| Cathedral of St John the Divine | ||
| General Attractions Other Summary Web |
Location : 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, at West 112th St Phone : (212) 316 7540 Admission : Commercial Adults $2, Children $1, else by donation Hours : early - late Subway : 1,9 to 110th ( Central Parkway ) Started in 1892 and still unfinished. It is the largest Cathedral in the
World. The Statue of Liberty would fit comfortably under the
central dome. The interior is over 180 metres ( 600 foot ) long and 45 metres ( 146 foot )
wide. It is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Designed
originally in the Romanesque style by Heins and LaFarge, Ralph Adams Cram took over the
project in 1911, devising a Gothic Nave and west front. Rose Window : Completed in 1933 and located just above the front entrance to the Cathedral. It contains more than 10,000 pieces of glass. The figure of Christ in the centre is about six foot tall. Windows : there are more than 150 stained glass windows depicting not only religious scenes but things such as the 1925 prototype television, George Washington signing the Declaration of Independence, a human skeleton, St George and the Dragon, and Michelangelo carving his famous statue 'David' West Front Entrance : Guarding the entrance are the Great Bronze doors, cast in the same studio as the Statue of Liberty and comprised of sixty panels in bass relief which depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The entrance is also covered with many stone carvings. Some recreate medieval sculptures, others offer a skyline of New York City. Baptistry : Located on the northern side of the Cathedral in an anteroom about three - quarters along, it is a magnificent example of European influences in the Cathedral. Art Treasures : inside you will find such art works such as twin vases from Emperor Hirohito of Japan, two guilded teak prayer chests from the King of Siam, priceless Barberini Tapestries, woven on Papal looms during the first half of the 17th century.
Services : Sundays 8am Morning prayer and Holy Eucharist Vertical Tours : First and third Saturday of each month at 12 and 2pm. Call (212) 932 7347 for reservations. Cathedral Shop : Situated buy the North Aisle of the crossing, at the
centre of the Cathedral, had a great range of books, gifts, statues and souvenirs.
Restrooms are also located close by. The Cathedral is one of the best hidden treasures of New York. Make sure that you get the chance to come up and have a look around. Many people can spend over an hour just looking at all the magnificent treasures housed within this massive structure. Most tour buses will also make a stop for 15 minutes so that you can have a quick look, however to do the Cathedral justice, come back and spend some time. The gift shop also has some very unique souvenirs that you won't find anywhere else in New York City. Remember if you do visit make a donation of a few dollars at the door - you will be able to tell everyone that you helped finance the building of the World's largest Cathedral ! |
