Cathedral of Saint Paul
4.8(3.6K)google
4.9(55)yelp
Senior-FriendlyIndoorCity LandmarkFreeMust-SeeHistoric BuildingArt
Overview
Perched majestically on Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown Saint Paul, the Cathedral of Saint Paul is a breathtaking National Shrine and a masterpiece of Classical Renaissance architecture. Designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, the structure features a monumental 306-foot copper dome that dominates the city's historic skyline. Inside the cavernous, awe-inspiring sanctuary, art lovers can marvel at Italian marble columns, intricate stained-glass windows, and beautiful bronze statues, offering a deeply historic, spiritual, and culturally moving experience.
Practical Info
Mon7:00 AM – 7:00PM
Tue7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thu7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeA premier year-round indoor architectural landmark commanding the highest hill in St. Paul at 239 Selby Ave. Bright, sunny weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM are peerless; this is when peak daylight streams directly through the massive 186-foot dome skylights and rose windows, bathing the marble nave in gold.
Getting ThereCommanding the Cathedral Hill area at 239 Selby Ave. Driving is remarkably seamless: ride Interstate 94 E to the Marion St exit, travel south directly onto John Ireland Blvd, and the colossal copper dome will be right ahead. The historical property features its own large, free visitor parking lot situated directly along Selby Avenue.
Travel Tips
- As an active sanctuary, the cathedral enforces strict dress codes: bare shoulders, midriffs, tank tops, short skirts, and beach footwear are explicitly banned; security will turn away non-compliant visitors.
- The front plaza turnaround is a zero-tolerance yellow-grid tow zone; private vehicles must bypass the front steps and route directly into the paid multi-tier parking structures located along Selby Avenue.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The massive dome architecture amplifies even whispered acoustics; personal non-flash handheld imagery is allowed, but tripods wider than 1.5 meters and heavy supplemental light boxes are entirely barred.
Reviews
Positive
- The majestic copper dome and soaring French Renaissance facade deliver immense visual impact; the massive stained glass windows easily rival elite European cathedrals.
- The cathedral is free to the public, welcoming all visitors to meditate, tour, or take photos; it maintains a sacred, peaceful sanctuary atop the city hill.
- The location is premium, high on a hill overlooking Saint Paul; the front plaza offers unobstructed views spanning downtown and the State Capitol.
- Internal accessibility is well-updated; historic side doors house smooth wheelchair ramps and modern elevators, backed by clear markers and spotless floors.
Heads up
- As an active house of worship, standard sightseeing access to the main nave is heavily restricted or closed during weekend Masses, weddings, or funerals.
- The cathedral's dedicated parking lot is very small, and surrounding hilltop avenues enforce strict residential time limits, making game-day driving stressful.
- The interior keeps lighting dim to preserve a solemn atmosphere, and flash or tripods are strictly banned, which can frustrate amateur photographers without low-light gear.
- The grand interior lacks a continuous multi-language docent desk or high-tech audio gear; casual tourists who don't read up beforehand will only see the surface.