No matter what your faith, anyone can appreciate the architectural beauty of these incredible New York City churches.
Scattered throughout the five boroughs, these magnificent architectural gems are available to see all year round. A testament to the cultural, religious and architectural history of the city, these churches showcase nearly 400 years of city architecture. While some no longer hold services, you can stop by to take in the beauty – any one is well worth the visit!
1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s is located on 5th Avenue across from Rockefeller Center. Probably the most famous church in New York City, it’s impossible to miss with its Neo-Gothic style and impressive stained glass windows. The cathedral was completed in 1879 and can seat up to 2,200 people. It’s also home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
2. Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This original home to the Roman Catholic archdiocese was built over 200 years ago and is located in Chinatown. They perform daily mass in English and on Sundays, Vietnamese at their sister church on Baxter Street.
3. Cathedral of St. John the Divine
St. John the Divine is the largest standing church in the US and is located near Columbia University. Construction began in 1892 and includes seven different chapels and 124 feet high ceilings.
4. Trinity Church
Trinity Church, an Episcopal congregation is located in the Financial District. It was consecrated in 1846 and holds services every week day and Sunday.
5. St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
Also located in the Financial District, St. Peter’s is technically the first Roman Catholic parish in New York. It was built in 1836 and has been declared a Nation Landmark.
6. Grace Church
This Episcopal Church was build in 1846 in the French Gothic Revival style and has been dubbed a National Landmark.
7. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
This Lutheran church located on the Upper West Side was built in 1902 and also hosts weekly services.
8. Église St-Jean-Baptiste
Another example of Roman Catholicism’s presence in NYC, this church on the Upper East Side was built with French-speaking Catholics in mind. Construction began in 1841 after a large congregation of French-speaking inhabitants were looking for a place to worship. Daily service is still given.
9. Riverside
Riverside is an interdenominational parish modeled after 13th-century gothic architecture. The church is located on 122nd Street and overlooks the Hudson River. The church occupies two city blocks and can seat 2,000 people. The church was built in 1927 and has hosted speakers from Martin Luther King Jr, to Nelson Mandela.
10. Abyssinian Baptist Church
This church is located in Harlem on 138th Street and has been home to a large Baptist congregation since 1923. The church has played a major role in cultivating Gospel music, especially during the Harlem Renaissance.
11. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
Another church of Episcopal denomination, St. Bart’s occupies an entire city block on Park Ave between 50th and 51st streets. The church as it currently stands was built in 1916 and features domed ceilings.
12. Church of St. Francis Xavier
The Church of St. Francis Xavier is a Roman Catholic parish in the Jesuit tradition. Focusing on interfaith dialogue, they give daily mass. The chance to see the domes and arches alone are well worth the visit. Located on 16th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Featured image: archpaper.com
