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Bryn Athyn Cathedral Review

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Bryn Athyn Cathedral

Address: Rte. 232, Huntingdon Pike at Cathedral Rd., Bryn Athyn, PA | Map It
Directions: 15 mi north of Center City
Phone: 215/947-0266
www.brynathyncathedral.org

Category: Religious Sites
Location: Bryn Athyn

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Fodor's Review:

At one of the most beautiful spots in the Philadelphia area, atop a hill overlooking the Pennypack Valley, stands a spectacular cathedral built in 12th-century Romanesque and 14th-century Gothic styles. The cathedral is the Episcopal seat of the Church of the New Jerusalem, a sect based on the writings of the Swedish scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772). The main patrons of the church are descendants of John Pitcairn, an industrialist who made his fortune in paint and plate glass. Construction of the cathedral began in 1914 and went on for decades. It was built according to the medieval guild system: all materials—wood, metal, glass, stone—were brought to craftspeople at the site, and everything was fashioned by hand. The stained glass includes two colors, striated ruby and cobalt blue, found nowhere else in the Americas. From Center City, go north on Broad Street to Route 611, right on County Line Road, and south on Route 232 to the second traffic light; the cathedral will be on your right.

Cost: Free
Open: Tues.-Sun. 1-4; services Sun. 9:30 and 11

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