5th avenue (between 50^e and 51^e st)

St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built well before this part of the city was developed, creating many questions among the population regarding the choice of location, which was, at the time, surrounded by agricultural land. Hard to believe when you realize that the religious building is in the heart of Manhattan, just across the street from Rockefeller Center.

More than twenty years were necessary to complete a large part of the construction which was inaugurated in 1879. The spires were added in 1888, the Lady Chapel was completed in 1906 and the cathedral was consecrated on October 5, 1910 by Pope Pius VII. Since 1976, this magnificent place of worship has been classified as a national monument.

Do you know that there is an old St. Patrick’s Cathedral? Indeed, the first version is located at the corner of Prince and Mott streets.

Its Gothic architecture is remarkable, its exterior is enough to be amazed. The doors made of wood are covered in brass and approximately 4 inches of bronze casting are a work in themselves and include six sculptures: Those of Saint Joseph (patron of the church), Saint Patrick (patron of this church), Saint Isaac Jogues martyr (first priest of New York), Saint Frances X Cabrini (patroness of immigrants), Ven. Kateri Tekakwitha (Lily of the Mohawks) and Elizabeth Anne Seton (Mother of New York). The impost pays homage to Jesus, his 12 apostles, Mary, Joseph and two angels. The gates were restored in 2013 and 5th Avenue had to be closed to move them and a gantry was installed to put them back. They are very heavy, 9,200 pounds each.

If you can visit its interior, go for it. The central nave as well as the side aisles have a ceiling with a ribbed vault on a background of smooth beige stones in three tones which gives an impression of depth. The side aisles have a lower height than the central one. The crossings of the ribs are embellished with floral details. The columns are impressive with rounded shapes (clustered pillars with small shafts attached around them).

You can admire the stained glass windows (note the high windows too), the 26-foot rose window (above the main door), access to the crypt of the archbishops of New York which is located behind the main altar, and everything around it, including the altars pay homage to different saints. I noticed Saint Anthony of Padua, Mother Theresa (Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus), Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (first saint born on American soil), Our Lady of Guadeloupe, Saint John the Baptist, the mosaic of Saint Patrick and I’m missing some. There is a beautiful tribute to women around the church choir.

The cathedral is a popular venue for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Hat Parade at the Easter Parade. The cathedral can accommodate 2400 people and is worth a visit.

Access is free.

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