Just like everything else in Saint Augustine, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine prides itself in being ‘the first parish’ in the Americas. Dating back to the 1560s, the structure has been attacked and burned down numerous times in history, finally to become what is is today with the current structure built in the 1790s.
In a town as lovely as Saint Augustine, you wouldn’t expect anything less than a charming cathedral and this one doesn’t disappoint. Inside, enthusiastic guides will give you the lay of the land in terms of the religious and regional politics that encompassed this church as Saint Augustine changed hands between the Spanish and the British. The official parish homepage has some of the highlights of the history for you.
Walking inside, this is what you can expect to see…
Lots of stories to be told about all of those, but of all things this next one seemed especially peculiar :
It’s quite rare to see that star, a prominent symbol in Judaism and Islam, being part of a church decoration. Wonder what that’s about.
All in all, a lovely spot along the Saint Augustine walking tour.