St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York

Many consider St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York to be one of the cities most prominent landmarks. With its central location on Fifth Avenue right across from Rockefeller Center, this massive cathedral is impossible to miss! St. Patrick’s dates back to the 19th Century and is the largest Neo-Gothic cathedral in North America.

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The Beginning of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s initial location was on Mulberry Street. However, in 1853 the cathedral became too small to house its growing number of devotees, it became time to move. So, commissioner, Archbishop Hughes suggested, that moving Uptown would be the best opportunity for expansion. However, at first, this idea was not welcomed. At the time this area was too far away from the city centre. He predicted that this part of town would soon become the heart of the city. It seems like he was right! As a result, the first cornerstone of the cathedral as we know it was laid in 1858. Today Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is located in Midtown, steps away from other New York landmarks including Central Park and Grand Central Terminal.

Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral looks impressive both from the inside and the outside. The doors of the cathedral used to be closed, but nowadays they are kept open for visitors. Go inside and admire the high ceilings, the 3,700 stained glass panels and the replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà (three times larger than the original). There are also artworks made by artisans from all over the world. It can accommodate up to 3,000 people and from the ground to the spires it’s 330 feet tall.

Eric’s Tip: “What I find most unique about St. Patrick’s is its location. This magnificent building stands in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue and all the luxurious shops. It’s such a contrast, typical for New York.”

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour

You can explore St. Patrick’s Cathedral with an audio tour. The voice of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, virtually guides you through the church. In about one hour, he will tell you all about the rich history and architecture of the building. The tour is included with the New York Sightseeing Passes.

Book the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Audio Tour here

Practical Information

Opening hours: daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Free entrance

Is St. Patrick's Cathedral open to public?

St. Patrick's Cathedral is open to the public from early morning to late evening seven days a week.

Is St. Patrick's Cathedral free to visit?

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is free to visit. You can also take a guided tour. Read more here.

What is St. Patrick's Cathedral famous for?

With its central location among the skyscrapers, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a New York landmark. It's the largest Neo-Gothic cathedral in North America.

Posted in Buildings and Bridges in New York

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