Cathedral of Saint Paul

I don’t think you’d be doing justice to yourself if you did not visit this gem in the heart of Saint Paul. Regardless of having faith or not, its an amazing piece of architecture which has hidden niches, artwork, and history in. Its important to take in both the outside and inside of the cathedral as there is beautiful stained-​glass in the front and sides. A friend of mind and I were exploring the cathedral during night mass and the acoustics of the building were amazing. A phenomenal place just to find some peace, solitude, and self-​reflect.

What a fantastic building. Marvelous one would say
I couldn’t help but stop to gander at this MN Gem. The history at this one location is substantial to say the least
Stupendous brick and stone work.
A must see

What a blessing it is for us to have this architectural gem in the Twin Cities. Modeled after St. Peter’s in Rome, you can spend a good deal of time here in prayer, and touring the Cathedral and admiring the architecture, the grandeur, the niches, and the artwork. It’s stunning. If you go, make certain that you don’t forget to explore the niches behind and around the main altar and baldacchino, and the museum downstairs. You can obtain a booklet and take a self-​guided tour. It’s well worth it.
Also, take time to see the side chapels and admire the beauty of the stained-​glass.
Acoustically, it can be a difficult place to hear, but setting that aside, it’s a spectacular place to praise and worship Jesus Christ. Even if you’re not Catholic, it’s a great site worth seeing if you’re a visitor to St. Paul. Spend some time here. You’ll be impressed.

Absolutely beautiful. I come here to pray when I am feeling low. The wanderers respect you and for once, you’ll feel at ease. This place is probably one of the best monuments in Minnesota in the heart of such a beautiful city that holds a bright past. This year (2015) is the cathedral’s 100^th year anniversery and it’s still holding strong. 100 years! The architecture will stun you right down to your feet and you wouldn’t be able to move as you stare at it. It’s breathtaking and worth going to regardless if you’ve been to other places in the world… This place is still worth seeing. I lived in France when I was younger, and it holds its similarities with material, design, and spiritualness. I also reccomend stopping by the James J. Hill house that isn’t even a 3 minute walk away.

I’m an ELCA Lutheran. I’m not a member of this church — just a frequent drop-​in. I sometimes attend mass, but more often I come seeking religious solitude. The are many alcoves to light a candle, pray, and soak in the sense of something bigger.
It’s a GRAND place of worship in every sense: an immense work of art, architecture, and religious wonder. It’s been been designated as a national shrine to the Apostle Paul. Daily Mass at 7:30am and 5:15pm in addition to four Sunday masses.
Day-​to-​day attendance is visually sparse in the Cathedral, but the space is so huge there are often hundreds. It just doesn’t seem like it. I hope to attend on a religious holiday to see what the space looks like when filled to capacity. I’m also anxious to see the huge, recently restored pipe organs are put to use.
Worth noting that the Cathedral of Saint Paul is host to the Red Bull Crushed Ice downhill speed skating competition, «…with a huge crowd of more than 100,000 people converging on the Cathedral of Saint Paul to witness the high-​speed action that features skaters competing in four-​man heats in a race to the bottom of a 400-​metre-​long track full of obstacles.»

Great place for a time of peace and to reflect on life on a weekday. You might be able to catch the organist practice playing his music. If you love art and have passion for architecture, this cathedral has intricate artwork displayed in the stained glass windows or the sculpture of Jesus on the cross.

This is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most besutiful churches I have ever been too. Me and my husband are catholic and we always try and visit churches and cathedrals. I definitely want to attend mass here one day. I just wish some of the tourists will treat this place with respect instead of some random attraction. When we went today a bunch of tourists and their kids were being extremely loud and disruptive. It was making me angry.

Breathtaking. Overwhelming and incredibly peaceful at the same time. Just go. You won’t regret it.
We did the self-​guided tour (go to the lower level and buy the booklet for $ 2). I really liked doing the self-​guided tour so we could take our time and go at our own pace.

This place is so beautiful, I almost went Catholic for it.

This must be the most beautiful architecture in the city of Saint Paul. Whether you’ve lived here for your entire life, are new or bringing guests around the city, this is a must-​see. The ceilings are so incredibly ornate, and it’s quite fun to go exploring and lurking inside. I walked in during the middle of an important looking service and no one flinched, they must be used to the tourism.

This place is lovely and amazing. The saints are worth visiting, and the have a replica of the Pietta (sp?). This church reminds me of St. Patrick’s in NYC. Just lovely.

Stunning. The beauty and size took my breath away. It’s been said that this cathedral is comparable to the gorgeous cathedrals in Europe… and having been and lived in Europe, I have to agree. Beautiful artwork, sculptures and architecture. I did not do the free docent led tour (heard it’s fascinating. need to come back!), I enjoyed walking around and touring on my own. My visit coincided with the youth choir concert, with their accompanying harp (see photos). Make sure to include this visit on your St Paul History tour of Summit Avenue, the James J. Hill House
and the State Capitol
. Take a break at Nina’s Coffee Café
in between sites :)

From an artistic and architectural standpoint, this cathedral is absolutely stunning. The craftsmanship that went into this place from so many skilled hands is astonishing… no details were overlooked and no corners were cut.
I’m writing this review for one very specific thing here that I think everyone should experience at least once.
Walk to the very center of the dome and look straight up. Chances are, you will never feel smaller, more insignificant or more disoriented again in your life.
It’s beautiful, awe-​inspiring and definitely worth going at least once.
Some have commented on the services held here. I, personally, am not religious at all… so those don’t even remotely appeal to me. But I can still appreciate a gorgeous piece of art.

I am not catholic but I love this place. It is beautiful but very special in a spiritual sense and an art sense.

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is freaking huge!!!
Once you get passed that initial reaction, then you can actually focus on the finer details, that this is an architectural masterpiece. Without any prompting, when you see it from a distance, you move towards it, curious. Such fine detail to its structure, and that’s admiring it from the outside. (Hop to the lawn across the street for a great view.) From the inside, it’s that much more impressive. The tall ceilings and vast amount of space: grandiose. This is a sanctuary and it’s very easy to be in solitude here. Sit in the pews for a few minutes, for whatever reason it may be. To admire, pray, relax, contemplate. Perhaps all of the above. You’ll find your neck sore as you stare up and note the incredible detail to the dome, the organ, sculptures, paintings, and especially the stained glass pieces.
If you read about the history of the cathedral, it turns out this is the fourth version, each successive version one bigger and better. This one will be here to stay; how could you ever top this one?
Still, it’s HUGE!!!

Such a magnificent piece of architecture and such a beautiful landmark in St. Paul.
I’m trying to understand the allure of Red Bull having their event there, but whatever. I guess the draw is the big hill that goes down to the bottom. Once in awhile we will go sledding down that hill. Beware of the light posts, they will mess a sled and a back up!
I’m fortunate to live a stones throw from the cathedral, but sometimes the proximity can be a pain when my mother questions whether or not I have gone to church and why I haven’t being so close and all.
The interior is beautiful, and there is a certain peace when there. The many times I have attended mass back in the day have been enjoyable. The organ, music, choir, presentation of it all is sometimes overwhelming and so traditional.
I always have the best intentions of attending midnight mass, but never seem to stay awake for it.
I do enjoy walking around and taking in the history, lighting a candle for people and sitting in silence every once in awhile.
Even if you’re not Catholic, religious or what have you, it it still a beautiful place to experience at least once. The interior and exterior are beautiful!
I almost feel like heading down there now. I should call my mom to let her know.

A stunning cathedral overlooking the city of St. Paul. The building itself is a sight to behold up close — it is massive. When I walked inside, I felt like I was at St. Peter’s in Rome. The central aisle is looooong and the baldacchino on the altar is reminiscent of the one carved by Bernini. The cathedral also boasts a copy of Michaelangelo’s Pieta, created from the same mold as the original. Absolutely breathtaking.
If you can, stay for Mass just to hear the organ. It is impressive!

HUGE cathedral! The architecture is incredible, so intricate and detailed.
The place is very visitor friendly. You can walk in whenever the cathedral is open and meander throughout the church. I would recommend the tour which occurs daily and even more important it is FREE!
I feel this is one landmark that you have to do in MN, whether you are into architecture or not. It’s pretty crazy how such a building can be made so long ago.

My mom and dad were married here — before it was completed — 1946. Whether you’ve visited the great cathedrals of Europe or not, you should not miss this one. Beautiful and historic.

We attended mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul for my niece’s confirmation. This is the most beautiful church I have ever been to in the U.S. Seeing it from the outside is impressive, but you need to go inside to be truly amazed. The architecture and the stained glasswork is stunning. I would highly recommend a visit here if you are in the Minneapolis-​St. Paul area.