St. Patrick's Cathedral Guide (The Best Things to See & What to Know!) (2024)

This roundup of the best things to see at St. Patrick’s Cathedralwas written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).

Encompassing an entire city block and stopping folks in their tracks since 1879, St. Patrick’s Cathedral stands as one of the most beautiful churches in America. The Catholic church is open to the public, welcoming as many as 5 million annual visitors.

In this St. Patrick’s Cathedral guide, I am to help some of you potential visitors make the most of your trip. I’ll chat about the best things to see, the brief history of the church, and offer photos (like a mini tour). We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s jump in!

Visiting New York City?If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide onWhere to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time?Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC,hands down.

Tips for Visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC

Choose the right time:St. Patrick’s Cathedral is free and open to the public, so it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during religious services. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience.

Dress respectfully:While there’s no strict dress code, remember it’s a place of worship. Opt for modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees, you’re also not allowed to wear hats inside.

Take a guided tour:Guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the cathedral’s history, architecture, and significance. A 50-minute,self-guided audio touris available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese (and a kid version of the tour, too), andVIP guided toursare offered once daily.

Capture memories responsibly:Photography is allowed in most areas, but be mindful of others and avoid using flash. Also, if your camera has silent shutter mode, it’s best to turn it on.

Mass Schedule at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Monday – Friday: 7am, 7:30am, 8am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm & 5:30pm
Saturday: 8am, 12pm & 5:30pm
Sunday: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10:15am (Solemn), 12pm, 1pm,4pm (Spanish), 5pm

Any time the doors are open, guests are welcome to step in and admire St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Folks who want to visit but don’t want to participate in a church service should schedule their visits around the mass times.

Best Things to See at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Admire the Exterior of the Cathedral

Soaring above Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s facade is a Neo-Gothic gem. Its white marble is bright and made to represent purity and light.The church is adorned with intricate carvings of saints, gargoyles (representing good and evil), and spires reaching 330 feet.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral has three bronze doors at its entrance that were cast in Florence, Italy. The intricate metalwork depicts biblical scenes and saints. Above the door sits the rose window, made up of 3,000 pieces of stained glass(more on that further down this St. Patrick’s Cathedral guide).

Like most Catholic churches, the church is cruciform (looks like a cross from above). To illustrate, the cathedral’s main entrance is the cross’s base, and those who take the time to walk the perimeter (which encompasses an entire city block) will notice entrances at each of the cross’s extremities.

The Nave

Soaring to a height of 110 feet, the nave of St. Patrick Cathedral in New York City is a sight to behold. Sunlight streams through the magnificent stained glass windows, casting vibrant hues across the floor. Each window tells a biblical story, adding layers of color and narrative to the space.

Slender marble pillars line the central aisle, supporting the ribbed vaults overhead. Look closely at the ornate carvings on the pillars and capitals, depicting religious figures, symbols, and biblical scenes. The floor is adorned with intricate mosaics depicting holy scenes, further enriching the visual experience.

The Rose Window

St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s rose window (which are common fixtures in Gothic cathedrals) sits majestically above the main entrance, dominating the facade and drawing the eye upwards. Measuring 26 feet and using 3,000 pieces of hand-cut stained glass, it’s one of the largest rose windows in the Americas.

The window is divided into 12 outer sections, each depicting a scene from the life of Christ, starting with the Annunciation and culminating in the Ascension. These scenes are further divided into smaller sections, showcasing intricate details and biblical figures.

Beyond the literal depiction of biblical scenes, the window also incorporates symbolic elements. The circular shape symbolizes eternity, while the use of light and color represents divine illumination and hope. The rose itself, a symbol of the Virgin Mary, adds a layer of Marian devotion to the window.

The Lady Chapel

Added to the church in 1906, the Lady Chapel in St. Patrick’s Cathedral is dedicated to the the Virgin Mary. Compared to the grand scale of the cathedral, the Lady Chapel feels smaller and more intimate, creating an environment ripe for quiet contemplation and prayer.

The focal point is the stunning altar, adorned with intricate carvings, marble statues, and a magnificent baldachin (canopy) supported by slender columns. Sunlight streams through the ornate stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the life of Mary and Jesus.

Look beyond the windows to discover intricate mosaics on the floor, and the walls are also adorned with paintings and sculptures. The Pieta sculpture, a moving depiction of Mary holding the body of Christ, invites quiet reflection and contemplation. The Lady Chapel often hosts weddings, baptisms, and special services, adding a layer of joy and celebration to its sacred purpose.

The Saint Michael Chapel

Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, this chapel celebrates the protector of good against evil. The theme is evident in its stained glass window, depicting the Archangel in a fierce battle with a dragon. Sunlight streaming through the window casts a dramatic light on the space, highlighting the battle’s intensity.

The chapel has a strong connection to the military, evident in the American flags adorning the walls and the memorial plaques honoring fallen soldiers. This creates a solemn atmosphere dedicated to service and sacrifice. Saint Michael’s Chapel sometimes hosts military ceremonies and services, further solidifying its connection to those who serve.

The Crypt

Under the high altar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral lies a crypt where every Archbishop of New York is entombed. The crypt is accessible through doors behind the high altar. The entrance was originally concealed by a heavy stone slab requiring six people to lift it.

Large bronze letters inscribed with the names of those interred decorate the crypt doors. Measuring approximately 21 feet in length, 10 feet in height, and a width of 10 feet between rows of coffins, the crypt has a square layout and enough space for either 24 or 42 individuals.

The Brief History of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City has a rich history dating back to its construction. The project broke ground in 1858 under architect James Renwick Jr., and completed in 1878. The cathedral has since undergone various updates and renovations (most recently in 2015 to the tune of $200 million) to maintain its structural integrity and preserve its historical significance.

Throughout its existence, St. Patrick’s has been the backdrop for numerous significant events, including the funeral Masses of notable figures like Robert F. Kennedy and commemorations for victims of tragic events such as September 11th, 2001. It remains a vital spiritual and cultural hub, serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and a symbol of faith for millions of worshippers and visitors alike.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Guide: Fun Facts

• It took 21 years to build the entire cathedral, with construction pausing for the Civil War.
• Founder Archbishop Hughes’ coat of arms can be found above the central window.
• Over 1 million bricks were used in its construction, and the main doors weigh 9,200 pounds each!
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral has 103 windows in total.
• Nineteen bells at St. Patrick’s Cathedral were created in France and installed in 1897.
• There are twelve chapels in the side aisles.
• The Saint Louis and the Saint Michael altars were designed byTiffany & Co.
• The cathedral has a capacity of 2,400
• The busts of Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, John Paul II, and Paul VI stand near the church entrance. All the popes visited the cathedral.
• One million prayer candles are lit at the cathedral annually, creating a truly breathtaking sight.
• Several famous personalities have held their requiem masses (a Catholic funeral) here. Some notable names include Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, and even Celia Cruz, the “Queen of Salsa.”
• The observation deck at the top of one of the spires was once open to the public, offering breathtaking views of the city (sadly, it’s no longer accessible).
• The bronze rat near the 5th Avenue entrance brings good luck if you rub its nose!
• As of 2023, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan is the archbishop of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Guide (Post Summary)

• The Exterior
• Nave
• The Rose Window
• The Lady Chapel
• Saint Michael Chapel
• The Crypt

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And there you have it, my friends. My first-hand list of the best things to see at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Enjoy your visit to the beautiful church, until next time,

Alejandro.