View source for The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France

[[Saint Louis]]
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Formerly the Cathedral of Saint Louis, and colloquially the Old Cathedral, the cathedral was consecrated in 1834. It was the first cathedral west of the Mississippi. It is located on the historic riverfront of Saint Louis, near the Gateway Arch. Because of the historical significance of the church, it was left intact while the neighboring buildings were all torn down to make way for the Gateway Arch. The church is especially noted for its neo-classical marble altars, a painting given by Louis XVIII of France of a vision of Saint Louis, and an accurate copy of the painting of the Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez. The church basement has a number of artifacts associated with the history of the Diocese (and later, Archdiocese) of St. Louis. The Basilica is now a small local congregation church.