Catacombs of New York City
There are a number of tours you can take while in New York City, but if you’re wondering how to see the Catacombs, here are some tips for you to consider. St. John the Divine, St. Patrick’s Basilica, and St. Patrick’s Miniature Catacombs are all worth checking out. Read on to find out more! Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, there’s a tour for you.
St. John the Divine
The catacombs of St. John are the largest community cemeteries in the city. These underground chambers are full of Gothic inscriptions and epigraphic documentation that provide a general view of Christian life in the area. The catacombs originated after the year 313 and continued to be used as burial grounds throughout the fourth and fifth centuries. They are located just south of Hagia Sophia and contain the ruins of an ancient nymphaeum.
This spring was dedicated to the nymphs and was used during the Roman period for thermal baths. During the Christian period, it was converted into a place of underground worship in honor of St. John the Baptist.
The cathedral of Saint John the Divine was recently renovated. The basement has walls of sandstone and a look like Roman catacombs. While the exterior of the cathedral was in need of restoration, the church’s landscaping was out of place and did not reflect its historic nature. The cathedral’s interior also highlights the Romanesque design of its buildings. The walls are approximately three feet thick, and you’ll find round wide arches and slanted windowsills.
St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to visit St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Located in Lower Manhattan, this cathedral’s catacombs are a truly unique experience. Located underground, these ancient tunnels have been home to New York’s famous Catholics for over 200 years. Visited by tourists, the catacombs have seen many notable New Yorkers and are the only active Catholic Catacombs in the city.
Previously off limits, the catacombs are now open to the public. A guided tour will take about 90 minutes. Tickets are available in adult and child versions, and a professional guide will lead the tour. Tour dates are from March to December 2022, and you can choose your time slot during the purchase process. The tour meets at 266 Mulberry Street in the NoLIta neighborhood.
St. Patrick’s Basilica
Tour the historic catacombs below New York City’s St. Patrick’s Basilica. The Catacombs by Candlelight tour will shed light on the last resting places of notable New Yorkers and their contributions to New York history. Be sure to wear a face covering, and purchase your tickets early for the best selection. Tours are limited to 15 people each, so make your reservations in advance. Be sure to use hand sanitizer before entering the catacombs.
After the building was completed in 1815, the catacombs were discovered. More than 50 niches are located within the catacombs, containing the remains of diverse members of the Catholic community. The catacombs contain the remains of nearly 1,000 people. Tour guides can help you navigate your way through the catacombs, as well. A catacomb is an underground cemetery, where the dead are entombed.
St. Patrick’s Miniature Catacombs
Old St. Patrick’s Miniature Catacombs is comprised of 35 family crypts and 5 clerical vaults. These catacombs are home to famous New Yorkers and Catholics of historic note. Some of the well-known residents of the catacombs are General Thomas Eckert and Pierre Toussaint. Father Isaac Hecker is also believed to be on the path to sainthood.
The old St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a historic Roman Catholic parish and basilica located in Soho, NYC. Although it was closed for almost six months, the catacombs are now open for tours. The cathedral was once the largest cathedral in the United States. You can also see the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral will give you a new perspective on the history of the city.
The cathedral was originally constructed during a time when tensions between Catholics and Protestants in NYC were at an all-time high. Its walls were built to protect the cathedral from Protestant attacks and a subsequent fire. The catacombs are the final resting places of famous New Yorkers. There are dozens of lawyers, merchants, and more. The cathedral was even the inspiration for the 1960s hit song “California Dreamin‘.”
