The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic church near the Mansion District in Albany, New York, United States. Built in the period of the 1848-1852, it is the mother church of the Diocese of Albany. In 1976 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , online itinerary creator Edition.
It has several claims to architectural and ecclesiastical history. Designed by Irish American architect Patrick Keely to accommodate Albany's growing population of Catholic immigrants, it is the second-oldest cathedral in the state, after St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. It is also the third oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States, and the first American Catholic cathedral in the Neo-Gothic architectural style.
The interior features the original stained glass windows, imported from England, and award-winning Stations of the Cross statuary. When completed, it was the tallest building in Albany. It has hosted visits by cardinals and leaders of other faiths, including one Archbishop of Canterbury, and the weddings of two Catholic governors' daughters. In 1986 it hosted the first-ever service of forgiveness between Catholics and Jews on Palm Sunday, an event commemorated by a sculpture outside the building.
Construction of the cathedral, at the behest of the diocese's first bishop, John McCloskey, took four years. Its south tower took 40, and it was not consecrated until its 50th anniversary in 1902. The construction of Empire State Plaza, the nearby New York state government complex, threatened the cathedral in the 1960s when it required the demolition of most of the surrounding neighborhood. It has been through several renovations in its history, including a $30 million restoration early in the 21st century.
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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception reviews
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I love visiting Catholic diocesan cathedrals everywhere I travel. And since I was visiting relatives nearby, i decided to check this out, and attended 12:15pm Mass that day. The cathedral is...
I love visiting Catholic diocesan cathedrals everywhere I travel. And since I was visiting relatives nearby, i decided to check this out, and attended 12:15pm Mass that day. The cathedral is... more »
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Gorgeous cathedral in the capital of New York. I’m obsessed with cathedrals, and I knew I needed to visit this gem. I’m so glad I made the time to, because it did not disappoint!
Gorgeous cathedral in the capital of New York. I’m obsessed with cathedrals, and I knew I needed to visit this gem. I’m so glad I made the time to, because it did not disappoint! more »
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An amazing place of worship and a beautiful example of stone masonry at its finest. It was hard to believe that I had not been transported back to medieval Europe when I entered the cathedral. Traditional cathedral that is 170 years old and well worth a look up if you are in the area and appreciate houses if worship as I do.
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Absolutely beautiful architecture inside & out. Have been to the 11:00 am Sunday service multiple times. It is a wonderful experience of dogma and spirituality. Recognizing Jesus as the archetype of how to act/be is perfect for someone that doesn't believe in a literal avatar.
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