cathedral basilica st louis tours

Cathedral-Basilica of

Saint Louis

King of france, new orleans, catholic cultural heritage center tours.

The Catholic Cultural Heritage Center includes two of New Orleans most historic buildings.

St. Louis Cathedral

The Cathedral is open daily from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.  Self-guided brochures are available in the entrance for a $1.00 donation. Visitors can get an impromptu tour from our volunteer docents when available. Guided tours for groups are only available with prior reservations.

Old Ursuline Convent

The historic convent is located at 1112 Chartres Street.The museum is open for tours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday at 10:00, 11:00 and 1:00. Admission is  $8.00 General, $7.00 Seniors, and $6.00 Students/Military. 

Large groups can make reservations in advance for guided tours by completing a  Tour Request Form .

Questions may be directed to Jolie Sekinger at (504) 503-0343 or [email protected].

Please note that all docents of the St. Louis Cathedral and Old Ursuline Convent are volunteers and cannot guarantee that a docent can/will be available for any tour group

Due to the fact that the St. Louis Cathedral is and active church and the Convent is sometimes host to private events, some dates and times may not be available. Please do not consider your tour as booked until you have received confirmation from a rectory employee.

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Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France

on Jackson Square 615 Pere Antoine Alley | New Orleans , LA 70116-3291 T: 504.525.9585 | F: 504.525.9583 | E: [email protected]

Join the Conversation with the St. Louis Cathedral!

Dolore caecus nulla secundum abigo ad sino huic exerci nostrud augue. Mauris.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

With nearly 42 million glass tesserae pieces covering the interior walls in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, it enjoys worldwide recognition for its mosaics collection. The collection depicts scenes of the Bible, along with the Catholic heritage of St. Louis. Originally started in 1907, the Roman Catholic cathedral exemplifies a blend of the Byzantine Revival and Romanesque Revival architectural styles.

The cathedral's massive mosaics collection is why most previous travelers recommend visiting, even if you're not religious. Other visitors gushed about the cathedral's architecture and stunning interior, comparing it to many of the grand churches in Europe. Several recent visitors said a stop at the cathedral was a highlight of their trip to St. Louis.

The cathedral is located in the Central West End neighborhood just east of Forest Park and about 4 miles west of downtown St. Louis. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is free to enter and open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (though weddings and other events are frequent on the weekends, along with Mass services). Visitors are welcome to tour the cathedral on their own during open hours, but a guided tour is also available most Sundays after the noon Mass. A donation of $2 per person is requested to enter the Mosaic Museum, located on the cathedral's lower level. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Also find a gift shop and a parking lot located on-site. For visitors without a car, there's the Central West End MetroLink station, which sits less than a mile away. Check out the cathedral's website to learn more.

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This national park and its famous arch are dedicated to the country's westward expansion. The stainless steel Gateway Arch – an engineering marvel – was designed and submitted by Eero Saarinen during a national competition in the mid-1940s. It rises 630 feet into the air and spans 630 feet from leg to leg. Visitors can learn more about the arch's construction, Colonial St. Louis, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and more at the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which is located beneath the arch and houses six galleries.

For those who want to head to the top of the Gateway Arch (63 stories high), a tram ticket is required. From the indoor observation deck at the top of the arch, you can see as far as 30 miles on a clear day. Keep in mind: The tram is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, and there are no restrooms at the top of the Gateway Arch. If you're riding the tram to the top, you'll have to go through an airport-style security line, so budget an additional 30 minutes to successfully get through security before boarding your tram. In addition to the tram, there's also an hourlong riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River from March to November. Cruises are narrated by the boat's captain or a National Park Service ranger and spotlight the importance of the Mississippi River and the riverfront's role in the St. Louis economy.

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Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

4431 Lindell St. Louis, MO 63108

TripAdvisor Rating:

Must visit church.

I often travel, I make daily mass if possible. This is by far the most beautiful church I have ever been to. Not much more I can say that anyone else hasn't said already. Luckily, I went mid-week...

Worth a Visit

We had a great time but that was because we were able to go through the Basilica with Docent Maureen. Maureen was knowledgable funny and really made this experience. The Basilica is beautiful.

Amazing mosaics!

Start in the museum in the basement if you are not on a tour as it helps to understand the mosaics and history. The mosaics are amazing and a little overwhelming. I wish there was a brochure/map...

Shop, museum, tours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. after noon Mass for tours.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Beautiful Reasons To Visit The Cathedral Basilica Of St. Louis

Teresa Otto

• Activities and Interests
• Architecture
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• Religious Sites
• United States

St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch, St. Louis-style ribs, a population that consumes more barbecue sauce than any other in the nation, and two historic Catholic cathedrals. St. Louis was founded by immigrants from France, Ireland, and Germany and named for St. Louis IX of France, a king of great faith. These immigrants brought their faith to their new homeland, and as a result, Catholicism has deep roots in the Gateway City.

The original cathedral, also named for St. Louis but often referred to as “the Old Cathedral,” is located near the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is “the New Cathedral.” The groundbreaking took place in 1907. Today, the structure looms large with its distinctive, green-tiled dome rising 217 feet. The building is reminiscent of some of the finest churches around the world: the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul , St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice , and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City .

The exterior is Romanesque in design, but the interior is Byzantine, with its hallmark domes and mosaics. The floor plan of the church resembles a cross, with the narthex, nave, and sanctuary making up the long part of the cross and the east and west transepts forming the crossbar.

As you open the hand-carved outer doors that are 14 feet high and 8 feet wide, prepare to be amazed. The cathedral’s interior is a work of art in keeping with tradition. In the early days of the Church, many of the faithful were illiterate. Paintings and mosaics depicted Bible stories, the crucifix reminded them of Jesus’s suffering and death, and statues of the saints honored holy men and women of the past and kept their memory alive.

Here are just a few reasons to visit the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis .

1. Mosaics, Mosaics, And More Mosaics

The cathedral’s mosaics are without equal in the Western Hemisphere. Twenty different artists used 41.5 million glass tiles in 7,000 colors to cover 83,000 square feet — a project that began in 1912 and wasn’t completed until 1988. Each section of the church has a theme. Some of these include the story of creation, the Holy Trinity, the essential tenets of the Catholic faith, and the history of Catholicism in the Americas and in St. Louis.

The Historic Bay And Dome

After passing through the narthex, which is covered in mosaics depicting St. Louis IX, you’ll enter the historic bay. This section was the last to be finished. The south dome mosaic features the red seal of the Archdiocese of St. Louis against a blue background.

The historic bay is dedicated to American saints, significant events in the Catholic history of St. Louis (including the first Mass and the first baptism), and the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. One mosaic shows Joseph Cardinal Ritter welcoming black and white students to school in 1947. Integration in St. Louis happened seven years before the Supreme Court outlawed segregation in the nation’s schools.

The Central Dome

Between the historic bay and the sanctuary, the central dome rises 143 feet. Against a background of red tiles, four mosaics span the Old and New Testaments and are the artistic high points of the basilica. The mosaic depicting the Holy Trinity is based on an image from medieval France, the Throne of Grace. It shows God the Father cradling the crucified Christ beneath a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

The Great Arches

The four great arches around the central dome feature mosaics representing the essential truths of the Catholic faith: creation, redemption, sanctification, and judgment. The Arch of Sanctification also depicts the Holy Spirit as a dove, and seven angels around him hold seven small doves, representing the virtues the Holy Spirit bestows: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

As you face the sanctuary, you’ll notice the mosaics on the Arch of Triumph. These depict Old Testament greats — Noah holding a dove, David with his harp, and Solomon with the architectural plans of the temple he built — as well as 12 saints, including St. Peter, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Patrick.

The Transepts

To the east of the central dome, the mosaic in the half dome depicts Christ’s resurrection. The west half dome depicts the feast of Pentecost, considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The orange flame of the Holy Spirit engulfs all of the Apostles and Jesus’s mother, Mary.

2. The Sanctuary And Baldacchino

A marble crucifix hangs in the sanctuary flanked by statues of the Blessed Mother and St. John the Evangelist. A canopy, called a baldacchino , is located over the altar and supported by 14 Italian marble columns, each 2 feet in diameter and 20 feet tall. Statues of the Gospel writers — Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — stand around the dome, which is a replica of the exterior central dome of the cathedral.

Mosaics also decorate the dome above the sanctuary. Here the 12 Apostles, each 14 feet high, are set against blue tile. A mosaic over the bishop’s chair, or cathedra , features a crown and a fleur-de-lis. The cathedra makes this church a cathedral, or the official seat of a diocesan bishop. An ombrellino , or umbrella, and tintinnabulum , or bell, are displayed near the altar. These two items signify that the church is a basilica. On April 4, 1997, Pope John Paul II designated the Cathedral of St. Louis a basilica, or an especially significant place of worship. This is why the church is now called the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

3. The Rose Windows

Located behind the baldacchino and best seen from one of the side aisles is a red rose window featuring a gold cross and crown of thorns. This and the blue rose window on the south end of the cathedral were designed by Tiffany and Company.

4. The Four Chapels

Four intimate chapels are located on the periphery of the cathedral. They each have a special purpose.

To the east of the sanctuary is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Its bronze doors come from the Austrian Exhibit of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The benefactor of the chapel was the Honorable Richard Kerens, an ambassador to Austria. The chapel was completed in 1917, three days before Austria and the United States cut diplomatic ties before World War I. No photography is permitted in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, which is reserved for private prayer.

West of the sanctuary is the Blessed Virgin’s Chapel, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself. The chapel’s mosaics depict the life of Mary and her role in the Church. A plaque at the chapel’s entrance commemorates Pope John Paul II’s time spent here in private prayer during his visit to the basilica in 1999.

Louis Comfort Tiffany also designed the All Saints Chapel, located west of the historic bay. Mosaics depicting the saints line the walls, but the statue of St. Joseph is the most striking feature of the chapel. Don’t forget to marvel at the elaborate ceiling and floor, too.

The final chapel, east of the historic bay, is the All Souls Chapel. The black marble on the lower half of the chapel symbolizes death, while the white marble above symbolizes eternal life. Several cardinals and an archbishop are buried in the crypt beneath this chapel, including John Cardinal Glennon, who broke ground on the cathedral. The cardinals’ red hats hang from the chapel’s ceiling. A statue of the Risen Christ completes the chapel.

5. The Sacred Heart Shrine

One of the most recent additions to the basilica is the Sacred Heart Shrine in the west transept. It features a mosaic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a replica of a Spanish painting. The artists used 30 types of marble and onyx to create the mosaic.

6. The Replica Of The Pieta

It’s hard to believe that Michelangelo was only 24 years old when he sculpted the Pieta . A bronze replica of his masterpiece is on loan to the cathedral and is located near the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

7. The Mosaic And Papal Museum

To better understand the art of making mosaics, visit the museum in the cathedral’s crypt, or basement. Paul Heuduck began working on the mosaics in 1912. At the time, his son Arno was six years old. Arno later took over where his father left off. The two men installed 90 percent of the mosaics in the church.

A second part of the museum commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1999. A special chair and a kneeler with needlepoint upholstery designed and sewn by the cathedral’s parishioners are on display.

What To Know Before You Go

Taking a guided tour is the best way to visit the cathedral. Note that these tours are not available during Masses or other religious services. The cathedral also offers virtual tours .

Allow 1 to 2 hours for a visit. There is a lot to see!

The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.

Planning a visit to St. Louis? See what else the Gateway City has to offer on this page .

Teresa Otto, a retired pediatric anesthesiologist, now photographs and writes about her travels. When she’s not traveling the world, she serves as a waitress and housekeeper for two rescued cats and a dog in The Woodlands, Texas. Follow her travels on Instagram and on her personal website .

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Cathedral basilica of st. louis tours.

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Visit Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a magnificent Romanesque Revival landmark that shelters a grandiose Byzantine-style interior. Completed in 1914, the church was designated a cathedral basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Visit this religious monument to admire a stunning exhibit of mosaic art. Find historical relics on display in a museum and attend live music recitals.

Gaze in appreciation at the bell towers, spires and green-tiled dome of the impressive building while walking around its perimeter. In a lawn adjacent to the entrance stands Polish sculptor Wiktor Szostalo’s The Angel of Harmony . This 14-foot-tall (4-meter) sculpture represents racial justice and peace. It portrays a winged African American angel alongside children with Asian, European and Hispanic traits.

Step inside to discover an interior decorated from floor to ceiling with intricate and colorful mosaics. Over a dozen artists, including Hildreth Meière and Jan Henryk de Rosen, contributed to the lavish ornamentation. Study the biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments on the main dome. See representations of King Louis IX of France and scenes from archdiocesan life.

In the cathedral’s lower level is the Mosaic Museum, where exhibits show how the mosaics were installed. It also has examples of historic vestments and the throne of Pope John Paul II.

See the tombs of a former archbishop and cardinals in the crypt. Don’t miss The Saint John’s Bible , a hand-written and illuminated version of the Bible by British calligrapher Donald Jackson.

The St. Louis Cathedral Concerts series brings musical entertainment to the cathedral throughout the year. Appreciate the superb acoustics at chamber and classical music recitals and performances by gospel choirs, organists and sopranos.

Find the cathedral basilica in the heart of the Central West End neighborhood. Take the light rail to the Central West End or Cortex stop and then walk for 15 minutes.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is open daily and has free admission. Contact the cathedral via the official website to arrange a free guided tour on weekdays. Make a contribution to enter the museum.

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Reviews of cathedral basilica of st. louis, 5/5 - excellent.

This is a hidden gem in St. Louis! Absolutely amazing mosaic work.

Truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen not to mention the spiritual power of the surroundings.

Watch your driving when turning the corner just before the basilica. There is an awful storm drain there, and it blew out my tire. That put a pall on my stay in the city.

One of the most beautiful Cathedrals I have seen in the US. If you are Catholic this is a must see, and a really should see for everyone else. Daily tours help understand the meanings of all the mosaics as well as general history of the building.

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Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis Questions & Answers

Thanks for your question! Docent led tours (guided) take approximately 1 hour.

1.5 hours on tour, less if it's self guided. A must see, beautiful!

I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life, in person. It's amazing. You could see it all in an hour, but you'll want to stand and stare!

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A guide to St. Louis museums

There's plenty to see at area museums and historic homes.

by Christine Jackson

Whether you're interested in the arts, science, history, or just need a spot for the kids to play and learn a thing or two, there’s an area museum to explore. Be sure to check out hours and special event information before you go.

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Historic Homes

Courtesy of Hélène Binet

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

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Courtesy of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum / Photography by Joshua White

Kemper Art Museum

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Photography by Kevin Lowder

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Courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum

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Saint Louis University Museums and Galleries

Saint Louis University Museum of Art

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Courtesy of City Museum

City Museum

City Museum : Sure, climbing through one of the coolest jungle gyms around and zooming down multi-story slides sounds like kid stuff, but trust us when we say adults will find plenty to love at this urban wonderland designed by artist Bob Cassilly. City Museum is a local treasure and a great place for all ages to learn, play, and, above all, explore. 750 N. 16th.

Lazarus Pinball Museum : This recently opened museum in Fenton is dedicated to pinball machines—and yes, you're allowed to play them. Stop by to check out machines gathered by owners Jeremy and Jennifer Groves from across the decades. Dedicated fans of the game can also sign up for a league or tournament.  26 Western Plaza.

The Magic House : Little ones love The Magic House for its hands-on exhibits, many ways to play, and, well, the magic. Parents love that this kid-friendly fun house does as much educating as it does entertaining. 516 S. Kirkwood.

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis:  This hidden gem in the Bevo Mill neighborhood is full dollhouses, vignettes, and other tiny attractions. Throughout the two floors of exhibition space, visitors can explore micro-mansions, gardens, and historic spaces. There's also an extensive library dedicated to the miniature hobbyist. 4746 Gravois.

Myseum : Tucked into Lamp and Lantern Village in Town and Country, this children’s museum offers hands-on learning experiences covering concepts such as force and motion, energy, and animation, as well as opportunities for exciting pretend play. Kids can try out being the zoo vet, jump into a dinosaur dig site, or build with giant blocks to their heart’s content. 283 Lamp and Lantern Village

Photography by Matt Seidel

Campbell House Museum Holiday Tour

Campbell House Museum

Campbell House Museum : Originally the home of successful fur trader Robert Campbell and his family, the Campbell House has been restored to its late-1880s glory. The historic building, which has been open to visitors since 1943, is full of decorative art pieces and family history, including clothing, furniture, and paintings from the era. 1508 Locust.

Chatillon–DeMenil House: This Greek Revival mansion, once home to St. Louis founding families and trailblazers, is now a beautifully preserved space that gives visitors the chance to get a look at gorgeous furnishings while learning about Old French St. Louis, the fur trade, the World’s Fair, and other exciting turning points in the history of both the house and the city around it. 3352 Demenil.

Field House Museum: The first historic home museum in St. Louis, The Field House Museum originally opened in December 1936 to preserve the history of both Eugene Field, “The Children’s Poet,” and his father, Roswell Martin Field, Dred Scott’s attorney when he sued for his family’s freedom in 1853. 634 S. Broadway

Photography courtesy of Saint Louis University Museums and Galleries

Cupples House

Samuel Cupples House : Sitting on the campus of St. Louis University is this late-1880s home originally belonging to Samuel Cupples. Today it houses art galleries featuring fine and decorative arts, including the Eleanor Turshin Glass Collection. The McNamee Gallery also features exhibitions from SLU students and faculty and visiting artists. 3673 W. Pine.

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site : Exhibits on ragtime great Scott Joplins’s life and times sit throughout his former Delmar Boulevard flat, which he rented from 1901-1903. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the King of Ragtime from an authentic player piano as they tour the home. 2658 Delmar.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis : The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a work of art in itself, housing one of the largest mosaic collections in the world. But a museum located on the Cathedral Basilica’s lower level offers displays on the design and installation of the mosaics and various objects used in church rites. It’s also home to the Basilica’s original Kilgen organ console and the throne used by Pope John Paul II during his visit to St. Louis. 4431 Lindell.

The Griot Museum of Black History : What began as the The Black World History Wax Museum in 1997 has grown into a comprehensive museum that features artifacts, art, memorabilia, and interactive learning experiences in addition to the wide collection of wax figures, all dedicated to telling the stories of Black history and culture. 2505 St. Louis.

Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum:  Housed in a restored building from 1896, this Jefferson Barracks Park museum explores the history of the telephone. The self-guided exhibits include telephones, telephone equipment, memorabilia, and hands-on explanations of how things work. 12 Hancock.

Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse : This essential stop on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail is right on the banks of the Missouri River and features a one-of-a-kind replica keelboat and two pirogues in its large boathouse. 1050 S. Riverside.

Courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Museum at the Gateway Arch

Museum at the Gateway Arch: Travel through time from Colonial St. Louis to the construction of the iconic Gateway Arch in the galleries of this museum at the foot of the historic structure. Tons of audiovisual components tell the story of the region, and for those with a fear of heights, a replica keystone with live webcams from the top of the Arch recreates the view from above. 11 N. 4th.

Missouri History Museum : All ages can find something to explore and enjoy at the Missouri History Museum, where exhibits range from St. Louis’ exciting music history to looks back at the 1904 World’s Fair and a hands-on History Clubhouse full of opportunities for pretend play. 5700 Lindell.

Photography by Joel Marion Photography

National Blues Museum

National Blues Museum: In addition to all the artifacts and tech-driven experiences celebrating this uniquely American genre, the National Blues Museum on Washington Avenue also houses a state-of-the-art theater and regularly hosts events such as the Evening Concert Series and Bluesy Brunch. 615 Washington. 

National Building Arts Center : This Sauget, Illinois, center is a bit off the beaten path, but it's an unmatched resource for those interested in architecture and historic preservation. While visiting the nation’s largest collection of architectural pieces, take a tour, view artifacts from the region's lost buildings, or explore the center's vast library.

National Transportation Museum : Planes, trains, and automobiles are the name of the game at the National Transportation Museum, where visitors have been able to view classic and historic modes of transportation since 1944. It’s now recognized as the largest collection of transportation vehicles in the world. 2933 Barrett Station.

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum : Soldiers Memorial honors the service and history of veterans and their families throughout the region with both long-term and short-term exhibits. Outside the galleries, the building itself and the Court of Honor are also the subject of weekly outdoor architecture and history tours. 1315 Chestnut.

St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum:  This 36,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the history and lessons of the Holocaust was recently renovated and expanded to include a permanent Holocaust exhibition, classrooms, archives, an auditorium, and extensive special exhibition spaces.  36 Millstone Campus.

Photography by Sam Fentress

St. Louis Aquarium

St. Louis Aquarium: Union Station is home to this 120,000-gallon aquarium featuring sharks, jellies, river fish, and more across a series of habitat-based exhibitions. And it’s more than just tanks full of fish. Visitors can watch playful river otters, feed some hungry turtles, or get hands-on with sharks and stingrays in the touch pools. 201 S. 18th.

St. Louis Science Center : This sprawling complex, which includes the McDonnell Planetarium and an Omnimax theater, is the place to go for all-ages fun covering the worlds of science and tech. Take a trip back in time with life-size dinosaurs, get a glimpse at the future in Mission: Mars, or settle into a seat at the Omnimax for documentary screenings unlike any other. (Pro tip: The theater also sometimes shows less educational fare, such as Harry Potter and James Bond films.) 5050 Oakland.

Courtesy of St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum: Boasting one of the largest collections of team-specific memorabilia and artifacts in the world, this Ballpark Village museum is paradise for Cardinals fans. View stadium replicas, jerseys, and artifacts from great moments in Cards history right in the shadow of Busch Stadium. 700 Clark.

World Chess Hall of Fame : The World and U.S. Chess Halls of Fame may be the main events at this Central West End chess mecca, but the exhibitions of chess-themed dining and decor, international sets, and history of the game are not to be missed. 4652 Maryland.

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Good news for smaller parishes? Vatican upholds three merger appeals from St. Louis Catholics

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis is seen during his installation Mass Aug. 25, 2020 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. (OSV News/St. Louis Review/Lisa Johnston)

by Christine Schenk

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I was surprised recently to learn that Rome's Dicastery for the Clergy  upheld two more parish merger recourses opposing St. Louis Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski's decision to merge their parishes. This makes an unprecedented three merger appeals won by St. Louis Catholics determined to defend their parish homes.

Historically Rome has upheld bishops in merging a parish but upheld Catholics who appealed the relegation of their church to profane use — usually prior to being sold. In other words, the bishop could close their parish but not — if Catholics appealed — close and sell their church. Now, it appears Catholics have a chance of winning both types of appeals.

The dicastery did not find  just cause for St. Angela Merici Parish to be merged with St. Norbert and Holy Name of Jesus parishes. Neither did the dicastery find just cause to merge St. Martin of Tours Parish in Lemay, Missouri, with St. Mark parish. In an earlier Feb. 5, 2024 ruling, the dicastery also  reversed the archdiocese's attempt to close and merge St. Richard Parish in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It is significant that the Vatican disputed the archdiocese's demographic projections and said St. Richard is "large enough to be a viable community," including 374 registered parishioners under 49-years-old "in their prime earning years."

A July 2020 Vatican  instruction about parish reconfigurations specifically  said a bishop should not merge a parish or sell a church because of "the lack of clergy, demographic decline or the grave financial state of the diocese." Yet until now it has been exceedingly rare for the Vatican to reverse a bishop on a parish merger. It is rarer still to see the Dicastery for the Clergy defend the viability of one smaller parish, let alone three of them. These rulings are good news for smaller — yet viable and vibrant — parishes that may pursue recourse in the future.

I have been helping with FutureChurch's  Save Our Parish Community initiative since it launched in 2007. I lived through Cleveland's massive parish downsizing initiated by Cleveland's then-bishop, the late Richard Lennon, and saw firsthand how destructive the indiscriminate closing of smaller viable parishes can be — both to the faith of Catholics and to the well-being of the poorer neighborhoods those parishes served. I rejoiced when  12 Cleveland parishes won their appeals , and the bishop was forced to reopen them after being closed for two or more years.

I am so passionate about this issue that (spoiler alert) I spent three years writing a book about the late  Sr. Kate Kuenstler's ground-breaking canonical work finding a pathway through canon law. Because of her creative contribution to new jurisprudence, Catholics now have a shot at due process when their bishop makes misguided decisions to merge their viable parishes and close their churches. If all goes as planned Rowman Littlefield will publish  Bending Toward Justice: Sr. Kate Kuenstler and the Struggle for Parish Rights this coming December.

It is deeply gratifying to see Sister Kate's pioneering work bearing fruit. It is also gratifying to see faithful St. Louis Catholics organize to defend their parish homes.

In May 2023, after an 18 month " All Things New " planning process, the Archdiocese of St. Louis  announced it would reduce the number of parishes from 178 to 135. Catholics opposed to restructuring had begun organizing months earlier. In April 2023 " Save Our St. Louis Parishes "  sent a petition with 3,000 signatures asking Rozanski to halt restructuring plans altogether. Early feedback from laity apparently convinced the archdiocese to  decrease the number of planned closures from 80-100 parishes to just 43.

"Save Our St. Louis Parishes"  worked closely with canon lawyer Phillip Gray from the  St. Joseph Foundation in submitting numerous appeals to Rome. Other appeals were submitted by other canon lawyers, including  Robert Flummerfelt , who has guided numerous canonical recourses since Sister Kate's untimely death.

In an email to me, Flummerfelt found recent Vatican rulings in St. Louis to be a positive development: "The Holy See has generated strong jurisprudence on these matters positively affecting the rights of parishioners in retaining their parishes. It is encouraging to have those jurisprudential developments implemented and honored to respect the rights of the faithful in saving their parishes and churches."

The Cathedral Basilica for the Archdiocese of St. Louis is pictured in the city’s Central West End neighborhood. (Wikimedia Commons/w_lemay)

It is commendable that Rozanski permitted some ( but not all ) parishes with Vatican appeals pending to  remain open until a decision is rendered. To my knowledge this is the first time any prelate allowed parishes to remain in operation until the Vatican issued its rulings. It is also praiseworthy that the archdiocese's  All Things New website made official  decrees readily available, provided a  glossary of canonical terms, provided information about the  possibility of appeal and communicated regular  updates about Vatican rulings.

As of February 2024, at least 16 St. Louis parish merger recourses had been  submitted to Rome. According to the archdiocese, seven parish recourses are still  pending.

After February's successful St. Richard ruling, Ken Battis, president of "Save Our St. Louis Parishes"  told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "The lack of priestly resources is a real issue to be sure, but that has nothing to do with the parish itself." Furthermore, Battis said, "You can't make one particular parish in one particular territory pay the price for your lack of vocations throughout the archdiocese."

Battis' sentiments were echoed by Sean McGroarty of St. Roch parish in an August 2023  interview with Our Sunday Visitor. McGroarty observed that the archdiocese's solution to the priest shortage of "simply moving priests to places where there are more Catholics," disproportionately impacted smaller parishes and those with greater minority populations. Allowing qualified laity to assume greater co-responsibility for parishes would help avert parish closings and mergers, he said. Unfortunately St. Roch's merger recourse  was denied by Rome and parish leaders are still deciding on whether to appeal to the Apostolic Signatura, the church's highest court.

The priest shortage is a terrible reason to break up the vibrant, viable faith communities that are so important to evangelization. Yet the lack of priests continues to be a significant factor driving parish mergers and church closings. While not every St. Louis parish merger recourse was granted, at the end of the day it is remarkable that any of them were.

One can legitimately wonder if Rome is finally waking up. 

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The Most Fun, Budget-Friendly Things To Do In St. Louis, According To Tripadvisor

W ith amazing barbecue and world-class cultural attractions, plus being the home of Anheuser-Busch beer and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, St. Louis is a buzzing Midwestern city with something for everyone. Plus, far away from the skyrocketing prices of the coasts, it's also a much more affordable destination for families, couples, and friends alike to get away to a new place. For this reason, there's a seemingly endless list of cheap and even free things to do in St. Louis, making it easier than ever to "Meet Me in St. Louis."

That list can also get overwhelming, especially in a city as large as St. Louis, so we rounded up the most fun, budget-friendly things to do in the Gateway to the West. To determine which attractions made the cut, we examined which St. Louis attractions had the most and highest reviews on Tripadvisor to see which were true steals. We've included more in-depth information about our methodology at the end of this article.

Read more: Tips For Spending Less On Food When Traveling

The Gateway Arch

St. Louis was instrumental in the development of the United States to the west, which is what the Gateway Arch -- the tallest monument in the country -- honors. Visitors can head 630 feet into the air to see it all thanks to a tram, and with unparalleled views of St. Louis at the top, it's no surprise that the Gateway Arch is one of the best things to do in the city. It's been a must-do staple in St. Louis since it was erected in 1965. "The whole family enjoyed going up to the top of the Arch," said one  Tripadvisor  reviewer.

To learn more about the history of the Gateway Arch, the monument has an onsite museum and several galleries marking the city's history for over two centuries. Moreover, entrance to the museum is free. Visitors can learn about the culture of indigenous people who lived in what is now St. Louis, how Thomas Jefferson pushed for westward expansion from St. Louis, how Americans thought that the country had a calling to expand, and more, including how steamboats transformed the city into a center for commerce and how it then became a manufacturing epicenter. Of course, visitors can also discover how the arch was built. It's one of the many indoor attractions that make St. Louis one of the most underrated winter getaways in the U.S.

St. Louis Zoo

There aren't many places to see 500 species of animals, all for free (although parking is $10), but that's what the St. Louis Zoo offers, making it one of the best zoos to visit across America . With over 16,000 animals, including elephants, zebras, gorillas, and lions, the zoo has earned nearly 9,000  glowing reviews from travelers. "Even though it was really cold, we still had a great time at the zoo. Beautiful grounds to walk around and it's all free!" said one reviewer on  Tripadvisor  before adding, "The zoo staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and willing to answer all questions and talk with you as long as you would like."

The St. Louis Zoo has been a favorite in the city since it opened its doors in 1910. Besides seeing animals, visitors can enjoy other activities like a stingray touch tank, animatronic dinosaurs, and a train tour that takes visitors past some of the zoo's most popular animals. For families who want to get up close and personal, the zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours of exhibits featuring hippos, grizzly bears, penguins, sloths, and more. There's also a vet hospital tour where visitors can learn how zoo veterinarians care for everyone from the largest to the smallest animals. Animal lovers will also enjoy the animal nutrition center tour, where visitors learn how the zoo feeds each resident.

Missouri Botanical Garden

St. Louis is a bustling city, but it has a green respite in the Missouri Botanical Garden , which costs just $16 to visit, making it another fantastic cheap thing to do in Mound City, and the attraction received five stars through nearly 4,500 reviews on Tripadvisor. The botanical garden dates back to 1859, when it was established as a gift from a local businessperson. As old as the garden is, some of its 4.5 million plants are even older, dating back to the 1700s. The tropical plants are housed in a dome-shaped greenhouse called the Climatron, which has been the highlight of the botanical garden to many since it opened in 1960. Soaring up 70 feet into the air, it stretches a half-mile across.

Outside of the greenhouse, visitors can also explore the biggest traditional Japanese garden on the continent and other interesting areas through its nearly 80 acres. The gardens are romantic spots that help make St. Louis one of the best romantic getaways in the Midwest . One favorite garden for families is the Children's Garden, which was established in 2006 and shows kids the fun of gardening and the beauty of plants across its 2 acres. Throughout the space, kids can explore a limestone cave, ride down a slide, comb through wetlands, hop on a traditional St. Louis steamboat, and find a hideaway in a tree house.

City Museum

It isn't always easy keeping kids entertained during a trip, but St. Louis City Museum does the work for you. This is no ordinary museum, as at this family-friendly playground built by artists, kids and adults alike can interact with exhibits by sliding, crawling, jumping, spinning, and climbing on them, all for just $20 per person. That reasonable price for a day of fun has led to more than 6,500 largely joyful reviews on Tripadvisor.

The City Museum has been a popular St. Louis playground for over two decades after being built inside a 600,000-square-foot former shoe factory. The attraction was spearheaded by sculptors Bob and Gail Cassilly, who used 29,000 discarded items from all over the world to create what the museum is today. For example, former spiral chutes once used at the warehouse were used to create slides, while a century-old Wurlitzer organ is in the center of a cave-like hideaway. A 3,000-pound praying mantis statue is on the roof next to a colossal slide, which funnels visitors to a Ferris wheel. There's even a 76-foot-long pencil -- making it the world's largest -- and a treehouse that spreads through several floors of the museum. To see everything here and also learn how it got there, hop on a one-hour tour of the museum every first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.

Busch Stadium

Fans of Major League Baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals flock to Busch Stadium , which has been the home of the team since 2004, the same year that the team won the World Series -- making it the first team in nearly a century to win the championship in its first season at a new home. Depending on where visitors want to sit, they can grab a ticket for just $6.90, which is less than the price of many game-day eats. This low price for a seat in one of the stadium's 46,000 seats makes Busch Stadium a fantastic cheap thing to do in the city, and nearly 5,000 Tripadvisor users agree. "If you are in the area and a baseball fan, it is a must-see," said one  Tripadvisor  user. "The stadium and immediate surroundings are awesome if you are or aren't baseball fan. We caught a game and just sat back enjoyed the views, tastes, and smells of a great American ballpark!"

Visitors can also explore the retro-style stadium at one of its one-hour tours, which cost $20 per person. On the tour, visitors will see all of the essential features of the stadium up close and also visit the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum at Cardinals Nation. Or, opt for the $12 360-tour, which lasts about 40 minutes and showcases the best vantage points of the stadium, like those from the press dining room, Budweiser Terrace, and the Scoreboard Patio.

The Cathedral Basilica Of St. Louis

In St. Louis, it's free to step upon the same ground and see the same sights that Pope John Paul II walked and saw in 1997 when he visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis to designate it as a Cathedral Basilica, granting it special privileges. The cathedral is undeniably gorgeous, and Tripadvisor users have given it more than 3,000 positive reviews. Even before the pope's visit, the basilica was a special place in the hearts of St. Louis residents and a longstanding one. After years of setbacks and $1 million of fundraising, it was finally constructed in 1907. This was just the beginning, as work continued for nearly another century.

The work was eventually completed, but new features are always being added. For instance, the Sacred Heart Shrine of Jesus joined the basilica in 2007, which includes a mosaic made by the Mosaic Studio in the Vatican, a white Carrara marble arch, Sicilian Diaspro marble columns, and bronze doors. The basilica also includes a replica of Michelangelo's "Pietà," the original which dates back to 1499 and was made over two years of work. "La Pietà" showcases Jesus's body laid across the Virgin Mary, which can be seen in the hallway of the basilica opening onto the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Grant's Farm

Imposing Clydesdale horses and Anheuser-Busch beers have always gone hand-in-hand. At Grant's Farm in St. Louis, owned by the Busch family since 1903, visitors can see the horses, other animals, historic homes, and more. With free admission and $16 parking, this storied farm is yet another popular cheap thing to do in the city, having earned 4.5 stars and nearly 2,500 reviews on Tripadvisor. Upon arriving at the farm, visitors can hop on a tram to take them through the lush Deer Park, home to more than 900 animals, before disembarking at Tier Garten. Here, two activities steal the show -- baby goat bottle feeding and free beers to all guests over 21 years old, the latter of which has been a favorite feature of the farm since it opened to the masses in 1954.

To make a visit even more special, guests are encouraged to book either a Clydesdale close-up or a behind-the-scenes tour. On the 75-minute Clydesdale tour, which costs $26 per person, visitors can see the beloved Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales in their stables and how they live and are cared for at Grant's Farm. Or, opt for the two-hour behind-the-scenes tour, which costs about $400 per 12-person group and gives visitors an inside look at Grant's Farm's most famous attractions like Grant's Cabin, the outside of the Busch family home and the animals that call Deer Park home.

Forest Park

Having a green space for residents to find a quiet space, a fresh breeze, and relaxation under trees isn't uncommon in American cities. But in St. Louis, Forest Park stands out above the rest. One of the most-visited urban parks in the country, Forest Park attracts 13 million people every year, and it's often called one of the best in its class. It is also completely free to visit. With over 2,500 5-star reviews, it's clear that Tripadvisor reviewers appreciate Forest Park's forests, lakes, streams, and other natural features. Forest Park has 30 miles of trails and is the perfect place for a run, bike ride, or a stroll.

Even those who don't care much for nature can find fun in Forest Park. Five important city attractions -- the Missouri History Museum, The Muny, the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, and the St. Louis Zoo -- are all housed within its 1,300 acres. "Forest Park was far larger than I expected, and it was good to see it is heavily used by locals (walking dogs, playing lawn games, bicycling) as well as tourists like ourselves," said one  Tripadvisor  user, adding that "St. Louis made a wise choice to preserve the area and protect it from commercial development."

St. Louis Art Museum

The St. Louis Art Museum may have had modest beginnings when it opened its doors in 1879, but in the many decades that have passed, it's become a cultural force to be reckoned with. Today, the museum houses artwork from nearly every continent, covering 5,000 years of history. Amazingly, anyone can also see these priceless works, as the St. Louis Art Museum is free to visit, making it one of the best free museums to visit across the U.S.  Visitors have awarded it 4.5 stars across nearly 1,500 reviews, such as this one from Tripadvisor : "The museum collection is wide-ranging and substantial, well-worth a half-day to survey. A beautiful museum in gorgeous Forest Park."

Although it's nigh on impossible to see all its 27,000 works in one trip, visitors can check out guides on the St. Louis Art Museum website showcasing which pieces are most popular with both curators and visitors. Some of the collections include Ancient Egyptian art, prints, drawings, photographs, arms and armor, masks, sculptures, coins, and much more. While the museum does have some exhibits with extra costs, visitors can see any exhibit for free on Access for All Free Fridays. On many of these special days, additional events like live music, film screenings, and open artist studios are also held.

The Magic House

St. Louis isn't just an affordable haven for adults looking for art, food, sports, and history -- it's also an educational playground for kids. The Magic House , technically a children's museum but really a collection of kid-friendly spaces and experiences, encourages young visitors to learn and explore. With hundreds of exhibits, it's easy for families to spend hours here, and an entry fee of just $14 per person has made the Magic House a popular budget activity with Tripadvisor users, who gave the museum 4.5 stars across more than 1,300 reviews. The Magic House is even more affordable on Free Family Nights, held every third Friday of the month. As the name says, the museum is free for a family of up to two adults and four kids on these nights.

Some of the exhibits designed to spark the imaginations are WonderWorks, which brings kid-friendly machines such as microscopes to life; Jack and the Beanstalk, which allows kids to climb up a 40-foot "beanstalk;" and the Children's Village, where kids can think about what they want to be when they grow up by fixing a car, working in a restaurant, and fishing. Temporary exhibits also regularly make their way to the Magic House.

St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Science Center has more than 700 exhibits and 10 galleries, as well as a planetarium and OMNIMAX Theater -- yet this is another world-class spot in St. Louis that's free to visit, making it one of the few nonprofit science museums in the United States. That has earned the museum a prime spot in Tripadvisor's collection of the best cheap things to do in St. Louis, having garnered 4.5 stars and more than 1,500 reviews. It's been an integral attraction in the city for decades and was formerly known as the Museum of Science and Natural History.

A few of the favorite exhibits at the museum include Dream It. Build It., which has 15,000 building planks for visitors to create their own buildings and those inspired by St. Louis landmarks. Elsewhere, Artifacts of Wonder showcases some of the museum's 10,000 historical artifacts, and Inside The Vault displays the personal collections of passionate collectors.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Former United States President Ulysses S. Grant once called St. Louis home, living at a farm called White Haven , which is also where he met his wife. Julia Dent. Today, visitors can learn about Grant's history and home by visiting the restored house, which is free to visit. Tripadvisor users have given White Haven 4.5 stars through more than 500 reviews.

Visitors can also receive a 40-minute guided tour of White Haven for free or take a self-guided free tour inside the farm's horse stable, which dates back to 1872. Inside the stable, visitors can explore several exhibits detailing Grant's life, from his long marriage to Dent to his service and tenure as the 18th president of the United States. A 20-minute film is also shown every half-hour inside the Visitor's Center, detailing the highlights of Grant's life, making for an informative way to start a visit to the historical site.

Methodology

St. Louis, Missouri, is an affordable and fun Midwestern city with tons of cheap or free things to do for everyone, from a family with young kids to a couple searching for a romantic getaway. To narrow down the best of the best budget-friendly things to do in St. Louis, we examined which city attractions garnered the highest and most reviews on Tripadvisor. With so many spots to choose from, we only included attractions that had scores of 4.5 or more stars across more than 500 reviews, although the sites on our list have up to 5 stars and over 13,000 reviews.

Read the original article on Explore .