For centuries, Catholic churches have been built and carefully designed with stunning detail. Whether you’re a person of faith or not, you can’t deny the beauty found inside the walls of these places of worship.

From flying buttresses to intricate art, the interior and exterior aesthetic of a church are nothing short of amazing. This particular church in St. Louis is something truly out of this world.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis was contructed in 1914 by St. Louis architect, George D. Barnett.

Thomas Hawk/flickr Barnett later added on a Sacristry in the north end following the completion of the main structure in 1914. A second Sacristy was later added by George John Magualo.

This basilica is so renowned that even the Pope visited.

Thomas Hawk/flickr In 1999, Pope John Paul II met with the Archdiocese of St. Louis when he visited the Cathedral Basilica.

So, what makes it a basilica?

Thomas Hawk/flickr Basilicas must be designated as such by the Pope. This church in St. Louis was given the honor in 1997 and as a basilica, it displays two special symbols, the tintinnabulum and the ombrellino.

Is it the Sistine Chapel of the Midwest? With amazing artwork, it sure seems like it.

Thomas Hawk/flickr The Cathedral Basilica is known throughout the world as having one of the most expansive mosaic collections in the western hemisphere. Yes, hemisphere, not state. So if you visit this basilica, you’ll be visiting a place of global importance. To get the most out of your visit, head down to the lower level of the Cathedral Basilica to see the Mosaic Museum.

Every inch of the basilica radiates angelic beauty.

Thomas Hawk/flickr Look up at the ceilings or down the aisles into the pulpit, you won’t find any imperfections in this amazing place.

Bring your camera, it’s worth the visit.

Thomas Hawk/flickr The church has parish services, hosts weddings and is open to the public throughout the week. Don’t be shy about bringing your camera, many tourists from throughout the world come to experience and capture the wonder of this beautiful basilica.

Have you been to this basilica in the Central West End of St. Louis before? What’d you think of it? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Thomas Hawk/flickr

Barnett later added on a Sacristry in the north end following the completion of the main structure in 1914. A second Sacristy was later added by George John Magualo.

In 1999, Pope John Paul II met with the Archdiocese of St. Louis when he visited the Cathedral Basilica.

Basilicas must be designated as such by the Pope. This church in St. Louis was given the honor in 1997 and as a basilica, it displays two special symbols, the tintinnabulum and the ombrellino.

The Cathedral Basilica is known throughout the world as having one of the most expansive mosaic collections in the western hemisphere. Yes, hemisphere, not state. So if you visit this basilica, you’ll be visiting a place of global importance. To get the most out of your visit, head down to the lower level of the Cathedral Basilica to see the Mosaic Museum.

Look up at the ceilings or down the aisles into the pulpit, you won’t find any imperfections in this amazing place.

The church has parish services, hosts weddings and is open to the public throughout the week. Don’t be shy about bringing your camera, many tourists from throughout the world come to experience and capture the wonder of this beautiful basilica.

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