The catacombs of the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York

What to Know About Visiting the Catacombs in New York

• Like Paris, New York has its own catacombs… This secret network lies north of Little Italy, beneath the Old Cathedral, which predates the current St. Patrick’s Cathedral. New York has two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals: the Old Cathedral, built in 1809 by French architect Joseph-Francois Mangin, and the newer one, which opened in 1879 in Midtown. The catacombs sit beneath the Old Cathedral, north of Little Italy.
• The catacombs of the Old Cathedral are closed to the public. You can explore them only by booking a guided tour in advance. This small-group tour lasts 1.5 hours and is led by an English-speaking guide. The tour focuses on the experience of exploring the cathedral’s hidden spaces.
• For over 200 years, the Old Cathedral’s catacombs served as a cemetery for prominent New York families and notable citizens. You’ll discover the tomb of General Thomas Eckert, a confidant of President Abraham Lincoln. You’ll also see the tomb of John Connolly, New York’s first bishop.
• The tour also opens doors to two other places normally closed to the public: the organ built by Henry Erban and the cemeteries adjacent to the cathedral.

Book Your Tour of the Old Cathedral Catacombs

• The catacombs are not open to the public and can only be visited by booking a guided tour in advance. Book early, as group sizes are intentionally kept small. Four time slots are available: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, or 5 pm (called the Evening Tour).
• You can book your tour through our Old Cathedral Catacombs guided tour reservation system.
• Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation with an exchange voucher to present on arrival. You can print the voucher or show it on your smartphone. Meet your group at the TNY Kiosk in the courtyard of 32 Prince Street, between Mott Street and Mulberry Street. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour’s start time.

Photos from the Old Cathedral Catacombs Tour