Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul image

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Tourist attraction Catholic church Place of worship Shrine Cathedral Catholic cathedral

Ornate, circa-1864 Catholic church with Roman-Corinthian architecture & a massive pipe organ. People often mention beautiful, church, visit, mass, Cathedral, Philadelphia, architecture, cathedral, absolutely,


Address

1723 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States

Website

cathedralphila.org

Contact

+1 215-561-1313

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 7:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beautiful (23) church (13) visit (10) mass (10) Cathedral (9) Philadelphia (9) architecture (9) cathedral (7) absolutely (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 David L. 1 year ago on Google • 48 reviews
    The Cathedral may not look like much from the outside, but once you enter the church, the size and beauty of it are breathtaking. It has multiple prayer sections of pews for large and small masses. The stations of the cross are all beautiful detailed sculptures. The ceiling is massive and has a majestic dome with light shining in. There are beautiful mahogany confession booths on both sides of the church. The stain glass windows are magnificent works of art. The main alter has a beautiful backdrop with the crucifix of Jesus Christ. The organ in the rear balcony is also massive. This cathedral is a wonderful and beautiful sight to behold.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin R. 2 years ago on Google
    A stunning Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia. It really is beautiful... What more can I say except go visit, it is Free to enter but do remove you hat.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff H. 3 months ago on Google • 760 reviews New
    We went on a Sunday night, and the mass was just beautiful. The priest, the cantors, the organ player, and the lecturers were all wonderful. The cathedral is simply beautiful, the body of St. Catherine Drexel is in a tomb here. There are numerous icons of the Church here. Parking was next to the chapel, and there was no cost. Parking is limited, though. Bring the family, enjoy a mass. Go and receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

  • 5/5 Heather H. 1 year ago on Google
    A truly stunning cathedral! Definitely make a point to stop in and admire the architecture if you are in Philadelphia. Free to the public.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jozef W. 6 months ago on Google • 612 reviews
    Amazing architecture in the church and on the exterior. Also a lot of history considering two different popes have visited the basilica. Stopped in for a quick visit just to see it and was pleased with the beauty of it. Worth the time if you're walking around the city anyway and have interest in churches.

  • 5/5 michael a. 8 months ago on Google • 595 reviews
    A beautiful cathedral it's a great place to sit and think and take in all its beautifully designed statues and artwork even if you aren't a Catholic. Definitely worth a visit

  • 5/5 Clark K. 2 years ago on Google
    A very big and gorgeous cathedral. Very beautiful decoration inside and also very calmed. Even if you're not a religious person, you will admire this incredible place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mitchell Cadiz-Perez (Mother M. 9 months ago on Google
    A quiet space to spend time with God. Open to the public during the day. Small alters within the church dedicated to St Joseph, Virgen Guadalupe, St Anthony and St John Neumann. Also, there is the Divine Child and St Katherine Drexel shrine at left and right of the back of the Church. Gift shop on premises.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donald H. 1 year ago on Google
    Words cannot describe the beautiful history or elegance located at this most pristine and well cared for Cathedral, you really have to see it in person! It really is a masterpiece, and also what seems to be one of the primary focuses that will most likely attract your attention located on Ben Franklin Parkway! On another note, there have also been WORLD RENOWN religious leaders that visited this specific Cathedral. The pictures really don't capture it's true heavenly essence so bare with me. Additionally, it is also surrounded by an area that is perfect for walking, jogging, or just getting some fresh air. Lastly, it is positioned close to what I believe is referred to as an "Open-Air" Museum with audible assistance available so your day will be packed full of interesting historical figures and moments.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glen Mc C. 2 years ago on Google
    From the outside, the Basilica is very deceiving. It does not look large, being dwarfed by the larger skyscrapers surrounding it. The interior is breathtaking! The side altars are beautifully arranged and the artwork throughout is tasteful and spiritual. The highlight is the grave of St. Katharine Drexel.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Veena C. 2 years ago on Google
    Extremely humbling and awe inspiring. The building is easy to walk to from the City Hall area. It’s right by Love Park and Amor Park. The Cathedral is absolutely spectacular inside. The frescoes, the mosaics, the sculptures are absolutely breathtaking. The interior and ceiling are absolutely stunning. It is truly a special place. 🙏🏽
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Patrick O. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful cathedral! Anyone could appreciate the amazing artwork and architecture. Although I found one of the ushers/guides to be a bit pushy and or rude. Constantly informing us about mass times as if he wanted us to leave. Even though the next mass wasn’t for over another hour.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John W. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a very beautiful and unique Basilica, and an easy walk from Love Park. There was a wedding going on, so I could not go inside, but the outside alone is worth the visit. The contrast of this building with the rest of the center city skyline is really cool.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua R. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely gorgeous. We always enjoy stopping here to sit, pray, and reflect in this beautiful cathedral.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ladagoval 2 years ago on Google
    I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful Basilica. ¡Very beautiful! Archbishop Monsignor Nelson J. Perez D.D. It is original from Cuba. I highly recommend visiting it when you travel to Philadelphia.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brooke V. 1 year ago on Google
    Probably one of my favorite places in Philadelphia! The church was quiet and only a few people in the pews when I visited on a Thursday afternoon. I was in awe of the entire interior. The ceilings, windows, walls, statues, EVERYTHING was absolutely beautiful. Lit a candle and said a few prayers as well. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William Andrews Photography ASMP, P. 1 year ago on Google
    I attended Mr. #JerryBlavat 's funeral and the event went of without a hitch as funerals go. There were great dignitary speeches that were not too long which is always good! The respect and admiration as well as the service itself made me proud to know this man who was loved by all! #RIPJerryBlavat #TheBossWithTheHotSauve #TheGeeterWithTheHeater
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex R. 4 months ago on Google • 150 reviews
    The Cathedral is stunning! The architecture and artwork is beautifully crafted beyond comprehension.

  • 5/5 CM P. 8 months ago on Google • 128 reviews
    Stunning! If you love architecture, old churches, this one is over the top. No local parking available for visiting which really stinks. Cathedral shop only open a few days a week, so missed that which was a bummer. Lovely park across the street with small Cafe available with drinks and pastries.

  • 5/5 EviMeszaros 9 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    Beautiful Basilica. SIlent. Not so many visitors. Unfortunately the souvenir shop was closed. Not far from Rocky stairs.

  • 5/5 Paul D. 4 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    Really beautiful architecture that one might not expect seeing in America. It's a great place to just come in and contemplate, regardless of your beliefs. It's very quiet and historic-- Pope Francis attended mass here in 2015.

  • 5/5 Morina P. 3 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    One of my favorite Churches to photograph, it has such a rich history and so much opportunity to photograph Wedding Ceremonies

  • 5/5 COWBOYEDD Reiman J. 1 year ago on Google
    This is 1 of the most outstanding church u would lay your eyes on. The art work alone is worth the visit. You should visit this church no matter what you believe.

  • 5/5 Jim S. 2 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Gorgeous church! You have to see it if you're in the area. We missed Mass here but it was still inspiring and beautiful to walk around inside to see the beauty and the architecture and the artwork in this sacred space.

  • 5/5 Walberto F. 10 months ago on Google
    As a religious place is a must be suicide there is an open variety of scales if you want to go to mass and there are a lot of our details that I recommend to visot and contemplate

  • 5/5 Christian M. 10 months ago on Google
    The details ok the architecture and painting of the place is amazing. If you like visiting religious places, this is a must.

  • 5/5 boby v. 1 year ago on Google
    The mass was going on, we entered and stood in the back for the mass to complete. A wonderful architecture of a building. Awesome

  • 5/5 Mark C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church! Prayed at the tomb of St. Katherine Drexel.

  • 5/5 Sean B. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful Cathedral in Center City, Philadelphia. Definitely a must visit just past LOVE park and on the Blvd.

  • 5/5 Jason R. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church to check out in Philadelphia. If you like to visit places where saints are, then this is a must see.

  • 5/5 Lenore C. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a very beautiful and historic Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia. I came here for mass when I was visiting Philadelphia, and I found the church to be absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit. The priest here if you have a great homily as well. Most importantly, the church feels like it is air-conditioned and cool even when it is very hot outside.

  • 5/5 Jasmine G. 2 years ago on Google
    This building is absolutely breathtaking, inside & out. The stained glass windows & frescoes truly are something to see.

  • 5/5 Jason Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Did you know there was a 19th century basilica in Philadelphia? Gorgeous pipe organ and stained glass. We heard the end of mass and it was beautiful. The upkeep inside and outside was pristine.

  • 4/5 Mauricio P. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church near the love square. The interior it's beautiful and peaceful

  • 5/5 Luciano L. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful Basilica and Cathedral. A place of peace and joy where you can come and leave lighter. Very beautiful place as well as you can see on the pictures. Saint Peter and Paul pray for us!


Call +1 215-561-1313 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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