Basilica Of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral is a landmark Roman Catholic church in the Nolita neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. Completed in 1815, it is one of the oldest churches in New York City and predates the more famous St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. The exterior features a striking Gothic Revival facade with a tall spire, while the interior boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, a marble altar, and intricate woodwork. The church gained fame as the setting for the baptism scene in 'The Godfather'. The surrounding cemetery, one of the few remaining in Manhattan, contains graves of notable early New Yorkers. Visitors often come for the peaceful atmosphere and architectural beauty, as well as to see the historic crypt. The basilica remains an active parish, so visitors should be respectful during services.

Don't miss

• Gothic Revival architecture with a towering spire
• Historic cemetery with graves from the 1800s
• Stained-glass windows and marble altar
• The Godfather baptism scene filming location
• Underground crypt tours (when available)

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Basilica Of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

Cheapest way inVatican and St Peter Basilica Guided Tour With Dome4.7★ · 12 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Most bookedCentral Park Pedicab Guided Tours5★ · 8,040 travelers1–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$42 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleCentral Park Pedicab Tours with New York Pedicab Services4.9★ · 295 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Check Mass times online, as the church may be closed to tourists during services.
• Photography is allowed inside but no flash during Mass.
• Light a candle for a small donation.
• Combine with a walk through Nolita and Little Italy.

A bit of history

Consecrated in 1815, St. Patrick's Old Cathedral served as the seat of the Archdiocese of New York until the new St. Patrick's Cathedral opened in 1879. It was designated a basilica in 2010. The church survived fires and urban development, and its cemetery includes victims of the 1918 flu pandemic.