Marvel at the neo-Gothic twin spires of one of the largest Catholic churches in the United States and light a candle beside the acclaimed religious artworks.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral NYC is a spectacular 19th-century church steeped in tradition and known for its impressive works of art and stained-glass windows. The tall neo-Gothic masterpiece overlooking the plaza on Fifth Avenue features an intricate façade and bristly towers. Capture photos of the iconic cathedral and its spacious interior.
Arrive on the steps in front of the portal and gaze up at the stunning twin spires that are 330 feet (100 meters) tall. Admire the intriguing sculptures of significant ecclesiastical figures that adorn the door, which stands beneath a giant rose window.
Enter the church to see its large nave with a Latin cross floor plan that is 330 feet (100 meters) long with a 174-foot (53-meter) transept. The interior has a design typical of English churches, with wonderful stained-glass windows by artists from France and England. See the tomb for the country’s first native-born saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was born in the late 1700s and founded a Catholic school for girls.
The church’s acclaimed Pietà is three times larger than Michelangelo’s equivalent. See the Stations of the Cross and inspect the bust of Pope John Paul II.
The large interior can accommodate about 3,000 people. The building was completed near the end of the 1800s after decades of construction. At the time, it was among the tallest structures in the area but it is today dwarfed by surrounding skyscrapers.
Browse the intriguing religious items and souvenirs in the cathedral’s gift shop. Enter the church for free and pay a small donation to light a candle for a special prayer. Note that Mass takes place here several times per day during the week. Check the cathedral’s website for more information.
Find St. Patrick’s Cathedral a few blocks south of Central Park in the southern end of Midtown Manhattan. Take the subway to Midtown and walk a few blocks to get to the church. See nearby attractions, such as the Rockefeller Center and the giant bronze Atlas overlooking the ice rink or summer garden in front of the building.
