A Visit to the Majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis!
When I travel I like to do a wide variety of things, everything from visiting botanical gardens to historical sights to different types of museums to nature attractions to cathedrals and historic churches. One of my more recent road trips took me to St. Louis and the majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.
Photo by RN Photo Midwest. Download from Shutterstock. ⬆️
Ground was broken for the basilica on May 1, 1907 and continued for 80 years. It was designed by George Barnett, a St. Louis architect and is a gorgeous blend of Byzantine and Romanesque design. Tiffany and Company of New York worked on the two chapels on the building’s west side. For more detailed information about the cathedral’s history and artisans, click on the link below.
Photo by Ritu Manoj Jethani. Downloaded from Shutterstock. ⬆️
What is most striking to me about the cathedral is the use of mosaics in its design. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mosaics as “a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material to form pictures or patterns.” I don’t know how many mosaic tiles are used in the cathedral, but it must be hundreds of thousands, if not more. The effect is completely mesmerizing. Side note: Can you imagine how long it took to create these beautiful designs??? It boggles my mind! 🤯
The day and time I visited there were few people so I was able to take photos without disturbing anyone. When I visit a religious building of any type I like to sit, pray and meditate a while. It is the perfect place to escape the stress and noise of the city and be with your own thoughts. So I also spent some time on my visit doing that. I remember it was the last thing I saw in St. Louis before I headed out to another long segment of my road trip. It was the perfect way to leave St. Louis with a feeling of calm and peace. It is certainly on my list to visit again the next time I am in St. Louis. Please see photos of the majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis below.
Photo by RozenskiP. Downloaded from Shutterstock. ⬆️