St. Patrick's Cathedral, located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. This neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of New York. Constructed over a period from 1858 to 1878, the cathedral was designed by James Renwick Jr., a prominent American architect known for his work on the Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C.
The cathedral is located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. It is directly across from Rockefeller Center. The land for the cathedral was purchased for $11,000 in 1810 by the Jesuits, and it was initially intended to be the site of a Jesuit college. However, the land was later transferred to the diocese, and it became the site for the new cathedral.
Measuring 332 feet in length and 174 feet in width, the cathedral can accommodate about 2,400 people. Its spires rise 330 feet into the air, making it the tallest building in New York City at the time of its completion. The exterior is made of white marble from Tuckahoe, New York, and the interior features numerous altars and chapels dedicated to various saints.
One of the cathedral’s most notable features is its Great Organ. Originally installed in 1879, the organ has undergone several renovations. It boasts over 7,855 pipes, making it one of the largest in the United States. Another significant feature is the Rose Window, which is 26 feet in diameter and is made up of thousands of pieces of stained glass.
The cathedral also has a crypt where notable figures such as Pierre Toussaint, a former slave who became a philanthropist, are buried. Additionally, it is home to the tomb of Cardinal John McCloskey, the first American cardinal.
In 2012, the cathedral underwent a massive restoration that cost approximately $177 million. This restoration included cleaning the exterior, repairing the stained glass windows, and updating the lighting and sound systems. The project was completed in 2015, just in time for a visit from Pope Francis.
One lesser-known fact is that the cathedral was used as a place of refuge during the Draft Riots of 1863, which were the largest civil insurrections in American history outside of the Civil War. The church provided sanctuary to many fleeing the violence.
St. Patrick's Cathedral has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including "Spider-Man" and "The Godfather Part III". It remains a functioning church, holding daily masses and special events, drawing millions of visitors each year.
In summary, St. Patrick's Cathedral is not just a religious site but also a historical and architectural marvel that has played a significant role in the cultural and social fabric of New York City.