New York Catacombs by Candlelight
Description
Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off limits areas like the two walled cemeteries and an exclusive experience in the CATACOMBS beneath the Old Cathedral. For over 200 years, the CATACOMBS of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral has served as the final resting place for the departed. This unique and historic place has been a silent witness to the many struggles and accomplishments of prominent New York Catholics. It is where bishops rest beside noteworthy New Yorkers who have played defining roles in Catholic, New York and American history.
Tour Options
Itinerary
New York Catacombs by Candlelight Group Tour
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- PLEASE CHECK IN AT 266 MULBERRY STREET (CORNER OF MULBERRY ST. AND JERSEY ST.), WHERE THE TOUR BEGINS. CHECK IN 15 MINUTES BEFORE TOUR PLEASE.
- PLEASE DO NOT GO TO ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL ON FIFTH AVENUE! THIS IS A DIFFERENT ST. PATRICK'S IN MANHATTAN
- Guests requiring wheelchair should contact Tommy's New York in advance to allow us to make proper preparations for your tour
Reviews(2,930)
The history of NYC from this perspective is awesome. The Catholic school system was born out of this place. The Gangs of NY, the real historic stuff, involved this place. David Bowie lived right across the street.
Informative and historical. Guide was very knowledgeable. Beautiful architecture and states. A most see
Our tour guide was informative but the tour itself felt more religious in nature despite him saying he isn't Catholic several times. It was a 90 minute tour and we spent about 15 minutes in the actual catacombs. We weren't able to walk around the cemeteries at all. The majority of the time was outside, which was fine, but without walking around much. There was a family on the tour with an individual with limited mobility and there wasn't anywhere for her to sit and rest for the first hour; I would encourage folks to be aware of that. I think because I have been to other catacombs that were more impressive, this seemed more of a disappointment but our friends hadn't been on a catacomb experience before and they felt pretty similarly. I didn't see this as a great value for the experience and I probably wouldn't recommend.
As expected, the elision of John Hughes' actions during the draft riots of 1863 was unfortunate. Otherwise, it was a trite tour.
It was a great tour and very informative! Tommy was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable. I would absolutely take this tour again.
It is full of information about old New York and is a complete experience. You walk away with knowledge about how Catholicism and the basilica came to be and affected the formative years of the City.
Small group size . Excellent guide
This was an incredibly informative and interesting tour! The guide (I think he name was Tommy) was beyond knowledgeable about the history of the church and surrounding neighborhood.
FYI, you will see historic vaults in a church basement, no remains. Jimmy Boyle, our guide, was much more interesting than the catacombs. He has a fountain of knowledge and an enjoyable delivery.
I’ve lived in nyc for 30 years and this was my first time visiting the cathedral and touring the cemetery and catacombs. Amazing tour, the guide (I think his name was Kevin) was fabulous and a total showman. Fielded questions throughout, was super informative, and really caring to the group. He kept it interactive instead of a lecture. I will definitely be encouraging friends to go and will bring my parents when they visit. Thank you!!
