Sample Itineraries for Your Next Religious Retreat

As the location of many historic houses of worship, St. Augustine offers many opportunities to visit a variety of religious sites of significance within walking distance to each other or a trolley ride away. Here are some itineraries that can be conducted within 2 to 3 days.

Day One – In the Old Town

• Meet for morning Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
• Have a late breakfast at Ancient City Brunch Bar on St. George Street
• Hop across the street to Trinity Parish* to see the stained glass windows
• Stop for a snack on St. George Street
• Head to Carrera Street to tour Grace Methodist Church
• Walk to Sevilla Street for a self-guided tour of Memorial Presbyterian Church

Day Two - The Sacred Acre

• Spend the day at Mission Nombre de Dios
• Walk to the waterfront to see the Father Lopez statue and Great Cross
• Stop for a picnic
• Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche
• Stroll the sacred grounds, stations of the cross
• Visit the Rustic Altar

Day Three - Celebrate Diversity

• Start on Cordova Street and visit The First Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue*
• Continue on Cordova Street to Tolomato Cemetery++
• Visit St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine on St. George Street
• Walk to MLK Avenue in Lincolnville to see St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church*
• Walk 2 blocks on MLK to The Blue Hen for lunch

++The story of Father Felix Valera is dear to many in St. Augustine, where he spent much of his childhood. Born in Havana, Valera was an esteemed professor and many Cuban leaders were his students. He advocated for the education of women and introduced many teaching innovations. He also asked for Cuban self-rule and the end to slavery. Condemned to death by the Spanish crown in 1823, Varela escaped to New York, where he lived the rest of his life. He remained an active voice for Cubans and New York Irish immigrants until his death in St. Augustine in 1853. Originally interred at Tolomato Cemetery, his remains were later relocated to Havana. On the bicentennial of his birth, the U.S postal service issued a stamp in his name.

(*Call ahead or contact via email for group tours. Many offer self-guided tours and accommodate groups. Check individual sites.)

Tour operators looking for more information or assistance with historic houses of worship itineraries, group tours and room block accommodations, please contact Evelyn Lopez-Kelley at EKelley@FloridasHistoricCoast.com