Located across another New York City landmark (Rockefeller Center), St. Patrick?s Cathedral is a neo-gothic inspired church in Midtown Manhattan between 50th and 51st streets. It is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States and where the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York is housed.

The current St. Patrick?s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan is actually the second St. Patrick?s Cathedral. The original church was inaugurated in 1815 in Mulberry Street in lower Manhattan. The catholic population of New York City continued to increase so in 1853, so then Archbishop John Hughes decided that they should have a bigger worship place. The neo-gothic architectural design of the new cathedral patterned after a church in Cologne, Germany was so grand that Archbishop Hughes was criticized. Nevertheless, its cornerstone was laid out on August 15, 1858. The construction of St. Patrick?s Cathedral stopped temporarily because of the Civil War which was recommenced in 1865. The cathedral was dedicated on May 25, 1979, 15 years after the death of Archbishop Hughes.

A lavish Lady Chapel was added in 1900 accented by beautiful stained glass windows imported from England. The windows alone took 25 years to be completed. A pieta can is situated near the chapel which is three times the size of the famous pieta in St. Peter?s Basilica in Rome made by renowned artist Michelangelo. It is also where the tomb of the foremost American saint ? St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ? can be found. Other breathtaking features of the St. Patrick?s Cathedral include the nine-tonne bronze door planked by impressive sculptures, a humongous rose window, the altar dedicated to Saint Michael and Saint Louis crafted by Tiffany & Co. and the church?s primary organ.

The spires of St. Patrick?s Cathedral reach 330 feet, but these look small if set against the towering skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan. As a testament to its magnanimity, it occupies one whole block and can accommodate 2,200 church goers at a single time. Several masses are held here every day. For non-Catholics, the church is still a must see in New York City for its sheer architectural magnificence.