One of the most famous and distinctive landmarks in New York City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral occupies the entire block immediately west of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel between 50th and 51st St. As the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and the largest Neo-Gothic-style cathedral in all of North America, St. Patrick’s can be quite imposing, especially when viewed from the 5th Avenue entrance, where onlookers can gaze up in wonder at the twin 329.5-foot spires that rise like centurions on either side of the impressive façade. Seen from above, St. Patrick’s resembles a cross (as is the case with many grand cathedrals), with the tip pointed toward Madison Avenue and the Lotte Hotel. Prominent altars inside the cathedral were designed by Roman artist Paolo Medici and Tiffany & Company, while renowned stained-glass artist Charles Connick fashioned the iconic rose window. Guided public tours are available sporadically throughout the week, and groups of ten or more can call ahead to reserve a guided private tour.
Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022