The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is a historical building in St. Augustine, Florida. The cathedral was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, and thus is now under the protection of the US government. There is great significance in the building beginning with its age alone, it was completed in 1797. Additionally, the cathedral's mere existence during that time period makes it of historical importance. Lastly, the architecture is a unique combination of Spanish Colonial and Renaissance Revival.
After the Spanish had a firm foot-hold in the Caribbean they sought to expand their empire to the great land that lay north. The first colony to be settled and maintain a population was St. Augustine. Since the secondary purpose (the first being to claim the land under the Spanish flag) of exploration was to establish the Catholic church in all areas of the world, every Native American was to be converted to Catholicism.
The Conquistadors ordered a cathedral to be built for the purpose of worship, conversion and to boost the morale of the settlers who were feeling homesick. Sailors built the first St. Augustine cathedral very quickly, finishing it sometime during the 1560's. They were not architects or craftsmen, they were sailors, so they really did not build the cathedral as practically or skillfully as was required for the climate.
In the end it wouldn't matter because the British came along in 1586 and burned it down. A second was poorly and quickly built, out of straw and palmetto. In 1599 it too burned down, but this time at the hand of a carelessly left candle. When the Spanish monarchy heard about the destruction of a second cathedral, a tithe was put in place for several years.
In 1605 a third cathedral was built, however now there were experienced builders from Europe present to make sure the job was done correctly. This building lasted a little longer, unfortunately the climate and lack of maintenance took a toll and the cathedral was definitely in a sorry state. Once again it didn't matter because the British came along and burned it down in 1702. Spain all but gave up on a cathedral in St. Augustine for almost 100 years. There were a couple of attempts, but nothing came to fruition.
Finally, when the Spanish had control of Florida once again, they began building a grand cathedral in 1793. This time they did it right and did not rush, it was completed in 1797. The structure as it is today is largely unchanged from its final version, and is an impressive sight to say the least. Visitors are permitted to view the indoor areas and stay for quiet meditation.
After the Spanish had a firm foot-hold in the Caribbean they sought to expand their empire to the great land that lay north. The first colony to be settled and maintain a population was St. Augustine. Since the secondary purpose (the first being to claim the land under the Spanish flag) of exploration was to establish the Catholic church in all areas of the world, every Native American was to be converted to Catholicism.
The Conquistadors ordered a cathedral to be built for the purpose of worship, conversion and to boost the morale of the settlers who were feeling homesick. Sailors built the first St. Augustine cathedral very quickly, finishing it sometime during the 1560's. They were not architects or craftsmen, they were sailors, so they really did not build the cathedral as practically or skillfully as was required for the climate.
In the end it wouldn't matter because the British came along in 1586 and burned it down. A second was poorly and quickly built, out of straw and palmetto. In 1599 it too burned down, but this time at the hand of a carelessly left candle. When the Spanish monarchy heard about the destruction of a second cathedral, a tithe was put in place for several years.
In 1605 a third cathedral was built, however now there were experienced builders from Europe present to make sure the job was done correctly. This building lasted a little longer, unfortunately the climate and lack of maintenance took a toll and the cathedral was definitely in a sorry state. Once again it didn't matter because the British came along and burned it down in 1702. Spain all but gave up on a cathedral in St. Augustine for almost 100 years. There were a couple of attempts, but nothing came to fruition.
Finally, when the Spanish had control of Florida once again, they began building a grand cathedral in 1793. This time they did it right and did not rush, it was completed in 1797. The structure as it is today is largely unchanged from its final version, and is an impressive sight to say the least. Visitors are permitted to view the indoor areas and stay for quiet meditation.
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