St. Patrick's Cathedral Location: Fifth Ave. between 50th and 51st. This Roman Catholic cathedral was finished in the High Gothic style in 1888 and dedicated to Saint Patrick in 1910. The addition of the Lady Chapel at the east end was completed in 1905. With its two slender spires rising to 330 feet and the Rose window above the main doorway, it’s an inspiring sight on even the darkest of nights.
The interior can seat a congregation of 2500 under exquisite vaulting supported by massive marble columns. Stained glass windows throw their brilliant light across rich, polished wood pews, which face a high altar and baldachin which was consecrated in 1942. Numerous side altars honoring various saints line the nave. At the east end of the cathedral, flanking the choir, are the neo-Gothic presbytery and the residence of the Archbishop of New York, both built in 1880. The entrance to the crypt and sacristies are behind the main altar. |  |