Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Renaissance Revival cathedral in Logan Square, Philadelphia, United States.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is a Roman Catholic cathedral located on Logan Square in central Philadelphia. Its brownstone walls rise beneath a copper-clad dome, and the facade shows windows placed well above ground level along the street-facing sides.
Construction began in 1846 under architect Napoleon LeBrun and continued until 1864, drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance models and Palladian traditions. The placement of windows at an elevated height served as a protective measure against violent anti-Catholic riots that shook Philadelphia during that era.
The church carries a dual title honoring both apostles Peter and Paul while reflecting its status as a papal basilica granted by Rome. Worshippers today gather in a space that accommodates both personal prayer and communal liturgy across multiple side altars.
Visitors enter from Race Street near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and can explore the interior most days from morning until early evening. The layout allows a walk through multiple side chapels and the main nave, with natural light filtering through the elevated windows during daylight hours.
Several interior fittings were crafted following designs by Italian masters, including altars and sculptures imported directly from Europe. The acoustic properties of the space allow liturgical chants to carry clearly to the rear pews without modern amplification.
Location: Pennsylvania
Inception: 1846
Architects: Napoleon LeBrun
Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture
Address: 1723 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 07:00-17:00; Saturday 09:00-18:30; Sunday 08:00-19:30
Phone: +12155611313
Website: http://cathedralphila.org
GPS coordinates: 39.95750,-75.16861
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29
Philadelphia contains major sites from the American founding era alongside diverse museums and urban architecture. The Old City holds Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Independence National Historical Park encompasses several 18th-century buildings. Elfreth's Alley preserves colonial-era rowhouses, and Eastern State Penitentiary documents the history of incarceration. The city maintains significant art collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute focuses on science education, while the Academy of Natural Sciences presents natural history displays. The Museum of the American Revolution complements the historic sites downtown. Beyond the center lies Valley Forge National Historical Park, where Washington's army encamped during the winter of 1777-78. Reading Terminal Market has offered regional produce and food stalls since 1893. Fairmount Park extends along the Schuylkill River and includes Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Additional destinations include the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens with its mosaic artwork. One Liberty Observation Deck provides views across the cityscape, while the Rocky Statue outside the art museum references the film series.
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