Religious site
Mission Nombre de Dios
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Mission Nombre de Dios marks the spot where the first Catholic Mass was celebrated in what is now the United States, on September 8, 1565, by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales. This historic site features a large cross overlooking the Matanzas River, a rustic chapel, and a museum detailing the mission's history. Visitors can walk the grounds, see the original mission cemetery, and enjoy the scenic waterfront. It is a place of pilgrimage and historical significance, offering a glimpse into St. Augustine's Spanish colonial roots.
Don't miss
- The 208-foot stainless steel Great Cross, a landmark visible from miles away
- The Prince of Peace Church, a small chapel on the original mission site
- The mission cemetery, one of the oldest in the United States
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Mission Nombre de Dios
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSelf-Guided Haunted Ghost Walking Audio Tour in St. Augustine4.2★ · 17 travelers~1 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSt. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour4.5★ · 4,034 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$40 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Historical Tour of St. Augustine4.9★ · 203 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$200 per personSee dates →More attractions in St. Augustine