St. Patrick's is the largest Gothic Catholic cathedral in the United States. It was designed by James Renwick, based on French Gothic, and built over a substantial period of time, from 1858-1879, with the towers added in 1888. The cathedral and its ancillary buildings occupy an entire city block, spanning from 50th to 51st Street, 5th Avenue to Madison Avenue. Interestingly, at the time of its construction under the stewardship of Archbishop John Hughes, the proposed site was ridiculed as "Hughes Folly" - the area was a near wilderness, with slaughter houses and cattle yards. Hughes persisted, believing that this site would one day be "in the heart of the city." The Cathedral is obviously a huge subject with many famed features - its pieta, burial crypt, organs, stained glass, altars, and architectural details. So if you are interested in learning more, I leave it to you to explore online and, of course, to visit in person...
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's is the largest Gothic Catholic cathedral in the United States. It was designed by James Renwick, based on French Gothic, and built over a substantial period of time, from 1858-1879, with the towers added in 1888. The cathedral and its ancillary buildings occupy an entire city block, spanning from 50th to 51st Street, 5th Avenue to Madison Avenue. Interestingly, at the time of its construction under the stewardship of Archbishop John Hughes, the proposed site was ridiculed as "Hughes Folly" - the area was a near wilderness, with slaughter houses and cattle yards. Hughes persisted, believing that this site would one day be "in the heart of the city." The Cathedral is obviously a huge subject with many famed features - its pieta, burial crypt, organs, stained glass, altars, and architectural details. So if you are interested in learning more, I leave it to you to explore online and, of course, to visit in person...
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7 comments:
Truly a magnificent structure and a nice history lesson too!
Thanks. Certainly this is one of NYC's most known spots, but one does need to see it.
Brian
Look at all those people. I've never been there...can you believe it? The next time I'm in NYC, I'll make sure I go over your site to remind myself of places I need to visit.
By the way, there was something mentioned about "fan pop" on Porto Daily Photo on the comments page. You might want to check it out (the links are there). Apparently, it is a way to let people who love NYC know about your site.
How come there are flags in churches? I've never seen this before!
Great shot of a wonderful structure.
Susan- thanks I will check int fan pop.
Marjorie - I noticed the flags too, but I am not sure why they are there.
Kate - thanks.
I love visint St. Patrick's Cathedral, especially for Chirstmas. It's majestic and fills you with this feeling of wonder.
Great photo, I always forget to bring my camera when i go.
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