Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Saint Louis (must see)

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis. Construction began in 1907, and while the main superstructure was completed for use in 1914, the building was formally consecrated in 1926. Work on its interior decoration continued for many decades afterward. Built to replace the city's earlier cathedral (now the Old Cathedral), the church was designed in the Romanesque Revival and Byzantine Revival styles, combining traditional architectural forms with the largest collection of mosaic art in the Western Hemisphere. In 1997, Pope John Paul II designated it a basilica in recognition of its religious and historical significance.

The cathedral is best known for its extensive mosaic program, which covers approximately 83,000 square feet and consists of 41.5 million pieces of colored glass and stone. Created by dozens of artists between 1912 and 1988, the mosaics depict biblical scenes, saints, and important moments in the history of Christianity. The richly decorated interior also features marble columns, carved altars, stained-glass windows, and a large central dome that rises above the crossing of the church. Visitors can explore the cathedral through self-guided visits or organized tours that explain its architecture, artwork, and history. The lower level houses the Mosaic Museum, where exhibits describe the techniques used to create and preserve the mosaics, as well as the long process of decorating the cathedral.

In addition to serving as an active place of worship, the basilica hosts concerts, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore both its artistic heritage and its continuing role as a place of worship.