Old St. Patrick's Cathedral

New York City's Roman Catholic cathedral was dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland. This original cathedral complex was built on Mott Street, in what was a rapidly developing residential neighborhood in the early 19th century. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church building in New York City. Mangin, the architect of City Hall, designed the original Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in a rather fanciful gothic inspired style. The church was built of local stone, with facades facing Mott and Mulberry Streets. The building was extensively restored following a disastrous fire in 1866. The cathedral moved uptown to Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in 1879 and this building became known as Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral. From the "Guide to New York City Landmarks", courtesy of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.