St. Patrick's Cathedral is an iconic landmark located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. This Roman Catholic cathedral, completed in 1878, serves as the seat of the Archbishop of New York. It is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.
The cathedral occupies an entire city block between 50th and 51st Streets and 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue. It features twin spires that rise 330 feet into the sky, making it one of the tallest structures in New York City at the time of its completion. The cathedral is constructed from white marble, sourced from quarries in New York and Massachusetts. The intricate details of the facade include numerous statues and carvings.
The interior of St. Patrick's Cathedral is equally impressive, with a seating capacity of about 2,400 people. The high altar, designed by Charles T. Mathews, features a bronze baldachin and a replica of Michelangelo's Pietà , which is 3/4 the size of the original. The cathedral also houses several chapels, including the Lady Chapel, which is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows.
The Great Organ is among the most remarkable features of the cathedral. Built by George Jardine & Son in 1930, it consists of over 7,855 pipes, making it one of the largest pipe organs in the world. There is also a smaller Chancel Organ, built by the same firm, which complements the larger instrument.
During the construction of the cathedral, the chief architect, James Renwick Jr., faced numerous challenges, including the American Civil War, which delayed the project. Renwick is also known for designing the Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C.
An interesting piece of trivia is that the cathedral's rectors have included several notable figures, such as Monsignor Michael Lavelle, who was influential in the early 20th century. The cathedral also hosted the funeral of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, a significant event in American history.
The cathedral underwent a major restoration from 2012 to 2015, costing approximately $177 million. This restoration aimed to address structural issues, clean the exterior marble, and restore the intricate interior details. The project was completed just in time for a visit by Pope Francis in September 2015.
St. Patrick's Cathedral remains a vital part of New York City's religious and cultural landscape, attracting millions of visitors annually. Despite its age and the challenges it has faced, the cathedral continues to stand as a testament to the architectural and spiritual aspirations of its creators.