Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. It is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture, and it has the added attraction of facing Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. Work on the cathedral was begun in 1858, halted during the Civil War, and finally completed in 1879, though it has undergone significant changes and renovations since. It can accommodate over 2,000 people at once, and its spires rise 330 feet from street level. When it was originally built, it was far outside the populated section of New York City, and most people considered it to be a huge mistake to build it so far away from the people. In fact, it was called “Hughes’ Folly”, after Archbishop Hughes, who selected the site. Of course, the city grew around it, and it is now located at the geographic heart of Manhattan, just a short walk from many other NYC landmarks. The Cathedral is open to the public Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 8:45 PM, around the Mass schedule. For groups of 10 or more, an appointment should be made. There is also a gift shop located inside.

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