St. Patrick's Cathedral

Exterior: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is an example par excellence of the American Gothic Revival style designed by Architect James Renwick. Construction of St. Patrick’s began in 1858 and continued, on and off, for nearly a half century. The pointed, ribbed vaults of the Cathedral spread the weight of the ceiling more evenly, allowing for walls that don’t need to hold as much weight and thus have bigger windows that lend to the natural light that famously floods the Cathedral.

Bronze Doors (Doors on 5th Ave.): The main, bronze doors that lead visitors into St. Patrick ’s Cathedral each weigh over 9,000 pounds. Astonishingly, they are so well balanced that they can be opened by one strong hand. Carved into their facades are figures representing both Saints as well as certain distinguished “blessed people.” They include New York’s own Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born Saint.

Sanctuary: The Sanctuary is one of the few areas of the Cathedral where a major renovation has ever taken place. Francis Cardinal Spellman, having renovated the area in the 1930s and 40s, replaced the former high altar and reredos that originally stood there. One of the most notable aspects of the Sanctuary that sets St. Patrick’s apart from other Roman Catholic Churches is the fact that there are two separate altars within the Sanctuary. In the 1980’s, John Cardinal O’Connor wanted to be closer to the pews and more connected and visible to the worshipers so he had the stone altar from the Holy Family Chapel moved in front of the main altar to where you see it today.

Crypt: In 1883, the remains of Archbishop Hughes, the visionary behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral, were solemnly transferred from the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral crypt to the newly finished crypt below the high altar here at 51st Street and Fifth Avenue. The crypt is the burial place for all of the archbishops who have served the Archdiocese of New York.

Five other individuals have been given the great honor of being interred in the crypt along with the former Archbishops of New York:

• Msgr. Michael Lavelle who served as Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral for 52 years.
• Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen who was one of the greatest and most loved communicators of the 20th century.
• Venerable Pierre Toussaint who was an Haitian Catholic slave born in 1766. He became one of the first Catholic philanthropists in New York.
• Archbishop John Maguire (Coadjutor Archbishop, 1965–1980; interred 1989)
• Archbishop Joseph F. Flannelly (Auxiliary Bishop, 1948–1969; interred 1973)

Lady Chapel: The Lady Chapel, despite its significance to the current population of visitors and parishioners, was not part of the Cathedral’s original plan. The Lady Chapel was built thanks to a bequest from the estate of Margaret and Eugene Kelly. She was the niece of Archbishop Hughes and he was one of the founders of Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1906.

Today the Lady Chapel is a place reserved for prayer and adoration. Those who visit in-person are asked to refrain from taking pictures out of respect for the presence of the Eucharist and for those in prayer.

Altar of the Sacred Heart – The painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe graces a prominent location at the Altar of the Sacred Heart just to the right of the Main Sanctuary. Our Lady’s image as the Patroness of the Americas draws more visitors to this altar than to any other area of the Cathedral.

The golden baldachin that hangs over the Guadalupe altar once stood on 4 poles above the Archbishops chair. It was moved by Cardinal Cooke because he felt that it was too lavish to be a decoration for the Archbishop’s seat.

Baptistery: The Baptistery was designed by John LaFarge, one of the most highly respected designers in the 19th century. As a result, the Baptistery is recognized as one of the most aesthetically inspiring areas within the Cathedral.

The Gift Shop -
51st Street Location
Located across the street from the Cathedral on 51st Street, the Gift Shop offer a large selection of religious and spiritual items including rosaries, statues, medals, prayer cards, books, children's giftware, and keepsake gifts made especially for the Cathedral. The rear of the Gift Shop also houses a historical display that features chalices, vestments, photos and articles from decades past.
All net proceeds from your purchase sustain the social outreach, educational, and pastoral ministry of the Cathedral, and support the upkeep and maintenance of St. Patrick's.

The Gift Shop -
The Annex
Located in the Cathedral itself, the Annex is tucked away near the 5th Avenue entrance. The Annex offers a variety of medals, rosary beads and prayer cards. The full selection of gift items available to visitors can be found in the main Gift Shop located across the street in 51st Street.