Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral

Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, jct. US 31E and US 62, was the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains when its cornerstone was laid in 1816. Louis Philippe, later king of France, is said to have visited Bardstown during his exile and later donated a collection of 17th-century paintings. These paintings, along with gifts from Pope Leo XII, adorn the cathedral walls. Throughout the year there is also a 15-minute audio tour available which outlines the history of the cathedral.