Sacred Heart Catholic Church was constructed in 1905 in downtown Tampa, Florida and is one of the oldest churches in the city of Tampa. The church, located at 509 N. Florida Avenue, is predominantly a Romanesque structure, with other elements. The church is home to Sacred Heart Parish, part of the West Hillsborough Deanery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg.Using our custom trip planner, Tampa attractions like Sacred Heart Catholic Church can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
The first Catholic parish on Florida's West Coast was established in 1860 and named St. Louis Parish in honor of Fr. Luis de Cancer, a Dominican missionary who was martyred on the shores of Tampa Bay in 1549. The initial wooden-frame building called St. Louis Church was erected on the site where Sacred Heart stands today. In 1888 the Jesuits took over the pastoral responsibilities of the parish, after a serious outbreak of yellow fever in Tampa took the lives of three diocesan priests. Using Tampa as their base, the Jesuits were given the responsibility of all of South Florida by Bishop Moore. In 1905, a new Church was constructed in Romanesque style and the parish was renamed Sacred Heart.
As Tampa grew, so did the parish, and by 1897 it was decided that a new church was needed. Construction on the church began with a groundbreaking on February 16, 1898, with the laying of the cornerstone taking place on February 4, 1900. The dedication of Sacred Heart Church took place on January 15, 1905, and at that time the parish was renamed Sacred Heart Parish.
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Sacred Heart Catholic Church Reviews
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This catholic church is dedicated to St. Francis. Do note his bronze sculptor on the side of the church complete with puppies and the mom in a wee garden. Enchanting. Gorgeous stain glass windows, Thi... more »
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We went in to say a prayer, and look inside. We were glad we did as the inside of this church was just stunning. It left is in awe. Definitely glad we stopped in. Check it out if you are in the area. more »
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I always try to find a beautiful church to visit when we vacation. Sacred Heart did not fail us! The inside was awe-inspiring! I have to say my favorite surprise was the St Francis statue outside. Parking was challenging but free on weekends. The detail and artwork in this church will make you feel like you are in a European Cathedral! While we attend a local church on a weekly basis. The sanctuary is decorated beautifully!
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The BEST Catholic Church and place of worship in all of the Tampa Bay area. You would be hard pressed to find much better around the country. Absolutely love this church. There were so many people on Easter that people were lined up outside on the steps.
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