St. Patrick's Cathedral

New York, United States

St. Patrick's Cathedral was constructed starting in 1858 to accommodate the growing Archdiocese of New York and to replace St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Work was halted in the early 1860s during the American Civil War; the cathedral was completed in 1878 and dedicated on May 25, 1879. The archbishop's house and rectory were added in the early 1880s, both by James Renwick Jr., and the spires were added in 1888. A Lady chapel designed by Charles T. Mathews was constructed from 1901 to 1906. The cathedral was consecrated on October 5, 1910, after all its debt had been paid off. Extensive restorations of the cathedral were conducted several times, including in the 1940s, 1970s, and 2010s.

St. Patrick's Cathedral is clad in marble and has several dozen stained glass windows. It measures 101 m long, with a maximum width of 53 m at the transepts. The bronze doors that form the cathedral's main entrance on Fifth Avenue are flanked by towers with spires rising 100 m. The northern tower contains nineteen bells, and the interior has two pipe organs. Inside is a nave flanked by several chapels; two transepts; a chancel and apse; and a crypt. East of the apse are the rectory, Lady chapel, and archbishop's residence facing Madison Avenue.

 

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Details

Founded: 1858
Category: Religious sites in United States

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Denise Grafton (7 months ago)
The Cathedral is beautiful with the stained glass windows and the pictures so well depicted. The craftsmanship in the ceiling and on the columns is stunning. All created before laser design and cranes. Enter the sanctuary with appreciation to the caretakers and legacy donors. Would have loved to hear the pipes of the organ! The entrance is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Mindy Schroeder (7 months ago)
Breathtakingly beautiful architecture. There was a service going on when we visited, but we were still allowed to come in and walk around to see the different worship areas. Gift shop is very small, but has some great stuff such as jewelry, many different types of rosary beads and pouches, holy water bottles, etc. This is a must see if you are in NYC.
Clover (7 months ago)
Absolutely beautiful. I have a soft spot for stained glass so this church was gorgeous. The atmosphere was great, even if I’m not religious, I still felt like I was connected with god. As a music nerd, the organ playing was amazing as well. Overall, amazing experience and definitely recommended!
L C (8 months ago)
You can walk in and tour around during the day. The architecture is fascinating. Light a candle for someone if you are Catholic. It's quite nice and quiet. Take time to sit and reflect. Thought it was interesting that they had QR codes on the back of each pew to donate, for the mass reading or for your mass offering.
A A (9 months ago)
I recently visited St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, and I was blown away by its beauty and grandeur. The cathedral's Gothic Revival architecture is simply stunning, and the intricate stonework and colorful stained glass windows are breathtaking. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings and a peaceful ambiance that makes it an excellent place for reflection and meditation. As a history buff, the cathedral's rich history piqued my interest, and I loved learning about its origins as a sanctuary for Catholic immigrants and how it has remained a symbol of resilience and faith over the years. It was fascinating to see how the building had endured many challenges, including fires and bombings, but how it had always prevailed as a beacon of hope and worship. Additionally, attending Mass at the cathedral was a beautiful and uplifting experience. The service was elegant, and the music was awe-inspiring, adding to the overall ambiance of the environment. Overall, St. Patrick's Cathedral is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New York City. This beautiful and historic landmark is a reflection of the city's diverse culture and is a testament to the beauty, power, and resilience of religious faith. I highly recommend a trip to this iconic landmark; it is worth every visit
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