Between the towers and the subway entrances, New York hides some remarkable houses of worship. If you want to see a famous church in NYC, start with these seven. Most welcome visitors outside service times, and several are free to enter.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
On Fifth Avenue in Midtown, this neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral opened in 1879 and is the best known in the city. Look at the stained glass, the high altar and the bronze doors. It is open most days, but check the cathedral’s site, as services and events affect visiting.
Trinity Church
At the head of Wall Street, Trinity was founded in 1697, though the present building dates from 1846. The churchyard contains graves of historic figures, including Alexander Hamilton. It is a calm pause in the Financial District.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
In Morningside Heights, this vast Episcopal cathedral is often described as one of the largest cathedrals in the world and is still famously unfinished. It hosts art exhibits and concerts, and the scale is impressive.
Riverside Church
A neo-Gothic landmark with a tall tower overlooking the Hudson River. It is known for its history of social activism and its carillon.
St. Paul’s Chapel
Manhattan’s oldest surviving church building, completed in 1766 near the World Trade Center site. It served as a place of rest and support during the 9/11 recovery effort.
Grace Church
A Gothic Revival church on Broadway near Union Square, noted for its slender spire and its marble exterior.
Church of the Ascension
Located on Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village, with a famous mural by John La Farge and fine stained glass.
Visiting etiquette
- Dress modestly, cover bare shoulders if possible.
- Keep quiet and stay out of roped areas during services.
- Ask before taking photographs inside.
- Check opening hours, as they change for events.
Making a route
A good morning plan: begin at St. Paul’s Chapel and Trinity Church downtown, then take the subway uptown for St. Patrick’s in the afternoon. For a longer day, include St. John the Divine and Riverside Church together. Learn more at NYC Go. More city guides await at invisionfree.com.
Featured image: Sebring12Hrs, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
