History of Saint Patrick's Cathedral
The first stone of Caen for Saint-Patrick's Cathedral was laid 1858 , but because of the Civil War, its construction was stopped for several years. It resumed in 1865 and finished in 1878, 20 years later after laying the first stone.
This is thanks to the plans of architect James Renwick Jr. that the Cathedral was erected and its location was not chosen at random: next to the chosen land was the orphanage of the diocese.
But over the years, Saint Patrick's Cathedral has known some improvements and elements were added such as its two spiers 100 meters high which were installed in 1888 or its towers also built in 1888.
In total, Saint Patrick's Cathedral measures 123 meters long and 84 meters wide. Its highest point rises to 101 meters. Each year, this monument attracts more than 5.5 million visitors and devotees.
Saint-Patrick's Cathedral can therefore be visited (in the past, its doors remained closed) and another advantage: it is located on Fifth Avenue steps away from other must-see New York landmarks like Grand Central Terminal and Central Park!
Visit the exterior and interior of the Cathedral
Whether inside or out, Saint Patrick's Cathedral is impressive!
Once in front, you will discover neo-gothic style in all its splendor and once inside, you can only be surprised by the style, the volumes and the riches. You will discover in particular magnificent ceilings, 3700 stained glass windows and the replica of Michelangelo's Pietà, much more incredible than the original statue (that of the Cathedral is three times the size). Of works from all over the world can also be admired as well as a bust of John Paul II installed at the back of the building, in memory of his visit in 1979.
A Stations of the Cross carved out of Caen stone will not fail to impress you either (the latter won an artistic prize in 1893 at the Universal Exhibition in Chicago) and in the choir, a bronze canopy can also be seen.
Also, before leaving and near the main entrance, don't forget to look up! You may see a very beautiful rosette and one impressive organ.
The interior of St. Patrick's Cathedral is therefore impressive, but the most moving moment of your visit will be when you pass by the graves of the eight archbishops of New York. They are buried in a crypt built in the old high altar.
As you will have understood, a visit to Saint Patrick's Cathedral is therefore essential. You will discover many treasures there and today, this monument is also the place of major events.
A coveted monument!
St. Patrick's Cathedral reached eleventh place out of 150 according to a list of the favorite monuments of Americans; a very beautiful position which proves that Saint-Patrick's Cathedral is a very popular building!
This monument also appeared in several films like The Godfather and the Gremlins 2: The Next Generation. In the novels Also, Saint-Patrick's Cathedral has been mentioned several times: in the book Cathedral by Nelson DeMille, in Step on a crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge or in In St. Patrick's custody: a Patrick and Grace mystery by Janet Elaine Smith .
Practical information for visiting this New York monument
Do you want to visit Saint-Patrick's Cathedral? You will inevitably find a time to go there since it is open every day from 6 a.m. to 30 p.m.. For masses, here are the times: 17:30 p.m. on Saturday, 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (mass accompanied by choir), 12 p.m., 13 p.m., 16 p.m. (in Spanish) and 17:30 p.m. on Sunday and 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m. 13 p.m. and 17 p.m. during the week.
The Cathedral is located on Fifth Avenue and its entrance is completely free.
Here is its location:
Conquering the surroundings of the Cathedral!
Built on Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral is located near other iconic New York landmarks. After your visit, do not hesitate to explore the other buildings!
Among them, you can find the Rockefeller Center et son Top of the Rock, an observation post that offers you a magnificent view of the city (all its information is here). Another unmissable monument: the Flatiron Building, the famous monument in the shape of an iron and whose Art Nouveau architecture of the Beaux Arts will not fail to impress you.
Also take advantage of being on Fifth Avenue to do some shopping. On Fifth Avenue, many shops await you for a successful window shopping ! 4 kilometers long, this unmissable avenue is bordered by famous stores like Niketown and Applestore, but also by luxury boutiques. So on Fifth Avenue there is something for all tastes and all budgets!
Want to rest? Go to Central Park ! If the weather is nice, you can sunbathe and have a picnic, but if you're in New York in the winter, take the opportunity to go for one of the rinks set up in the park (here's the full article on Central Park for all the activities offered according to the seasons).
Finally, if you're feeling peckish, I'll meet you at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. You can taste the best burgers in New York!
You can now explore the famous Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York! Take your camera with you to immortalize your visit!
