Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
The head church of Philadelphia's Catholic Archdiocese is on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here in 1979.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City Center West
How to get there
  • 19th St • 7 min walk
  • Race–Vine • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, Connecticut2,212 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous, serene cathedral
    This gorgeous, serene cathedral is a wonderful place to sit and reflect amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The architecture is breathtakingly beautiful, and even though this place is a tourist attraction as well as an active place of worship, it doesn't get too loud or overwhelming. I loved sitting here and taking some quiet time away from the chaos of the outer world.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 November 2023
  • dalm0m
    1,919 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    they don't make 'em like this any more
    I have always loved old churches with vaulted ceilings. This did not disappoint. The gold, the details, the art, the sculptures, . . . just so inspiring. We were fortunate enough to attend Mass here. The officiant was a gifted, insightful & inspiring speaker. Parts of the Mass, especially the music, were in Latin. That I didn't like. I felt disconnected from the service like I was part of an audience rather than a participant in the Eucharist. We learned a lot about Mother Cabrini in the gift shop. The bulletin confirmed they are a vibrant parish.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 March 2024
  • Sergio M
    Arlington, Virginia156 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amongst the Greatest Church I have ever visited
    During your stay in Philly, make Sunday morning here a priority. Conveniently located with the city center is the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The architecture is amongst one of the best in the whole entire country.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles980 reviews
Excellent
707
Very good
223
Average
46
Poor
3
Terrible
1

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Studio9
Las Vegas, NV156 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
No signs at the closed front door entrance, but stopped in at the recommendation of a security guard across the street who told us it was open to the public. Beautiful inside and out, this basilica is very close to the opulence and beauty of many European cathedrals we have visited. Very peaceful inside; highly recommended for anyone wanting to take a moment of spiritual reflection or just quietness.
Written 9 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.

dalm0m
NJ1,919 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
I have always loved old churches with vaulted ceilings. This did not disappoint. The gold, the details, the art, the sculptures, . . . just so inspiring.

We were fortunate enough to attend Mass here. The officiant was a gifted, insightful & inspiring speaker. Parts of the Mass, especially the music, were in Latin. That I didn't like. I felt disconnected from the service like I was part of an audience rather than a participant in the Eucharist.

We learned a lot about Mother Cabrini in the gift shop.

The bulletin confirmed they are a vibrant parish.
Written 4 March 2024
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.

Shena
Dexter, MO17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Family
So beautiful! Amazing architecture. There wasn’t a gift shop, even though the sign says there is, and my husband was ushered out of the restroom. Definitely worth the time to look around on your own, light a candle, and give a donation. Metered paid parking on the same block was easily available.
Written 20 July 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.

yazdragonfly
Ft. Lauderdale383 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
Absolutely gorgeous! This is a wonderful place for prayer and meditation that can only be compared to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The breathtaking architecture includes numerous tall columns and elevated ceilings encased by walls decorated with beautiful stained glass windows. There is a central domed alter with marble columns and decorated with elaborate floral motifs. Beyond the columns on either side of the main aisle there are several confessionals that are draped in a dark red velvet. You’ll find several religious statues and tapestries throughout as well. Beautiful stop.
Written 14 April 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.

Sean Bryan
Fort Lauderdale, FL561 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Business
Absolutely beautiful cathedral in center city Philly just past LOVE park right on the Blvd. if you’re in the area it’s a must visit to see how beautiful it is inside. It is a bit deceiving from the outside.
Written 6 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.

dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,212 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
This gorgeous, serene cathedral is a wonderful place to sit and reflect amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The architecture is breathtakingly beautiful, and even though this place is a tourist attraction as well as an active place of worship, it doesn't get too loud or overwhelming. I loved sitting here and taking some quiet time away from the chaos of the outer world.
Written 4 November 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.

Parker Sturbridge
971 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This is a beautiful and historic church in Logan Circle, one of the grand outdoor places in Philadelphia. The cathedral is large and tasteful, with a beautiful high altar and lots of chapels. Also the final resting place of an American saint, Katherine Drexel. I happened to be there when it was virtually empty, so the vastness of the place is awe inspiring. A nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Check it out.
Written 4 March 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.

Luis P
Valencia, Spain2,013 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
The Catholic Cathedral Basilica, seat of the Archbishopric of Philadelphia. Architecturally it imitates St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Casings in the vaults, transept with dome, main altar with baldachin, narthex, etc. Even in the apse frieze: "Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram ædificabo Ecclesiam meam..". At the foot of the gospel nave is the tomb of a holy nun from the 19th century that a kind lady explains to you, as well as the details of the temple and whatever you want to ask her.
Google
Written 31 October 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.

Sergio M
Arlington, VA156 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Solo
During your stay in Philly, make Sunday morning here a priority. Conveniently located with the city center is the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The architecture is amongst one of the best in the whole entire country.
Written 7 June 2024
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.

Justin O
Newport News, VA23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
Powerful experience when we visited the Basilica on Good Friday. Beautiful mosaics and prayer grottos. Very different architectural style than most US cathedrals, and it has a fascinating story about its construction and early years. It's definitely worth the trip.
Written 9 April 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.

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Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

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