"Old" St. Patrick's Cathedral

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The catacombs beneath old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, are a unique historical site, and among the few remaining catacombs in the U.S. A network of underground tombs and passageways, these catacombs hold a rich history that is closely connected with the early history of Catholics in New York City. They were used for burials and religious ceremonies, and some of the earliest Catholic settlers in New York found their final resting place here.  

While St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue gets the lion’s share of attention as the center of Roman Catholicism in New York City, the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in lower Manhattan was the focal point of the church in the city for decades. Located at the intersection of Mott and Prince Streets, Old St. Patrick’s was the first cathedral for the Diocese of New York when it was completed in 1815. The building was also the largest Catholic church in the United States at that time.

Many Catholics began to gain prominence in New York City and a number of them were eventually interred in St. Pat’s entombed in the catacombs. They include: General Thomas Eckert, a Civil War veteran who was influential in promoting the telegraph industry; Francis and Neva sadlier, Catholic publishers; Congressman John Kelly, an adviser to Abraham Lincoln; the Delmonico family, founders of the oldest surviving restaurant in New York; and prominent socialite and philanthropist Annie Leary, countess of the holy roman church, who bequeathed $200,000 to St. Pat’s to build a sacristy, with the stipulation that she and seven of her family members be entombed directly below the sacristy’s altar. One of the most recent entombments was that of Monsignor Nicola Marinacci, who died at 103. Born in Italy, Monsignor Marinacci was Pastor Emeritus of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.


For more than two centuries, the catacombs remained a hidden treasure, accessible only to the families of those entombed within.However, in a significant move in 2017, the basilica decided to share this historical gem with the public. Today, visitors can embark on candlelight tours and explore the rich history of Catholic New York.


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