Mission of Nombre de Dios

Mission of Nombre de Dios is located at Ocean Avenue in St. Augustine, Florida and is approximately one hour from Jacksonville International Airport. The origins of the mission can be traced way back to the founding in 1565 of America's oldest city, St. Augustine. The land was claimed by Pedro Menendez de Aviles for Spain and the Church, and it was on these grounds that the first parish mass was celebrated.

There is much to see at the grounds of the mission and walking tours are available to visitors throughout the year. One of the first things people will see on the entering the grounds is a beautiful fountain followed by the Prince of Peace Church, which was built in 1965 to commemorate the mission's 400th anniversary. Another structure dedicated to the 400th anniversary is the Great Cross, which is made of stainless steel and stands some 208 feet high.

A bronze statue of Father Francisco Lopez, who was the celebrant at the very first mass here, overlooks a lake. Visitors can also see the colorful Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, which is made from Spanish tiles and commemorates the 1531 visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Guadalupe. Amongst the peaceful places to pray is a chapel where visitors can see a stature of Our Lady of La Leche.