5th Ave
Completed in 1879, this magnificent building’s neo-gothic aesthetic contrasts sharply with the Art Deco Rockefeller Center, drawing the attention of anyone strolling along fifth avenue. This imposing building attracts more than 5 million visitors each year for prayer, mass, or simply to appreciate the beautiful architecture.
This cathedral was constructed in order to be able to house the ever increasing population of Catholic immigrants in the city, as the original St. Patrick’s Cathedral in today’s Lower Manhattan had become too small for the population. Although construction of the cathedral began in 1858, it was put on pause due to the Civil War and only started back up in 1865.
Declared as a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the cathedral is the focus of attention during midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Easter Parade, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the city. What’s incredibly interesting about this cathedral is that it contains almost 9000 pipes, most of which are above the entrance and can be controlled.
