The distinctive variety of neighborhoods provides St. Louis' richest heritage. The churches are part of such heritage. Each possesses a history and architectural grandeur. 

You should not miss visiting churches in St. Louis. You'll be surprised to learn they are fascinating and sights to behold. Here are the top 10 historical churches in St. Louis that will leave you speechless. 

Add them to your bucket list for your next visit to the city. 

1. Basilica of St. Louis, King of France

Location: 4431 Lindell Blvd

The Basilica of St. Louis was also known as the Old Cathedral. It had been the only place where people went to worship until 1816. According to Universal Life Church, its current building was the first cathedral located west of the Mississippi. The building was constructed between 1931 and 1934. 

The cathedral is a head-turner with its Greek Revival style. As you enter, magnificent and detailed architecture will welcome you. George D Barnett designed the entire structure of the Basilica of St. Louis. 

It houses many precious pieces of art and history. Stop over the Gateway Arch nearby when visiting the St. Louis Basilica. 

2. Shrine of St. Joseph 

Location: 1220 North 11th Street 

The Shrine started as a parish, and later the church was renovated as a shrine. It is the only Vatican-authenticated miracle in the Midwest. 

Its Baroque architecture is the only one of its kind in the area. The altar in the Shrine of St. Joseph is popularly known as The Altar of Answered Prayers. You may join other visitors in writing prayer requests on pieces of paper. Visitors come to the Shrine to pray and tuck their prayers in the crevices. 

3. Holy Trinity Church 

Location: 3519 North 14th Street 

The Holy Trinity Church's history dates back to 1848. It was consecrated in 1858. Visitors can discover its magnificence in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This neighborhood is on 14th Street at Mallinckrodt, which was constructed in 1899. 

Its twin spires stand tall at some 215 feet. Such a feature makes it the most recognizable structure in the neighborhood. It still serves the original congregation. 

4. Zion Lutheran Church 

Location: 2500 N 21st  Street

Zion Lutheran Church is a historic Lutheran place of worship in St. Louis. As stated on Waymarking.com, the Zion Lutheran Church served as the heart of German culture in north St. Louis.

Zion Lutheran Church was founded in 1860. The cornerstone for the current structure was set in 1894. 

Despite the neighborhood's deterioration, the church has maintained its beauty and architecture. 

5. St. Alphonsus Liguori Rock" Church 

Location: 1118 N Grand Blvd.

St. Alphonsus Liguori" Rock "Church is another church in St. Louis that would make your head turn. This place got its name from St. Alphonsus Liguori. He was a Roman Catholic priest and theologian. 

The parish houses the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The members are called the Redemptorists. As shared on its official website, it carved its name in history in 1922. It was when it started a weekly novena in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. 

People pray the novena in almost every country around the globe every week. Members of the congregation are predominantly African American families. 

This historical place of worship features the magnificence of Old World architecture. You will see the beautiful stained glass, incredible stone, and marble work when you visit it. 

It's one of the four surviving pipe organs and one of its kind in the U.S., and it is another site to see. 

6. St. Francis de Sales Oratory 

Location: 2653 Ohio Avenue

Recently, the church made history. It was voted the most beautiful church in the United States. This happened in the recent Art and Liturgy competition. No wonder it remains a stunning church despite currently undergoing renovations. 

Francis de Sales Oratory has a German gothic revival architecture. It drew inspiration from a Berlin Church- St. Paul's, and the Cathedral in Frankfurt. In 1908 its current structure was completed. 

 7. St. Stanislaus Kostka  

Location: 1413 North 20th Street

Stanislaus Kostka is a Polish Catholic Parish in St. Louis. The church has been serving its community since 1880. The founders established it as a personal parish for Polish immigrants in St. Louis. 

St. Stanislaus Kostka survived the Pruitt-Igoe urban housing project. It successfully retained its Polish congregation through the years. 

The author of Built St. Louis said it's the most festive, celebratory décor of any St. Louis Church he had visited. Currently, its staff is in dispute with the Archdiocese. This issue resulted from an attempt to take over the parish's property. 

8. Holy Cross Lutheran Church 

Location: 2650 Miami Street

St. Louis listed this church as its number 40 City Landmark. Its construction started in 1867. Holy Cross Lutheran Church has a Gothic style. It was named a City Landmark in 1971. 

9. Christ Church Cathedral 

Location: 1210 Locust Street

As stated on its website, Christ Church Cathedral was the first Episcopal Congregation west of the Mississippi River to hold worship service. It was Oct. 24, 1819. Almost 50 years later, the congregation built a permanent church at its present location. 

In 1994, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior designated it as a National Historic Landmark. Leopold Eidlitz of New York designed the church. It is an example of the 14th-century Early English Gothic and is cross-shaped in design. 

10. Old St. Ferdinand Shrine 

Location: 1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant

The Universal Life Church shared on its website that the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine was built in 1821. The church is believed to be the oldest standing church in Louisiana Purchase Territory. Old St. Ferdinand's Shrine originally had a Federalist style.

However, it appeared more in the Gothic Revival style after its renovations in 1880. It is a part of complex buildings. The complex has historical significance within its community. 

According to its website, the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, a non-profit, manages the church. The National Registry of Historic Places listed Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. 

Its fundraising and donations from the community help maintain the 200+ old campus. Volunteers are working hard to restore the campus, create event spaces for rent, and provide tours. 

They strive to keep the Shrine an active part of their community. The group seeks to do this while preserving its heritage.