It was the idea of Archbishop John Hughes to build the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. When the construction was proposed, Archbishop Hughes said:

“..for the glory of Almighty God, for the honor of the Blessed and Immaculate Virgin, for the exaltation of Holy Mother Church, for the dignity of our ancient and glorious Catholic name, to erect a Cathedral in the City of New York that may be worthy of our increasing numbers, intelligence, and wealth as a religious community, and at all events, worthy as a public architectural monument, of the present and prospective crowns of this metropolis of the American continent.”

Built in 1858 and opened in 1879.

An international landmark built by the contributions of thousands of poor immigrants.

“A source of hope and solace in times of peace and plenty and war and sorrow.”

Annual visitors to the Cathedral is around 5 million.

Visiting Hours.

Cathedral
Daily: 6:30am to 8:45pm*

*The Cathedral is open until 10:00pm on the night of the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center.

Parish House Office Hours
(The Parish House Office is located at 14 East 51st Street)
Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am to 4:45pm

Gift Shops Hours
In the Cathedral: Daily 8:30am to 8:00pm
Storefront at 15 East 51st Street: Daily 10:00am to 6:00pm

Address.

Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets

See also: My other travel adventures.