Fodor's Expert Review St. Patrick's Cathedral
This Gothic-style edifice is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States, seating approximately 2,400 people, and marked by double spires rising 330 feet. "St. Pat's," as locals call it, provides a calm and quiet refuge in the heart of buzzy Midtown, despite the throngs of tourists: the cathedral receives more than 5.5 million visitors annually.
The church dates 1858–79, but it was beautifully restored thanks to a major rehabilitation project completed in 2015. Highlights include the choir gallery's century-old organ, with its 7,855 pipes; the famous rose window, considered stained-glass artist Charles Connick's greatest work; and the ornately carved bronze double doors, each weighing 9,200 pounds. In the alcoves around the nave, there is a modern depiction of the first American-born saint, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. The church's Pietà sculpture is three times larger than the version at St. Peter's in Rome.
Daily masses are open and free to the public... READ MORE
This Gothic-style edifice is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States, seating approximately 2,400 people, and marked by double spires rising 330 feet. "St. Pat's," as locals call it, provides a calm and quiet refuge in the heart of buzzy Midtown, despite the throngs of tourists: the cathedral receives more than 5.5 million visitors annually.
The church dates 1858–79, but it was beautifully restored thanks to a major rehabilitation project completed in 2015. Highlights include the choir gallery's century-old organ, with its 7,855 pipes; the famous rose window, considered stained-glass artist Charles Connick's greatest work; and the ornately carved bronze double doors, each weighing 9,200 pounds. In the alcoves around the nave, there is a modern depiction of the first American-born saint, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. The church's Pietà sculpture is three times larger than the version at St. Peter's in Rome.
Daily masses are open and free to the public (check the schedule online) with the exception of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, which is a ticketed event. Self-guided audio tours ($25) are available daily 9 am to 5 pm; advance purchase is recommended.
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