The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
4.5
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4.5
31 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
elcentro1
Pittsburgh, PA232 contributions
Mar 2022
I love visiting Catholic diocesan cathedrals everywhere. This looked like a lovely, beautiful cathedral. Unfortunately, the doors were locked, so I could not take pictures inside. But maybe if I return to Portland, I can attend Mass there.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnPatsi
Tullahoma, TN785 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
What a beautiful historical Cathedral worthy of European architecture.
The priest and service were outstanding and very spiritual this beautiful building.
If you are ever in Portland it is worth visiting and praying in this homage to faith and Virgin Mary.
The priest and service were outstanding and very spiritual this beautiful building.
If you are ever in Portland it is worth visiting and praying in this homage to faith and Virgin Mary.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,283 contributions
June 2021
Approaching the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, I was impressed by its massive size. It takes up a good portion of a city block. It’s one of the largest houses of worship I’ve ever seen in the United States.
And, as is common with 1800'S construction in New England, the church was built of red brick.
For its Gothic architecture, I was surprised by its asymmetrical layout.
I was impressed by the huge stained glass rose window. It's simply beautiful.
The height of the main steeple, which appears to be at least 200 feet high, was also impressive. The cathedral must be the tallest building in the city.
I was surprised that the steeple was so tall because the building is only about 6 blacks from Portland Harbor on one side and not many more from Back Cove on the other side. Situated near large bodies of water, it’d be a target for lightning strikes, especially with that big metal cross on the tallest steeple.
Photographing it wasn’t easy. Between its size and all the utility wires in the way, it was an undertaking. I had to go about half a block away to fit all of it into my camera’s viewfinder.
Completed in 1869, the cathedral is on the National Register of Historic Places.
For its historic value, size and outstanding architecture, I rate Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 5.0.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
And, as is common with 1800'S construction in New England, the church was built of red brick.
For its Gothic architecture, I was surprised by its asymmetrical layout.
I was impressed by the huge stained glass rose window. It's simply beautiful.
The height of the main steeple, which appears to be at least 200 feet high, was also impressive. The cathedral must be the tallest building in the city.
I was surprised that the steeple was so tall because the building is only about 6 blacks from Portland Harbor on one side and not many more from Back Cove on the other side. Situated near large bodies of water, it’d be a target for lightning strikes, especially with that big metal cross on the tallest steeple.
Photographing it wasn’t easy. Between its size and all the utility wires in the way, it was an undertaking. I had to go about half a block away to fit all of it into my camera’s viewfinder.
Completed in 1869, the cathedral is on the National Register of Historic Places.
For its historic value, size and outstanding architecture, I rate Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 5.0.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bob b
Tampa, FL69 contributions
May 2018
Good things happen when you go to church! My wife and I attended a week day Catholic mass in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. My wife noticed there was a large adjacent church that was locked. The head parish administrator happened to overhear us and was kind enough to offer to show us the main church. It is loaded with history and spectacular artwork.
The original cathedral was destroyed in the "Great Fire of Portland" in 1866. It was rebuilt in 1869. America's first black Catholic priest and bishop, James Augustine Healy, a former slave, was stationed at this cathedral from 1875 to his death in 1900.
The cathedral features 17 stain glass windows installed in 1910 that depict the life of Jesus Christ through events of his Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are many other spectacular images and works, but I found the baptismal font, designed by Italian artisan A.P. Nardini in 1921, to be exceptional.
If you are able to arrange a visit (or just attend a Sunday mass), you will not be disappointed.
The original cathedral was destroyed in the "Great Fire of Portland" in 1866. It was rebuilt in 1869. America's first black Catholic priest and bishop, James Augustine Healy, a former slave, was stationed at this cathedral from 1875 to his death in 1900.
The cathedral features 17 stain glass windows installed in 1910 that depict the life of Jesus Christ through events of his Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are many other spectacular images and works, but I found the baptismal font, designed by Italian artisan A.P. Nardini in 1921, to be exceptional.
If you are able to arrange a visit (or just attend a Sunday mass), you will not be disappointed.
Written 16 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim & Bea
Derby, KS967 contributions
Dec 2019
Went here for the Christmas Eve and Children's pageant service. Beautiful music and service. Nice to remember our dear savior's birth with other believers.
Written 25 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates118 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
I went for Sunday mass with my sister while visiting and I was amazed by the beautiful structure. After we attended mass I stayed for a couple of minutes to look at the detailed insides and the high-ceiling's design. I recommend everyone to visit the cathedral for praying and sightseeing too; I am not sure whether pictures are allowed but I didn't think of taking any as I was enjoying my post-mass exploration.
Written 11 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryofmassachusetts
Plymouth, MA740 contributions
Dec 2022
The choir, the organ music, the church flowers and trees decorated with white lights, the beautiful life size manger from Italy... made this a special and memorable celebration.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia
Orono, ME118 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I first came to this church in 1997. I lived in the area for many years. I’ve been to Catholic Churches all throughout Maine and this one is by far my favorite.
All I can say is it is so beautiful. The colored glass. The white. The alter. The tall ceilings. This is what I always thought of as the perfect Catholic Church. It is a cathedral. The organ adds a wonderful touch to the service. It is like a touch of Rome, right here in Maine. Certainly not as embellished as The Basilica!
Ever since I started going to this church, all other “modern” churches are not as visibly pleasing to me. (Not the point of church, I know.) I live in Bangor now, and St. John’s in Bangor is incredibly beautiful, as well.
Whenever I visit friends, I make a point to attend service here at The Cathedral. I even met the Bishop during Lent earlier this year. That was so amazing!
All I can say is it is so beautiful. The colored glass. The white. The alter. The tall ceilings. This is what I always thought of as the perfect Catholic Church. It is a cathedral. The organ adds a wonderful touch to the service. It is like a touch of Rome, right here in Maine. Certainly not as embellished as The Basilica!
Ever since I started going to this church, all other “modern” churches are not as visibly pleasing to me. (Not the point of church, I know.) I live in Bangor now, and St. John’s in Bangor is incredibly beautiful, as well.
Whenever I visit friends, I make a point to attend service here at The Cathedral. I even met the Bishop during Lent earlier this year. That was so amazing!
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YTCHENG
Hong Kong, China15,393 contributions
Oct 2019
The beautiful cathedral built of Gothic Revival style with its high spire, being the tallest structure in Portland, should be regarded as the landmark there. The stained glass windows and large organ with many pipes together with the mosaic stations of the cross were impressive. Recommended.
Written 31 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran from NY
5 contributions
Oct 2019
This cathedral is very impressive. The many stained glass windows are gorgeous. My friend especially appreciated it.
Written 13 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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