St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and the largest religious building in New York City. Its twin spires reach a height of 101 metres, which in other cities of the world would undoubtedly make the cathedral one of the city's landmarks. In New York, however, the cathedral stands somewhat drowned among the surrounding skyscrapers climbing to more than twice its height.

The temple stands directly across from Rockefeller Center on the famous 5. Avenue.

Architecture and history

The cathedral is built in a unified neo-Gothic style inspired by similar buildings in Germany and France. It is the first neo-Gothic building in North America. The façade impresses with its expensive materials, of which white marble is the most prominent.

The interior also bears the pure characteristics of the neo-Gothic without any significant decoration, but with truly monumental proportions. The nave is over 120 metres long and 53 metres wide.

The church was built between 1858 and 1878.

Admission and opening hours

The cathedral is open to the public daily from 6:30 am to 8:45 pm. Masses take place up to 7 times a day, and ordinary tourists are allowed to enter during these services, but must be respectful and are of course not allowed in all parts of the interior.

Mass times on the official website: saintpatrickscathedral.org/masses

Admission is free.