Exploring the grand tapestry of St. Louis history, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis emerges not just as a sacred space but as a monument to time itself. Our conversation with John C. Guenther dives into the architectural marvel that is the Cathedral Basilica, weaving through its 352-year history—from its early log church days in 1770 to the stunning mosaics that now grace its walls. We reminisce about the old cathedral, which was built in the early 19th century, and how it all ties into the rich narrative of St. Louis's founding.

Did you know that the Cathedral Basilica boasts the largest collection of glass mosaics in the Western Hemisphere? That's right! With over 83,000 square feet covered in vivid colors and intricate designs, it’s a visual feast that tells the story of faith and community. John shares the creative process behind the mosaics, revealing how artisans captured the light with their craftsmanship, making each piece of glass come alive in a dance of brilliance. This isn't just architecture; it's a living, breathing story that continues to unfold with every visitor who steps inside.

We reveal the significance of the Cathedral Basilica being a pilgrimage site and a testament to the faith of the people of St. Louis. John passionately recounts how the Basilica was designed to bring heaven to earth, a sentiment echoed in the stunning architecture and the historical events that have taken place within its walls. This episode isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the heart of a city, the stories of its people, and the enduring spirit that has shaped St. Louis.

[00:00] Introduction to St. Louis in Tune

[00:39] Weather Talk and Show Introduction

[01:24] Guest Introduction: John Gunther

[04:31] History of the Old Cathedral

[06:08] The New Cathedral and Its Significance

[21:15] The Mosaics of the Cathedral Basilica

[27:06] Creating the Mosaics: An Artistic Journey

[30:17] The Mosaic Installation Process

[31:44] The Artists Behind the Mosaics

[33:53] Architectural Marvels and Comparisons

[37:36] Renovations and Maintenance

[41:11] Historical Anecdotes and Personal Stories

[46:55] Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Takeaways:

• The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a masterpiece that took years to create, and it showcases 83,000 square feet of stunning mosaics that truly leave you in awe.
• Did you know that the old cathedral is actually the only piece of property that has remained under the same ownership since the founding of St. Louis? Talk about history!
• John C. Gunther’s new book dives deep into 138 key moments in the cathedral's development, intertwining the history of St. Louis with the architectural marvel itself.
• The cathedral's mosaics are made of 41.5 million pieces of glass and come in 7,000 shades of color, making it the largest collection of mosaics in the Western Hemisphere!
• Archbishop Glennon’s vision for the cathedral combined Romanesque and Byzantine styles, which is a unique architectural blend not commonly seen in America.
• The process of creating these mosaics is nothing short of miraculous, involving thousands of individual pieces carefully placed to catch the light just right, turning the interior into a sparkling wonderland.

• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis – Reedy Press
• John C Guenther - LinkedIn

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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