NYC: St. Patrick's Cathedral Tour

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Discover the remarkable architecture and rich history of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Explore the landmark with the help of an insightful audio guide, or on an exclusive guided tour.

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Highlights

Marvel at NYC's imposing St Patrick's Cathedral, active since 1879
Admire the largest decorated Gothic-style Catholic cathedral in the USA
Learn about the stories behind the stained glass and architecture

Description

St. Patrick's Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of New York and the seat of the Archbishop. Located on Fifth Avenue, across from Rockefeller Center, the sanctuary is the largest Gothic Catholic cathedral in the US. This New York City landmark, dedicated in 1879, welcomes more than five million visitors each year. With its 330-foot spires, it is one of the City's most spectacular architectural sights. Inside, it boasts a seating capacity of 2,400, numerous altars and stained-glass windows, and a giant organ with 7,855 pipes. Services are held daily and all are welcome, visitors and worshipers alike. To enjoy the audio tour option- Present your pass at the Cathedral tour desk, located inside the cathedral. Collect your multilingual audio guide provided on Apple iPads. Alternatively, download the guide onto your personal device and use your own headphones. Once inside, embark on an exploration at your own pace while listening to the narrated tour by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, lasting approximately 50 minutes. Pause the audio to admire the Lady Chapel, the soaring twin spires, and the impressive 9000 lbs bronze doors, operable by a single person. Explore further to discover the main altar, intricate stained-glass windows, and the larger-than-life Pieta sculpture, surpassing Michelangelo's masterpiece in scale. With 21 altars and 19 bells, each named after a different saint, immerse yourself in St. Patrick's Cathedral's rich history, hosting memorial masses for iconic figures like Babe Ruth, Andy Warhol, and Robert F. Kennedy. If the VIP guided tour option is selected, the tour can also be led by a knowledgeable cathedral historian, offering exclusive access to areas typically off-limits to the public. Begin your adventure at a private entrance, where you'll meet your guide and fellow explorers. Descend into the lower labyrinth of halls and staircases, uncovering the rich history and secrets of the cathedral. Visit the sacristy, located below the main altar, and get a rare glimpse of the crypt. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and answer any questions you may have. As you ascend the marble stairs, you'll find yourself in the heart of the cathedral, surrounded by its stunning architecture and artistry. The tour concludes in a central location, allowing you to continue exploring the cathedral or the vibrant city of New York at your leisure.

Includes

Audio guide (if option selected) Kids' audio guide in English (if option selected) Disposable earbuds (if option selected) Keepsake lanyard Historian guide (if option selected)

Important Information

All guests visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral are required to undergo security screening similar to airport procedures The final entry to the cathedral is permitted 1 hour before closing time A child-friendly audio guide is exclusively available in English It's advised to bring your own headphones, though disposable ones can be provided if needed Sanitized audio devices are provided at the cathedral for your convenience. Alternatively, you can download the audio tour onto your personal device from the App Store or Google Play Consider allowing up to 1.5 hours for your visit for audio tour