The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

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About The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

Address

263 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10012

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Website

https://oldcathedral.o…

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Reviews for The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

Digital Hassan — Two weeks ago, I embarked on an enriching journey into the heart of Little Italy, NYC, visiting the Old St Patrick Cathedral. This historic Basilica is more than just a place of worship—it's a time capsule, preserving an invaluable piece of the city's heritage.

The guided tour is a comprehensive... Read more 90-minute deep dive into the church's history, architecture, and artifacts. It begins with a compelling 15-minute video that sets the stage for what to expect. The anticipation builds as the video ends, making way for natural exploration.

Joseph-François Mangin's brilliant design adorns the cathedral, established between 1809 and 1815. The Gothic Revival style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, comes to life in this magnificent structure. But the cathedral's allure is not just limited to its architectural prowess. The array of statues, paintings, and altarpieces tell a tale of faith and devotion that has spanned centuries.

The tour is not just confined to the cathedral's interior. The historic cemetery established in 1815, the same year the church was founded, offers a profoundly moving experience. It is the final resting place for many eminent New Yorkers, including Pierre Toussaint, John Hughes, and Joseph-François Mangin.

The cemetery is divided into two sections: the upper and the lower. The upper cemetery, visible from the church grounds, is adorned with various grave markers made from marble, granite, and sandstone. All grave markers, including headstones, footstones, and monuments, are decorated with distinctive symbols, family emblems, and personalized inscriptions. These markers add a personal touch to the sea of memorials.

The lower cemetery, tucked away beneath the church, is home to catacombs. This labyrinth of underground tunnels used for interment is a profound testament to the past. The catacombs are lined with niches, their marble slabs engraved with names, serving as quiet reminders of the lives lived and the legacies left behind.

The Old St Patrick Cathedral remained the seat of the archdiocese until the current St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan opened its doors in 1879. Despite this, its historical and spiritual significance has not diminished but instead grown with time.

My visit to the Old St Patrick Cathedral was more than a tour—it was a profound experience, a journey into the past marked by faith, family, and reverence for those who walked the path before us. The guides were well-informed and passionate, enriching the tour with fascinating insights.

This place is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and seekers of profound experiences alike. Read less

Reviewed on Google on May 13, 2023, 6:25 p.m.

Ahu K — We enjoyed the catacombs tour. The Basilica is a real piece of art itself and did you know Godfather was filmed here? Also our guide knew the history of New York so well, it was amazing to hear about the history and everything about the area and the Basilica. There is not much walking during the tour... Read more

Reviewed on Google on March 9, 2023, 6:28 a.m.

M M — We took a tour thru Tommy's of NYC. Mike was our guide and he was great. This is a total hidden gem. I love doing off the beaten path stuff like this. Super interesting and the catacombs are unique to see.

Reviewed on Google on Oct. 15, 2022, 7:53 a.m.

Theresa Fassig Normil — Beautiful original St. Patrick’s! Loved the history, the tour, and the building was magnificent. Light a candle and say a prayer. Worth the visit. There’s a tour of the catacombs and I recommend that as well. Loved it all!

Reviewed on Google on Sept. 10, 2021, 9:54 a.m.

Desiree Barcklow — My wife and I did a tour of the Catacombs, and it was a very educational, fun experience. The church itself is beautiful and it was quite interesting to learn all that we had.

Reviewed on Google on July 15, 2021, 3:43 a.m.