Visit an attraction as old as St. Augustine! Mission of Nombre de Dios is an iconic historic site located just a four-minute drive from Agustin Inn. The mission was first established in 1565, when a group of Spanish settlers first founded our city. Today, the mission’s goal is to educate the public about St. Augustine’s origins as well as the faith history of this city. Find out everything you need to know about this staple of the city!
Mission of Nombre de Dios is just one of the many fascinating historic sites in St. Augustine. Discover the rest when you access our free Vacation Guide! From the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument to Fort Matanzas, you’ll find all the best sites in town. Whether you’re sticking to the historic district of St. Augustine or venturing out to the ocean, we’ve got you covered. Best of all, our free online Vacation Guide is accessible from any device with an internet connection, so you’ll never be without it!
Visit Mission of Nombre de Dios
On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on the shores of St. Augustine and declared the site for Spain and for the Church, kissing a wooden cross that was presented to him by the chaplain of the expedition. It was in St. Augustine, at the site of the Mission of Nombre de Dios, meaning “name of God,” that Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales began to establish the first mission.
Today, visitors are welcome to tour the grounds of the mission, from the Prince of Peace Church to The Great Cross, which marks the entrance. The Great Cross in St. Augustine towers at 208 feet and is meant to represent a “beacon of faith” for travelers to the city.
Tour the Museum
Brush up on all sorts of St. Augustine mission facts at the on-site museum! The museum opened on the 445th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine. The exhibits include the original casket of the founder of St. Augustine, artifacts uncovered on the mission grounds, coquina stones from the 1875 foundation of a shrine on the mission, and a documentary reenactment of the founding of St. Augustine. This museum is the perfect overview of the beginnings of the nation’s oldest city!
Visit the Mission of Nombre de Dios Gift Shop
After touring the mission’s grounds and museum, visit the gift shop! Inside, you’ll find all sorts of religion articles, including books, as well as restrooms and soda and juice machines. If you see something you like, contact the gift certificate or visit the website to purchase it online!
Stay at Agustin Inn
After spending the day at Mission of Nombre de Dios, return to Agustin Inn for a wonderful evening of rest! Our beautiful bed and breakfast combines the comfort of a historic home with the amenities of a hotel. Agustin Inn is centrally located in downtown St. Augustine, just a five-minute from the mission and other amazing attractions in town.
Check our availability and book today! We look forward to having you.