The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine stands on Cathedral Place in the heart of the old city. Its origins reach back to the Spanish founding of the colony in 1565, and the current coquina stone building was constructed between 1793 and 1797, then rebuilt after a fire in 1887. Pope Paul VI elevated it to the status of minor basilica in 1976.
The interior is calm and genuinely old: painted murals along the nave depict scenes from colonial Florida, and the carved wooden retablo behind the altar is an impressive piece of religious art. The building still serves as an active parish — Mass is held daily. Entry is free outside of service times, and the small garden alongside the building offers a quiet escape from the busy plaza just outside. The warm yellow-grey facade, the bell tower, and the broad arched entrance are defining features of St. Augustine's visual character.