Posted on January 15th, 2016

Albany Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Christmas 2015

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the heart of downtown Albany, New York. It is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and is the oldest cathedral in Upstate New York.

The Cathedral was designed in the French Gothic Revival style by Patrick Keely, a prominent Irish-American architect who designed over 600 churches in the United States during the 19th century. It was completed in 1852 and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years.

The Cathedral's exterior is characterized by its soaring twin spires, which reach a height of 200 feet. The facade is made of limestone and features intricate carvings and stained-glass windows, including a rose window over the main entrance.

Inside, the Cathedral has a cruciform plan with a nave and side aisles that lead to a transept and apse. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes, stained-glass windows, and intricate woodwork. The high altar, located in the apse, is made of white Carrara marble and features a statue of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral also houses several chapels, including the Lady Chapel, which features a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, which houses the Tabernacle and is a place for private prayer and adoration.

Throughout its history, the Cathedral has been the site of many important religious events and has been visited by several notable figures, including Pope John Paul II in 1984.

Today, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception continues to be a place of worship, as well as a landmark and cultural icon of the city of Albany.

 

Link: Cathedral Website