Basilica Cathedral

St. Augustine, Florida was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. He sailed from Cadiz, Spain and landed on the coast of Florida on what is now Cape Canaveral. Given the founding of the site it was necessary to have a mission in Saint Augustine. The original parish church was burned down in 1586 by Francis Drake who tried to take over Florida for the British.

The Castillo de San Marcos fortress was formed in 1672. It was finally completed in 1696. Again with attacks the new parish church was burned in 1702. A new church and the current Basilica Cathedral was started in 1793. It was completed by 1797. Technically, the church has a 450 year old history in Saint Augustine, though the building is not quite as old as that.

It is possible to visit the cathedral for walking tours or to become a part of the parish. Church mass is available during the week and on weekends. At any time the church is publicly open and a mass is not in session one can tour it. For those who want a tour with staff a reservation is required to ensure someone is available.