The Cathedral of San Agustin is a historic church in downtown Laredo, Texas, facing the city’s original town square. As the mother church of the Diocese of Laredo, it is both an active place of worship and a landmark within the San Agustín de Laredo Historic District.
- Address: 201 San Agustin Ave., Laredo, TX 78040
- Sunday Mass: 9:30 a.m. in English, plus services at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Nearby historic sights: the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and Casa Ortiz
The cathedral and its downtown setting
The cathedral stands at 201 San Agustin Ave., facing the original town square. It forms part of the San Agustín de Laredo Historic District, a compact area bounded by Iturbide Street, Santa Ursula Avenue, Convent Avenue and Water Street.
For a broader route through the centre, the downtown Laredo one-day itinerary puts the cathedral in the context of a full day.
The plaza and surrounding streets place the church among Laredo’s historic landmarks. The pavement in front of the cathedral outlines the footprint of the second church on the site, built in 1789. From here, you can continue through the district to Casa Ortiz or the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum.
Architecture and history
The present cathedral is the third church built on this site, and its Gothic Revival design dates to 1872. French priest Pierre Yves Keralum designed the building, whose nave is plastered sandstone.
The church was established in 1756 alongside the founding of Villa de Laredo de San Agustin. Its bell tower dates to 1877; a four-faced clock level was added when the tower was heightened in 1922, making it visible from Nuevo Laredo. The building is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and has undergone rehabilitation after major structural repairs.
That long history is visible beyond the church itself: the outlined pavement recalls the earlier building, while the tower marks later changes to the skyline. These layers help explain why the cathedral anchors the historic district rather than standing as an isolated landmark.
Service times and visitor etiquette
English and Spanish are indicated.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Thursday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament runs from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., before Mass. Confessions are available 30 minutes before daily Mass except Wednesdays, one hour before Saturday Mass, or by appointment arranged one day in advance. For current service details or questions about visiting, check the official site before you go; the parish phone number is 956-722-1382.
If you plan to enter outside a service, call the parish to ask about access, tours and photography. Be considerate of worship in progress.
Getting to the cathedral
The Cathedral of San Agustin is about a 6-minute drive from Loma Alta Motel. Two-star rooms for a cathedral visit offer a place to stay while exploring downtown Laredo.
The church’s address is 201 San Agustin Ave. in downtown Laredo.
Pairing the cathedral with nearby sights
The cathedral fits naturally into a walk through the San Agustín de Laredo Historic District. Casa Ortiz and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum are among the district’s historic attractions identified by the Texas Historical Commission, so you can combine the church with other sites in the same area.
The museum offers a focused follow-up to the cathedral’s story and its place in Laredo’s past. The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum in Laredo adds another historic stop to downtown plans. La Posada Hotel also stands on the site of the original town hall, known as the casa judicial.
FAQs
Where is the Cathedral of San Agustin?
It is at 201 San Agustin Ave. in downtown Laredo, facing the original town square.
When was the present cathedral built?
The present church was completed in 1872. It was designed by French priest Pierre Yves Keralum in the Gothic Revival style.
Is the cathedral part of a historic district?
Yes. It is part of the San Agustín de Laredo Historic District, which also includes Casa Ortiz and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum.
How can you confirm Mass times?
Consult the Diocese of Laredo’s official schedule before your visit. You can also call the parish at 956-722-1382 with questions.