St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library, Minor basilica and cathedral library in Vincennes, US.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library is a Greek Revival church structure built of brick with classical columns and symmetrical proportions. The interior features painted murals by Wilhelm Lamprecht, while attached buildings house the library collection and museum galleries.
Construction began in 1826 on land given by the French King, and the site became the seat of the Diocese of Vincennes when Pope Gregory XVI established it in 1834. This establishment transformed the location into an important center for Catholic leadership in the region.
The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the community and reflects the region's deep Catholic traditions. Visitors encounter religious artworks and furnishings that have been maintained and revered throughout the centuries.
The site sits on Church Street in downtown Vincennes and is walkable from the town center. Multiple connected buildings offer different areas to explore, with the library and museum spaces accessible to visitors.
The library holds over 11,000 rare books and documents, including a papal document dated to 1319. This collection makes it the oldest established library in the state and preserves materials spanning centuries of Catholic history and thought.
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