Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral)
The oldest Catholic church west of the Mississippi, completed in 1834 and right beside the Gateway Arch; it photographs beautifully together with the arch.
The site of the Old Cathedral has been church land since 1770. The surviving Greek Revival building was completed in 1834 and is one of the few structures from the early days of the city. The surrounding neighbourhoods were cleared when the arch was built. The interior is simple, and a small museum explains the history of the French colonial period. Admission is free, and it's on the way when you tour the arch. For the best view of the church and the arch together, photograph from the grass on the west side of the arch.
Opening hours
About 07:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Gateway Arch
- Old Courthouse
- Busch Stadium
- National Blues Museum
- Laclede's Landing
- Citygarden
- City Museum
- Soulard Farmers Market