Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is a key structure in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Its construction spanned from 1846 to 1864 under the architectural guidance of Napoleon LeBrun, who built upon the original designs by Reverend Mariano Muller and Reverend John B. Tornatore. The cathedral's interior owes its elaborate decoration to the artistic prowess of Constantino Brumidi.
Architecturally, the Cathedral Basilica is a majestic sight. It is the largest brownstone building in Philadelphia and distinguishes itself with its remarkable architectural features. The cathedral can accommodate 2,000 worshippers within its vast sanctuary, which includes a vaulted dome, an ornate main altar, and eight side chapels.
The design of the cathedral is heavily influenced by Roman-Corinthian architecture, emulating the Lombard Church of Saint Charles in Rome. Its Palladian façade and aqua oxidized copper dome are inspired by the Italian Renaissance, a theme that continues in the spacious interior. This interior is notable for its oversized apse made of stained glass and red antique marble, proportions reminiscent of Roman churches. A distinctive feature is the Renaissance-style baldachin over the main altar, along with three altars in the side aisles, all influenced by Italian Renaissance design. The "Crypt of the Bishops" in the lower part of the building adds to its historical significance.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and hosted two papal Masses: one by Pope John Paul II in 1979 and another by Pope Francis in 2015.
Architecturally, the Cathedral Basilica is a majestic sight. It is the largest brownstone building in Philadelphia and distinguishes itself with its remarkable architectural features. The cathedral can accommodate 2,000 worshippers within its vast sanctuary, which includes a vaulted dome, an ornate main altar, and eight side chapels.
The design of the cathedral is heavily influenced by Roman-Corinthian architecture, emulating the Lombard Church of Saint Charles in Rome. Its Palladian façade and aqua oxidized copper dome are inspired by the Italian Renaissance, a theme that continues in the spacious interior. This interior is notable for its oversized apse made of stained glass and red antique marble, proportions reminiscent of Roman churches. A distinctive feature is the Renaissance-style baldachin over the main altar, along with three altars in the side aisles, all influenced by Italian Renaissance design. The "Crypt of the Bishops" in the lower part of the building adds to its historical significance.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and hosted two papal Masses: one by Pope John Paul II in 1979 and another by Pope Francis in 2015.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Philadelphia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Map
Sight Name: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour
King Charles II of England owed a lot of money to Admiral Sir William Penn. He paid in 1681 by signing over lands in America to the Admiral's son, William Penn. Young William, a Quaker and a thorn in the side of the King, became landlord of present-day Pennsylvania and Delaware. William sailed up Delaware, laid out a grid, and founded Philadelphia.
The streets of the grid run east and west... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The streets of the grid run east and west... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
University of Pennsylvania Walking Tour
As America's first university, The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn or Upenn, for short) has a history stretching back to the mid-18th century, closely bound with the city's colonial past and the birth of the United States. Initially, this Ivy League institution emerged as the College of Philadelphia, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US Declaration of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour
The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour
There's hardly any other character, fictional or real, as iconically Philadelphian as Rocky. Indeed, this American sports drama franchise, centered on the boxing career of Rocky Balboa, released in 1976, has become synonymous with and arguably done more for the city of Philadelphia than anyone else since Ben Franklin.
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour
Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a scenic boulevard running through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Named for America's Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, this mile-long tree-lined parkway is lined with several notable sights and world-class museums.
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia
One of the most fascinating personalities in Revolutionary America, Benjamin Franklin, while still a teenager, left his Puritan family in Boston for Philadelphia to start a new life. Indeed, his life turned out to be quite remarkable. Franklin was a writer, a printer, a philosopher, a postmaster, a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, and a diplomat – the absolute purist version of the American... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Philadelphia Souvenirs: 13 Unique Gift Ideas from the City of Brotherly Love
Looking for a great gift while visiting Philadelphia? Famous for its history, arts and culture, championship sports teams, and award-winning food and drink, Philadelphia is a top-rated shopping destination. Here, you'll find an amazing selection of items to choose from - something uniquely...