Mission Nombre de Dios
The site where Spanish settlers landed in 1565 and held one of the first Masses, with a stainless steel cross about 63 meters tall rising by the river.
On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed here to found the settlement, and one of the earliest Catholic Masses in the United States was held. The grounds are shaded by trees and include the Our Lady of La Leche chapel and a small museum. The huge stainless steel cross by the river was erected to mark the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding. Admission is free (donations welcome). The site is quiet, about 1 km from the City Gate.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Old St. Johns County Jail
- St. George Street
- Oldest Wooden School House
- Castillo de San Marcos
- St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
- Memorial Presbyterian Church
- Flagler College (Hotel Ponce de Leon)