St Patrick's Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic Church in America, seating a total of 2,500 people. When Archbishop John Hughes announced in 1850 that he was to commission architect James Renwick to build the cathedral many laughed at the idea as the location was far from the then city of Manhattan.
However, Hughes was not to be dissuaded and prophetically pressed ahead with his belief that his cathedral would one day lie in the 'heart of the city.' Seeing the cathedral now, squeezed in amongst the surrounding skyscrapers, it's hard to imagine that its location was ever seen as an act of folly.
The cathedral is a classic in revival gothic architecture, and is evocative of Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Work began in 1858, and the eight year project extended over 30 years. Dedicated in 1879, the cathedral was only fully completed, when its 330ft (100m) spires were added in 1888.
Entrance into the vast nave is reached through triple openings, each with their own bronze doors. Marble pillars support the cross ribbed vault which rises 100ft above the nave floor. Coloured light filters into the nave through the many stained glass arched windows and the cathedral's large rose window.
Two of New York City's major parades, Easter and St Patrick's, begin at the cathedral.
Address
East side of Fifth Avenue
between 50th and 51st Streets
Tel: 212-753-2261
Opening Hours
Daily: 6:30am to 8:45pm
How to Get There
Subway: B, D or F train to 42nd-50th St, Rockefeller Center
External Links
St Patrick's Cathedral
|
