Mission of Nombre de Dios

Visitor’s Guide to Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine

As the sacred hallowed ground marking the documented birthplace of European colonial history in Florida, Mission Nombre de Dios holds deep spiritual and historical significance. Founded in 1565, this scenic park is the verified site of the first permanent Catholic mission and the first parish Mass celebrated in America. Visiting these sprawling, peaceful grounds along the Matanzas River requires a reliable transport itinerary to easily balance reflective walks with trips to nearby colonial monuments.

Convenient Transport to Mission Nombre de Dios via Old Town Trolley

• Direct Entrance Accessibility: Step off at a dedicated trolley stop situated right at the main entrance gates, avoiding local parking limits.
• Expert Historical Context: Learn the full narrative of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés’ historic landing in 1565 from engaging, professional conductors before you step onto the grounds.
• Flexible Self-Paced Visits: Take all the time you need to explore the shrines, museum, and monuments, then board the next arriving trolley at your convenience.
• Full Historic District Connectivity: Seamlessly integrate your mission visit into an extensive tour of more than 20 historic stops throughout St. Augustine.

Mission Nombre de Dios Historic Highlights and Points of Interest

• The Great Cross: A massive 208-foot stainless steel monument towering over the riverfront, erected in 1965 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding.
• Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche: A historic, ivy-covered chapel serving as the oldest shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the United States, offering a quiet space for reflection.
• The Mission Museum: Houses an impressive array of early colonial artifacts, historical maps, and the original wood casket of St. Augustine founder Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.
• Sacred Grounds Landscape: Features winding walking paths lined with centuries-old live oak trees, Spanish moss, early colonial statues, and tranquil waterfront vistas.

Established in 1615, many people have traveled here to pray for mothers and mothers-to-be. On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on this site and proclaimed it for Spain. Prior to raising the King’s flag, Menendez revered a cross dedicating the site to God. Mission Nombre de Dios was established to bring the Christian faith to the Native people of this land. This is also the site of the first shrine to Mary, Mother of Jesus, in what is now the U.S. The site is marked by a 208-foot stainless steel cross, an 11-foot bronze statue of the chaplain of Menendez’ fleet, Fr. Francisco Lopez de Mendoza, and other significant memorials.

Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche

At the heart of St. Augustine, the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche offers a profound spiritual experience that transcends simple sightseeing. The shrine, located on the grounds, is the first devotion to Mary in what is now the U.S. and is dedicated to motherhood.  The devotion found its way here from Spain in the early 1600s and was a significant part of the spiritual life among the Native People as well as the Spanish settlers. The statue of Mary nursing the infant Jesus symbolizes this devotion and is credited with bringing both hope and solace to visitors. There is an historic, small shrine chapel and a new, larger shrine church on the grounds for this devotion.

Mission Nombre de Dios Museum

The museum focuses on the founding of St. Augustine, the beginning of the teaching of Christianity on this land, and the missionary effort from 1565 to the present.  In addition to many relevant exhibits and artifacts, the museum houses the original casket in which Menendez was buried in 1574(his mortal remains were transferred to a crypt in Spain in 1924).   

HOURS & ADMISSION

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Self-guided tours
• School groups and large adult groups can schedule guided tours

ADMISSION FEE

• Donations welcome and encouraged

PHONE & ADDRESS

• Address: 27 Ocean Ave.
• Phone: (904) 824-2809
• Website: www.missionandshrine.org