St. Patrick's Cathedral and Complex

Hosting more than 3 million visitors per year, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Complex houses the Archdiocese of New York. Completed in 1869 after a break in construction prompted by the Civil War, great care has been taken to maintain and restore the cathedral to its original neo-Gothic glory. In 1976, the site became an official National Historical Landmark.

The cathedral has a long-running significance in Irish American culture. Built in a now-affluent area, the practicing Irish Catholics of pre- and post-Civil War New York claimed a Fifth Avenue spot for their holiest location. Originally, the location was considered remote, stationed away from the more populous areas of the city. The cathedral was constructed with several $1,000 donations as well as penny donations collected from Irish immigrants.

An architectural marble, the building is actually constructed out of brick and is located near Rockefeller Center. Like many buildings in New York, St. Patrick’s Cathedral features a façade (this one being marble). The cathedral’s interior elements are a true combination of Europe and New York—some furnishings provided by designers in Rome, others by New York companies such as Tiffany & Co. Architectural elements such as slate and marble come from American locations. Saints’ scenes also decorate the walls of the cathedral.

This building also houses a crypt beneath the main floor. Interred and entombed are past notable religious figures including most of the archbishops of New York as well as some bishops and other important religious figures. In 1888, the cathedral received its twin spires. In the 1920s and 1970s, two large renovation projects took effect, updating the structure and the cathedral’s organs.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, St. Patrick’s served as the site of many funerary masses for fallen fire and police officers. Many visitors report an overall feeling of openness and acceptance in St. Patrick’s not necessarily present in other cathedrals or religious institutions.

Individuals are welcome to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral during open hours. Groups of 10 or more may receive a guided tour by the cathedral staff. 

 

- by Tara M. Clapper, New York Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper is a full-time freelance writer residing just outside of Philadelphia. Tara enjoys exploring traditional and historical locations in the city as well as quirky and innovative restaurants and attractions. Tara utilizes her background in academic, service-based and traditional publishing to create insider-perspective articles. Her topics of interest include travel, weddings, Irish American culture, and geek subculture.