Basilica of St. Louis, King of France Basilica of St. Louis, King of France The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France (), formerly the Cathedral of Saint Louis, and colloquially the Old Cathedral, was the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River and until 1845 the only parish church in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. It is one of two Catholic basilicas in St. Louis, and it is named for King Louis IX of France, also the namesake for the city of St. Louis. The current structure (built 1831-1834) is located near the historic riverfront of St. Louis, surrounded by but not a part of
Basilica of St. Louis, King of France and tourists. However, because of its location along the Mississippi River and near the Gateway Arch (which provide backdrops for wedding photos) the church is often used for weddings, only ranking behind St. Francis Xavier College Church at St. Louis University in the number of Catholic marriages in the archdiocese. Built in Greek Revival style, the church is noted for its marble altars, a painting of "Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns" given by Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre, and an accurate copy of the painting of the "Crucifixion" by Diego Velázquez installed in the church in