The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, often called the New Cathedral to distinguish it from the smaller Old Cathedral by the riverfront, is one of the most spectacular religious buildings in the United States. Built between 1907 and 1914 in a Neo-Byzantine style, it sits on Lindell Boulevard at the edge of the Central West End.
The dazzling part is inside: vast mosaic ceilings and walls that took most of the 20th century to complete and use tens of millions of glass pieces in thousands of colour combinations. Free guided tours run most weekdays; the mosaic museum in the lower level explains the techniques and the artists. Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here in 1999.