Day 3 in St. Louis- the Basilica

 

On the recommendation of my friend Susan Matt we ventured out to find the St. Louis Basilica. I knew nothing about the church except it was built to replace the original cathedral built down by the arch. Boy was I flabbergasted when we walked inside. 

The exterior was imposing but very understated. Reminded me of the exterior of Hagia Sophia in Turkey.  








But then you walk inside and the mosaics dazzle.  















The interior was breathtaking. Construction was started in 1904 and was not completed until 1988.  The artisans that did the Byzantine mosaics as well as the Italian mosaics are honored in a museum that resides below the church. In addition, the cathedral was upgraded to a Basilica when John Paul the II, visited in 1999.  One of the most beautiful churches in this country. 




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