Visitors to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Manhattan’s Little Italy can expect a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural significance. As New York City’s original cathedral, completed in 1815, it offers a unique glimpse into the city’s early Catholic heritage. This tour is part of fun things to do for you adults as well as people of all ages.
Architectural and Historical Highlights
A tour we think you'll love
- Gothic Revival Design: Designed by Joseph-François Mangin, the cathedral showcases Gothic Revival architecture, featuring vaulted ceilings and stone walls that have stood for over two centuries.
- Historic Pipe Organ: The 1868 Henry Erben pipe organ, a centerpiece of the cathedral’s musical tradition, is undergoing meticulous restoration with support from figures like Martin Scorsese.
- Catacombs and Graveyard: Beneath the cathedral lie catacombs housing the remains of notable figures, including early bishops and prominent New Yorkers. The adjacent graveyard is the final resting place of individuals like Venerable Pierre Toussaint, a Haitian-born philanthropist, and John Curry, the youngest witness of the 1879 Marian apparition in Knock, Ireland.
My Manhattan food tour of Chinatown, Little Italy and the Lower East Side promises an unforgettable experience of the history of Immigration that truly captures the spirit of New York. Through this historical NYC tour with a local guide, you’ll learn the history of these areas and sample some unique foods along the way. We’ll also visit some off the beaten sites including St. Patrick’s Basilica. This part of New York is a delightful place to take a break and soak in some history that dates back hundreds of years. Book “A Taste of New York” at Eyesonmanhattan.com. Hope to see you there soon.


