Rivaling other grand catholic basilicas in the United States, the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul is one of the most popular places of worship in the City of Brotherly Love. Conceptualized in in 1846, the aesthetic of the cathedral which is also the primary church of the Philadelphia archdioceses was patterned after the Lombard Church of St. Charles found in Rome. Philadelphia was given the funding to build the church after the 41st International Eucharistic Congress was held in the city. Its cornerstone was laid on September 6, 1846 and was dedicated on November 20, 1864. It took almost 18 years for the church to be finished and officially gained basilica status in 1976.

Being within the premises of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul is like being transported to the peak of the ancient Catholic faith. Its quaint brownstone appearance gives it an old-charming appeal. The basilica boast of a majestic 60-foot dome with an 11-foot gold cross sitting on it.

The main aesthetic element of the fa?ade of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul are the four towering Corinthian-inspired columns. These masterfully build pillars are complemented by four marvelous sculptures namely Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Mary the Mother of Jesus and the Sacred Heart. Worshippers are welcomed by grand doors made from bronze as well as its handrails which were added to the cathedral after undergoing renovation.

The Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul can accommodate up to 1,240 church-goers who can sit comfortably on its pews carved out of walnut. The interior space is cross-shaped and hides more ornate and expertly made ornamentations such as the mosaics found on its underside. The canopy hovering over the altar is sculpted from old marble sourced from Italy, while under it, a crypt holding the remains of Philadelphia?s bishops and archbishops can be found. Adding to the splendor of the cathedral are six 40-foot high pillars set against its semi-dome. As with any other Catholic churches, the basilica also boasts of majestic stained glass windows as well as mosaic murals in honor of the centennial celebration of the Philadelphian archdiocese.