St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is is a National Landmark visited by over 3 million people every year
Recognised as the centre of Catholic life in the United States, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of New York with an active and vibrant parish. The Gothic Revival Roman Catholic cathedral is a National Landmark located across the street from Rockefeller Center. The cornerstone was laid in 1858 with construction suspended until 1865 due to the Civil War. John Cardinal McCloskey, the first American Cardinal, opened the doors in 1879.
Each year over three million people visit St. Patrick's Cathedral to marvel at the beauty of its front towers and intricate stained glass windows crafted in Chartres, France modelled after the designs of its famous cathedral. The St. Michael alter and St. Louis alter were designed by Tiffany and Company with a third, the St. Elizabeth altar by Paolo Medici in Rome. A centrepiece of the artistic elements is the replica of Michelangelo's "Pieta," three times the size of the original.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is noted for its fine acoustics and houses two world famous organs installed in 1930 which still provide powerful accompaniment for church services. The Cathedral periodically hosts free concerts, the parish choir and guest artists. Visitors are also invited to join the congregation in mass celebrations held daily. Alternatively, between services, the building is open for self-guided tours. A gift shop is available at the rear of the Cathedral and benefit's the parish's charitable activities.
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily 6:30am - 8:45pm
Website: Saint Patricks Cathedral
Address: 5th Avenue between 50th Street and 51st Street
Nearby attractions: Theatre District, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Centre, Saks Fifth Avenue, Museum of Modern Art
The Spectacular Neo-Gothic St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City cc licensed flickr photo shared by Peter Kaminski
And the equally amazing interior cc licensed flickr photo shared by eviltomthai
