San Agustin Catholic Cathedral

In the heart of the historic city center of Laredo stands the magnificent San Agustin Cathedral. This Catholic church, built in the Gothic Revival style, is one of the oldest surviving churches in the southwestern USA. The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the diocese and is recognized as an important architectural landmark of the region.

The main architectural feature of the building is its monumental five-story bell tower, rising 43 meters high. It dominates the city's low-rise buildings and is visible from afar, serving as an excellent landmark for tourists. Majestic stained glass windows and austere brick walls emphasize the solemnity of this site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cathedral was built in the second half of the 19th century on the site of even older church buildings dating back to the city's founding. Today, it harmoniously combines historical heritage with the results of recent careful restorations, remaining a living symbol of faith and culture for the residents and guests of Texas.

To contact the cathedral administration or find up-to-date information about events, please use the contact details provided below.

A visit to the cathedral is primarily an opportunity to enjoy its architectural elegance. Be sure to step inside to see the restored interior, the magnificent Blessed Sacrament Chapel, and the play of light through the antique Gothic stained glass windows. The silence and peace of the church offer ideal conditions for reflection or simply a brief respite from the city bustle.

For photography enthusiasts, the exterior of the cathedral provides many interesting angles. The five-story clock tower and brickwork details look especially striking in the rays of the setting sun. After touring the church, it is worth taking a walk through the surrounding San Agustin Historical District, which preserves the atmosphere of old Laredo.

If your trip coincides with major religious holidays, you may witness solemn liturgies, such as the Chrism Mass. This is a unique chance to see the cathedral in its full spiritual significance, when clergy from across the diocese gather here.

Finding San Agustin Cathedral is quite easy, as it is located in the very heart of the historical center at 201 San Agustin Avenue. This location is very convenient for walking if you are already in the downtown area.

For those who prefer to drive, there are parking zones on the adjacent streets within the historical district. Public transport in Laredo also runs regularly to the central part of the city, with stops just a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. If you are coming from more distant areas, it is most convenient to use taxi or ride-sharing services.

Tourists arriving at Laredo International Airport will only need 10–15 minutes to reach the cathedral. Laredo is also conveniently connected to other Texas cities: the drive from San Antonio takes about two and a half hours, making the cathedral an excellent stop during a trip through the south of the state.

The history of this site dates back to 1755, when the Villa de San Agustín de Laredo was founded. A few years later, in 1767, a modest adobe chapel was built here, and in 1789, San Agustin officially gained parish status. Construction of the current magnificent building began in 1866, based on the design of the French architect-priest Pierre Yves Keralum.

Construction was completed in 1872, and the cathedral became a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Southwest. However, the building faced several challenges: in 1905, a severe storm seriously damaged the facade, and its full restoration took several years. The church received its current status as a cathedral relatively recently — in 2000, when Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Laredo.

In the early 2020s, the cathedral underwent a large-scale restoration. During the project, the altar was expanded by 40%, engineering systems were updated, and historical decorative elements were restored. Today, it is not only a place of worship but also a U.S. National Register of Historic Places site, carefully preserving the memory of the region's colonial past.

For a quick tour of the cathedral's interiors and architecture, you will need about 30–60 minutes. This is enough time to appreciate the beauty of the stained glass windows and the scale of the vaulted ceilings.

If you plan to attend a religious service or want to explore the San Agustin Historical District surrounding the church in detail, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours. A stroll through the old streets combined with a visit to the cathedral will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural context of this part of the city.

The cathedral is open to visitors on weekdays: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 12:00 and, after a break, from 13:00 to 17:00. During these times, you can peacefully explore the interior, provided there are no private ceremonies taking place.

On Saturday and Sunday, the church focuses on religious services, so free sightseeing may be limited. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the current Mass schedule on the official website to ensure your visit is appropriate and comfortable.

Exploring the area around the cathedral can significantly enrich your travel experience, as Laredo's historical district is literally steeped in the atmosphere of past centuries. A walk through these old streets allows you to see the city from a completely different perspective, revealing architectural gems and quiet, cozy corners.