Sight guide · St. Louis · United States
Visiting Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Inside this Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral, completed in the early 20th century, more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae cover the domes and walls in one of the largest mosaic collections in the world.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a religious site in Central West End, St. Louis. Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Central West End
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, art, architecture and rainy day
- Best months
- March–May
About Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Inside this Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral, completed in the early 20th century, more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae cover the domes and walls in one of the largest mosaic collections in the world. A small mosaic museum in the lower level explains how they were made.
Tip: Visit on a bright day, and look up at the central dome before exploring the side chapels; check the Mass schedule first.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Central West End, sidewalk cafés, boutiques and mansions beside Forest Park.
Best time to visit Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- May: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- March: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit St. Louis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Gateway Arch and Forest Park.
- No. 10 of the 19 sights in our St. Louis things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in St. Louis.
- One of the picks in st. Louis on a rainy day.
If you like Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
- City Museum — Downtown, 3–4 hours
- Saint Louis Art Museum — Forest Park, 2–3 hours
- Missouri History Museum — Forest Park, 1.5–2 hours
- Saint Louis Science Center — Forest Park, 2–3 hours
Staying near Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Stay in Central West End ($$$) to walk here: sidewalk cafés, boutiques and mansions beside Forest Park. All areas to stay in St. Louis.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis?
Plan 45 minutes.
+Is Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis?
March–May, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Visit on a bright day, and look up at the central dome before exploring the side chapels; check the Mass schedule first.
+Do I need to book Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.