind in the United States.
The cathedral's bell gable contains four bells, the oldest of which dates back to 1682 and was salvaged from the original mission church.
The structure incorporates coquina, a sedimentary rock composed of shell fragments, which was a common building material in colonial St. Augustine.
The ornate interior was renovated in 1887 after a fire, resulting in the current Victorian-era aesthetic overlaying the original colonial structure.
The church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1976.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine serves as the seat of the Catholic Bishop of St. Augustine and is the oldest parish in the United States. Established in 1565 by Spanish settlers, the current building dates primarily to the late 18th century after a series of fires destroyed earlier iterations. The structure features a distinctive Spanish colonial facade, including an ornate bell gable added in the early 20th century. Its interior is highlighted by stained-glass windows depicting the life of Saint Augustine and a detailed vaulted ceiling. The cathedral was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. It remains an active place of worship, hosting daily mass and regular liturgical services for the local community.
From the center of the Plaza de la Constitución looking directly at the Spanish colonial facade and bell gable.
Visit during weekday mornings to avoid the heavy weekend crowds and wedding parties.
Check the official parish calendar before visiting, as the interior is occasionally closed to tourists during private liturgical events.
Take time to view the side altars, which contain significant religious artifacts and detailed wood carvings.
Attempting to walk through the main aisles during active mass or funeral services.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone inside; avoid wearing beach attire; remove hats upon entering.
