The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral image

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

Tourist attraction Catholic church Place of worship Catholic cathedral Basilica

One of the Most Reviewed Catholic churches in New York


Address

263 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Website

oldcathedral.org

Contact

(212) 226-8075

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 9 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 9 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (42) church (25) history (20) catacombs (18) guide (13) beautiful (11) interesting (9) visit (8) part (7) recommend (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Natalia H. 5 years ago on Google • 216 reviews
    Gorgeous 200 years old church is the place of many historical events and has burial sites of many famous people. It is also a site of the only NYC catacombs recently opened for public tours. We had an amazing tour with exceptionally knowledgeable guide Leo. The spectrum of his expertise and his sense of humor made this tour enjoyable and learning experience for the very diverse crowd
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Daniela O. 1 year ago on Google
    The Catacombs by Candlelight: The name is not appropriate for the tour they offer. The information given during the tour is information regarding the church, and some other curious facts about the history of New York. If you go on this tour thinking it's about the catacombs, don't do it. Of the total duration of the tour, (approximately 1 hour) you only spend the last five/ten minutes in the underground part, which is what refers to the supposed "catacombs" that is advertised in photos and title of the tour. The tour is mostly outside the church, giving historical data related to the founders of the church, the largest contributor to its creation, people buried in the cemetery... The interior of the church is visited for approximately five to ten minutes , and finally they direct you to the part that would be the entrance to the “catacombs”. Here is when the guide gives you a short orientation before entering to the “catacombs”, where he indicates that they are not really catacombs... In this part you walk alone and the only information available is to read the inscriptions on the marble tombstones located in the crypts along the three passages: name, year/s, some with phrases. There is only one open crypt, you can't go inside to see it. Due to its structure, this space is called a mausoleum, with family and/or individual crypts. I do not recommend this tour due to its quality/price. There are beautiful churches in New York, which are more beautiful and free.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ahu K. 1 year ago on Google • 100 reviews
    We enjoyed the catacombs tour. The Basilica is a real piece of art itself and did you know Godfather was filmed here? Also our guide knew the history of New York so well, it was amazing to hear about the history and everything about the area and the Basilica. There is not much walking during the tour so everyone can enjoy it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M M. 1 year ago on Google • 187 reviews
    We took a tour thru Tommy's of NYC. Mike was our guide and he was great. This is a total hidden gem. I love doing off the beaten path stuff like this. Super interesting and the catacombs are unique to see.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Digital H. 11 months ago on Google • 315 reviews
    Two weeks ago, I embarked on an enriching journey into the heart of Little Italy, NYC, visiting the Old St Patrick Cathedral. This historic Basilica is more than just a place of worship—it's a time capsule, preserving an invaluable piece of the city's heritage. The guided tour is a comprehensive 90-minute deep dive into the church's history, architecture, and artifacts. It begins with a compelling 15-minute video that sets the stage for what to expect. The anticipation builds as the video ends, making way for natural exploration. Joseph-François Mangin's brilliant design adorns the cathedral, established between 1809 and 1815. The Gothic Revival style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, comes to life in this magnificent structure. But the cathedral's allure is not just limited to its architectural prowess. The array of statues, paintings, and altarpieces tell a tale of faith and devotion that has spanned centuries. The tour is not just confined to the cathedral's interior. The historic cemetery established in 1815, the same year the church was founded, offers a profoundly moving experience. It is the final resting place for many eminent New Yorkers, including Pierre Toussaint, John Hughes, and Joseph-François Mangin. The cemetery is divided into two sections: the upper and the lower. The upper cemetery, visible from the church grounds, is adorned with various grave markers made from marble, granite, and sandstone. All grave markers, including headstones, footstones, and monuments, are decorated with distinctive symbols, family emblems, and personalized inscriptions. These markers add a personal touch to the sea of memorials. The lower cemetery, tucked away beneath the church, is home to catacombs. This labyrinth of underground tunnels used for interment is a profound testament to the past. The catacombs are lined with niches, their marble slabs engraved with names, serving as quiet reminders of the lives lived and the legacies left behind. The Old St Patrick Cathedral remained the seat of the archdiocese until the current St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan opened its doors in 1879. Despite this, its historical and spiritual significance has not diminished but instead grown with time. My visit to the Old St Patrick Cathedral was more than a tour—it was a profound experience, a journey into the past marked by faith, family, and reverence for those who walked the path before us. The guides were well-informed and passionate, enriching the tour with fascinating insights. This place is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and seekers of profound experiences alike.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim M. 2 years ago on Google
    Really neat place to visit with lots of history, and a great tour to take in. Nice part of town with lots of good food, shopping to be had.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 r.j. P. 5 months ago on Google • 156 reviews
    Really beautiful gothic roman Catholic church. If you ever get a chance to tour the catacombs I would highly recommend. There is 200 years of history. If you are a fan of art, architecture or the history of the Irish in America this church is definitely worth a tour.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ingrid H. 3 months ago on Google • 233 reviews New
    We were here today for the candlelight catacombs tour. Our tour guide was very informative and we learned catholic history pertaining to NY that we had never heard before. We particularly loved the story of Pierre Toussaint and when we were at the 5th Avenue cathedral later this evening we saw his portrait in Eilzabeth Anne Seton's shrine and the plaque/prayer for him back by the crypt entrance. Fascinating history well worth the read!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theresa Fassig N. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful original St. Patrick’s! Loved the history, the tour, and the building was magnificent. Light a candle and say a prayer. Worth the visit. There’s a tour of the catacombs and I recommend that as well. Loved it all!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke M. 2 years ago on Google
    The inside of the church is beautiful. The outside is nothing special, because it was burned down and quickly rebuilt on a low budget. But the catacomb tour underneath the church and the history of the church is the interesting part.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steeve L. 8 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    The visit to this cathedral was a big surprise. I didn't know what to expect but It was really nice. We had the full story about the place, we visited the cathedral and the catacombs. And our guide was a very nice man. I really recommend this visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J. B. 8 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    I went to 10:30 mass last Sunday, and it was the most amazing mass I've ever attended. I try to go to mass at a different church each time I go to NYC, and I'm so blessed to have found this beautiful church. The organ sounded so beautiful, and the woman who was singing had the voice of an angel. I'll be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chandra B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church and great history. We took the tour by candle light and enjoyed it. Our tour guide was entertaining.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allison B. B. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely loved the ceiling, stained Windows, beautiful details, and all of the artifacts. The gift shop was nice. Good items. Took my 2 sons. A full day"s trip. Picnic snacks and all. Lots to see when you get there. Bring a camera
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle B. 1 year ago on Google
    The walking tour was quite interesting and our guide was very knowledgeable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James L. 3 weeks ago on Google • 146 reviews New
    This is a delightful restaurant with very friendly service and an excellent menu. They have soups, salads, small plates and larger plates. All food a la carte. They have clever and interesting cocktails. We had onion soup, which I would call Julia Child quality! The lamb chops were tender and cooked to order. The duck leg confit was crispy and delicious! The potatoes were an excellent compliment and rounded out the meal. My only complaint is that when the restaurant got crowded, the noise level became intense. So much so, we skipped dessert and got some froyo across the street.

  • 5/5 Lewis D. 2 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    What a wonderful church to pray and or do the rosary from. My wife and I love to visit anytime we come to the city. The feeling I get each time I walk in really makes me feel welcome

  • 5/5 JP G. 1 year ago on Google
    The service was good with plenty of space in the pews and good music (some Latin chants too). The history behind this place makes you even more appreciative.

  • 4/5 Daniel S. 1 year ago on Google
    Tour guide tommy very knowledgeable. Found it interesting. Especially the fighting between the gangs in the old days ref. Gangs of new york movie.

  • 5/5 Rachel S. 2 years ago on Google
    The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The candlelit tour was a great way to experience a part of NYC history.

  • 5/5 nothingscience 2 years ago on Google
    Took the guided tour by Candlelight it was very entertaining and interesting. Dan, the tour guide was very funny and informative would definitely recommend

  • 5/5 Lori J. 2 years ago on Google
    Terrific! This is old NY. I took a tour of the catacombs. It was fascinating and memorable. Highly recommend it.

  • 5/5 Ipshita D. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a superlative experience visiting the oldest Catholic church through the NYC catacomb tour. Our tour guide Mike was hilarious, had a lot of knowledge about the church and interlaced history with humor. The tour is a comprehensive run through of the graves of the diverse diaspora that shaped the church over generations and the major immigration that happened in NYC, starting with the Catholics, the Irish, the Italians, the Chinese and the Ecuadorians.. every part of their religious culture has touched this church. The tour will cover the underground burial sites for the rich, famous and sometimes unnamed people.. it's a great tour to know how a small church morphed into a basilica (the home of the pope). We would highly recommend the catacombs tour if you are interested in the history of the city and want to catch a glimpse.

  • 5/5 Claude M. 2 years ago on Google
    Old church with interesting history. Very nice stained glass. Worth a visit

  • 5/5 Carl S. 6 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Such a beautiful and peaceful place to escape in the city. I have family buried here and it’s such a nice place to visit them.

  • 5/5 Zeromus J. 6 months ago on Google
    Robert was my tour guide. Knowledgeable, funny, always careful and mindful of all attendees, showed us a bunch of interesting things and pointers in the catacombs tour, the Basillica is beautiful and has great history behind it, definitely worth visiting while on the area, really liked it! :D One suggestion is to shut down or cover the light coming from the staircase at the end of the main hallway to create or accentuate the catacomb/creepy vibe. Other than that, really liked it and enjoyed it!

  • 5/5 Angie E. R. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful church. I was there for the catacombs tour - Definitely a must for native New Yorkers, and visitors; and for history seekers.

  • 5/5 Desiree B. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I did a tour of the Catacombs, and it was a very educational, fun experience. The church itself is beautiful and it was quite interesting to learn all that we had.


Call (212) 226-8075 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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