St. Patrick's Cathedral

The Gothic edifice---the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States, seating approximately 2,400 people---is among the city's most striking churches, with its double spires topping out at 330 feet. St Pat's, as locals call it, holds a special place in the hearts of many New Yorkers and Catholics around the country and indeed the world, receiving more than 3 million visitors annually. Its widely broadcast midnight Mass at Christmas has become somewhat of  a social event for politicians and celebrities, yet tickets are always made available to the general public months in advance.

The church dates back to 1858-79. Among the statues in the alcoves around the nave is a modern depiction of the first American -born saint, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, and its piets is three times larger than the pieta in St. Peter's in Rome. Its rose window by Charles Connick is considered to be the stained-glass artist's greatest work. The 5th Avenue steps are a convenient, scenic rendezvous spot. Sunday Masses can overflow with tourists; off-hours are significantly more peaceful. Many of the funerals for fallen New York City police and firefighters after 9/11 were held here. 5th Ave. between E.50th and E.51st Sts.., Midtown East 1(212)753-2261 rectory www.archdiocese.org