In 2015, I shared a few photographs of this cathedral in one of my photography posts. However, I would like to share a more in-depth pictorial spread of the most exquisite cathedral in Philadelphia - the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
I haven't been inside the cathedral in over 10 years, yet it never ceases to amaze me that whenever I visit, I have the same reaction upon opening the door and looking upwards. It takes my breath away. I feel both awed and humbled.
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Part of that is because of feeling the reverence contained within the cathedral, and another part is because of its sheer physical beauty. The architecture (inside and out) is exquisite, magnificent, and absolutely glorious!
"The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia was built in the Roman-Corinthian architectural style. This style is a Neo-Classical variation of the Italian Renaissance."
Walking through the cathedral always feels as though I'm traveling back in time to another place.
In February, I posted the following photo of the cathedral's exterior. I was hoping to go inside and capture some photographs, but alas, it wasn't open. Lucky for me, when I went back two weeks ago, it was open.
So, please enjoy the exterior AND interior of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul...
The Great Dome (made of copper) atop the cathedral...
As you scroll through these photographs, look around and notice the incredible detail within the architecture. *Note: I took these pictures with my cell phone. The only editing I used was to crop them and sharpen a few...
Organ and choir loft...
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To anyone who is not Catholic, this next photo is a confessional booth or confessional box, which is a designated area within a church where a priest privately hears the confessions of penitents. The priest sits inside the door, while the penitent kneels on either side behind a closed curtain...
Hope you enjoyed this pictorial walk, folks!
And for those who celebrate, Happy Easter! 💟
OMG Ron, sharing about the confessional booths brought back a flood of Catholic school/church memories for me. Do you remember going into a confessional for the first time? I do. And I was so nervous because I didn't know what penance I was going to get for my sins, even for a kid. Lol! Do you remember when you had to go to confession first before you could receive the holy eucharist at Sunday mass?
ReplyDeleteThose confessional booths are so beautiful! The ones at my church had three doors - one for the priest, and then two on either side for the parishioners.
Stunning photos! My husband wanted me to tell you in my comment that he thought they were as well.
Question: Did the cathedral have the lingering aroma of incense? God, how I used to love that smell. In fact, it was my favorite thing about going to church on Sundays.
How long did you go to Catholic school? I went all 12 years.
Thank you for sharing your photographic eye, sir. And Happy Easter! xoxo Beautiful tulips and hyacinth!
Ron, did you ever attend mass there? I can just imagine the sound coming from that massive pipe organ. Organ music always reminds me of my time as a kid, going to church with my family on Sundays. As I got older, I even attended Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteAll of the photographs you took are absolutely gorgeous. You really get a sense of its grandeur. I'm in love with the architecture!
And I hear you about feeling as though you traveled back in time to another place. That's exactly how I feel when visiting old, historical buildings.
Happy Easter, Ron! I'll be spending the day with my family, eating, drinking, and having our annual Easter Egg Hunt LOL!
Helloooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDelete" Do you remember going into a confessional for the first time? I do. And I was so nervous because I didn't know what penance I was going to get for my sins, even for a kid. Lol! Do you remember when you had to go to confession first before you could receive the holy eucharist at Sunday mass?"
Yes to ALL of that! I can't remember exactly what age I was when I first went to confession, but I do know I felt nervous. In fact, I felt nervous most of the time. I have confession to make to YOU. I used to confess the same sins over and over again. I had them all memorized, like a script. HA! I'm sure I got the same priest many times, so he most likely knew I was the boy who repeated the same sins! And yes, that's right, confession was required prior to receiving the holy eucharist at Sunday mass. I also remember when you were not permitted to TOUCH the host. It had to be placed on your tongue by the priest. However, now the priest hands it to you.
Yes, that's what the confessionals looked like in my church. They had three doors.
No, I did not smell any trace of incense, but I wish I had because I LOVE that aroma too! Anytime I smell frankincense essential oil, it immediately reminds me of church. Such calm and soothing smell.
I attended Catholic school for eight years. I then transferred to a public Junior High and High School for my final four years. I actually preferred public school.
Much thanks for stopping by and sharing your Catholic memories, Elaine! Hope you and your husband have a faaaaaabulous Easter Sunday!
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No, Barbara, I have never attended mass there. I'm no longer a practicing Catholic, so I no longer attend church. I AM a believer in a Higher Power, I just don't practice any specific religion. My relationship with God is personal.
ReplyDeleteYes, can you imagine the sound coming from that pipe organ? Me too, hearing an organ instantly transports me to my many years in Catholic school and attending church on Sundays.
"That's exactly how I feel when visiting old, historical buildings."
Me too! I LOVE old, historical buildings. And that's why I love older cities with lots of history. I've always been attracted to architecture, particularly old architecture because you can FEEL the history within them!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week, and Happy Easter to you! Have fun with your family and the Easter Egg Hunt!
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Holy moly Ron, these photos are gorgeous! And I'm blown away that you took them with your cell phone. These look like you to took them with a camera. They are so professional looking!
ReplyDeleteI am not Catholic, but many of my school friends who I grew up with were. I remember them going to my family's church (Presbyterian) on Sundays. Did you also attend Catholic school?
I love the photographs with the sunlight streaming through the windows. It gives them a "ethereal" effect.
Beautiful images, Ron! Glad you were able to go inside and capture them.
Happy Easter! xo
Absolutely breathtaking! Ron, you're not going to believe this but five years ago, right before covid, I came to Philadelphia for a business meeting. And while I was there, I visited that cathedral. And like you when I walked in, I was immediately speechless. It's the most beautiful cathedral I have ever visited. And while I'm not Catholic, I can so appreciate beautiful architecture, history, and the concept of faith. Regardless of the denomination, I enjoy visiting different churches, chapels, cathedrals, temples, etc. because you can feel the presence of a higher power in all of them.
ReplyDeleteYou're photos are stunning, Ron! They bring back great memories of my time there. xoxo
That last photo of the bright pink tulips is so beautiful! Where were you when you took that picture? I've not seen so many beautifully bright flowers yet, where I live.
Greetings Abby!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes, I too am blown away with the camera quality of my newish cell phone. I'm so lazy that I hardly ever take my Canon camera with me anymore. I just use my cell phone.
Yes, I attended Catholic school (for eight years). Once I moved into Junior High and High School, I switched to Public School.
I got so lucky with the sunlight streaming through the windows on a sunny day. Prior to that, we experienced a lot gray days.
Me too. I was soooooooo happy the cathedral was open that day because during the winter months, it was only open on Sundays for mass.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrrrrreat rest of your week!
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Wow, that's amazing to hear, Candice! Isn't that cathedral beautiful? It takes your breath away when you walk in and look up. I have visited it a few times since I moved back to Philly in 2001, and each time I noticed something that I hadn't seen before.
ReplyDeleteI love what you expressed here...
"And while I'm not Catholic, I can so appreciate beautiful architecture, history, and the concept of any faith. Regardless of the denomination, I enjoy visiting different churches, chapels, cathedrals, temples, etc. because you can feel the presence of a higher power in all of them."
My feelings exactly! Throughout my life I have experience many different religions/beliefs/denominations, all of which I thought were beautiful. Because as you said, you can FEEL the presence and reverence of God/Higher Power within them all. I've also visited different churches while in Europe and have felt the same thing. I personally believe that there are many ways to know God. It's just a matter of feeling which one works for you. It's personal.
Thanks so much for stopping by tonight! Have a terrific rest of your week!
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Lucky you, Ron! Once I reached High School, I wanted to switch to a public school, but my mother wouldn't have it. She insisted I go through until the end. I'm surprised she didn't insist I go to a CATHOLIC college. LOL!
ReplyDeleteRon, that confessional booth is exquisite! The detail in the wood carving is phenomenal. You don't see that level of hand-craftmanship anymore. And those red curtains - WOW! I'm curious though, can the people be heard talking inside the booth by the people close by?
ReplyDeleteI cannot get over the cathedral ceiling and how beautiful it is. And those hanging lights are incredible.
Do you know what I love about going inside massive churches? The echo. I love that sound!
Can't thank you enough for sharing the beauty of this cathedral, Ron. I'm in awe of that copper dome!
Happy Easter!
I had a very hard time learning anything while in Catholic school, so the nuns suggested to my parents that they transfer me to a Public School because my grades were so poor they would have to fail me. BEST thing that ever happened to me! I went from a D and F student, to an A and B student within the first year. *doing the happy dance*
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Clair!
ReplyDelete"The detail in the wood carving is phenomenal. You don't see that level of hand-craftmanship anymore. And those red curtains - WOW!"
Isn't that confessional booth beyond gorgeous! They have them at various areas in the cathedral. I love those red curtains too! You're right, we don't see that kind of craftmanship anymore.
"I'm curious though, can they be heard talking inside the booth by people close by?"
Ironic you asked that because on the day that I was there, I noticed someone go into one of the confessionals and immediately heard talking between them. I didn't hear anything specific, I just heard them talking. So, I walk away. The confessionals we had in my church growing up had doors that you could close. With those, it seemed more private.
Isn't that copper dome phenomenal?
Much thanks for stopping by, Clair! Hope you're having a fabulous week! Happy Easter!
Ron, you have such an eye for photography. These pictures are magnificent! I read your post on my desktop computer which has a 32" screen, so I could really see all the incredible architectural detail. And it also gave me a excellent idea of just how opulent and GRAND it actually is! The shot you captured of the Great Dome is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteIn the 9th photo down, I like how you captured the daylight beaming through the stained-glass window. It gives such a mystical ambiance.
Love the two images of the votive candles. I remember as a kid, being fascinated with them at church. And I recall the moment when my father allowed me to light one for my grandmother who had passed.
Perfect post for the Easter holiday. Thank you for sharing, Ron!
PS - I noticed on your blog that you highlighted your rewatch of the movie, 'Three Men and a Baby'. I will have to do the same thing soon. What a great film!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it such a GREAT film? I spotted it on Tubitv last week and decided to watch it. I had forgotten just how fabulous it was. It was funny, but also very touching. Love those three actors!
ReplyDeleteMorning, Robert!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, sir. I've gotten so lazy about using my Canon camera and end up using my phone because it's just so much easier. And I have to say, I've been very pleased and impressed with the camera quality of my recent phone.
WOW...32" screen?!? That's awesome! My monitor screen is 27" and I though THAT was big. I prefer using a desktop for home use because I stream a lot of movies, so it makes seeing them all the more better. Plus, it's great for edited photographs.
I got lucky with that daylight beaming through the stained-glass window. I just so happen to look up, and it was there!
"I remember as a kid, being fascinated with them at church. And I recall the moment when my father allowed me to light one for my grandmother who had passed."
OMG, meeeeeeeeeeeee too! And so much so, that I even light tealights in my apartment! Gives such a wonderful glow.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week and Easter holiday!
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That's right, Celeste Holm was in that movie as well. She played the mother of one of the three men, right? She was so good in 'All About Eve' with BD.
ReplyDeleteYup, you're spot on. She was the mother of Ted Danson's character. She didn't have a huge part in the film, but it was so memorable. Didn't you love All About Eve? I have that film on DVD. She and BD were so good together!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post for Easter, Ron. Those pictures are stunning! It’s easy to forget that the big cities of the US have such beautiful cathedrals. We often just think of those in Europe. Cleveland also has some magnificent ones, but I’ve only been inside two. Those ceilings are mind blowing to me. The detail! I bet we’d drop our mouths open if we heard that organ playing. Did you light a candle? Would you believe that when our new church was built about 10 years ago, the fire marshall (or whoever is in charge) said no candles were permitted!! WTH? Now we only have battery operated candelabras on the altar and the battery handheld ones on Christmas Eve. It’s weird.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an Easter full of blessings and love from above, Ron. XO
Greetings, my friend!
ReplyDeleteFor the past two weeks, I've been working a lot of extra hours because of a huge sale we had.
Monday, it suddenly dawned on me that Easter was THIS Sunday. So when I was walking around the city two days ago, I spotted those brightly colored flowers and took a picture, and then thought...I'm going to finish my cathedral post with them and do a HAPPY EASTER post.
One of these days, I have GOT to visit Cleveland because I always see pictures online of the city and I am so impressed by how it looks (and feels), even through the photos.
The US has so many beautiful cathedrals, you're right. And we often forget that.
"Those ceilings are mind blowing to me. The detail! I bet we’d drop our mouths open if we heard that organ playing."
Can you imagine that? It would add to the whole "ambiance" of the cathedral.
No, I didn't light a candle, but should have. I was so caught up in what I was seeing with my eyes that it totally slipped my mind. Next time I will.
" Would you believe that when our new church was built about 10 years ago, the fire marshall (or whoever is in charge) said no candles were permitted!! WTH? Now we only have battery operated candelabras on the altar and the battery handheld ones on Christmas Eve. It’s weird."
OMG, that's how it is in St Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, they use battery operated tealights. I was stunned when I first saw that years ago when I went inside. You're right, it's just plan WEIRD.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter too!
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Hi, I just discovered your blog and wanted to comment, EXCELLENT photographs! Really beautiful. I found your post while Googling "cathedral architecture". I'm a college student who is doing a piece on various architecture styles and wanted ask if I could use some of your photographs. I promise to give you credit by including your blog link. If not, no worries. I just thought I'd ask. All the best!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, James! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteYes, by all means, feel free to use any or all photographs, no problem. Good luck on your peice for college.
All the best to you too!
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Ron, these pictures are absolutely stunning! I can’t believe they were taken with your phone—seriously next level. I love using my phone for photos too, but wow, these are something else.
ReplyDeleteI don’t attend church anymore and I don’t really identify with religion, but I do believe in a higher power. That first quote really got me: “There’s a reason we used to build Cathedrals that drew the eyes upwards.” I love that.
I love this post so much, my friend. Thank you for sharing it. 😘💜
Hey there, Kari, and thank you!
ReplyDeleteI know, can you believe it? And that's why I hardly ever take my Canon camera with me anymore. It's just so much easier to use my phone because the quality is as good as my Canon. The only thing is that I'm losing my skills for using my camera. Ha!
"I don’t attend church anymore and I don’t really identify with religion, but I do believe in a higher power. That first quote really got me: “There’s a reason we used to build Cathedrals that drew the eyes upwards.” I love that."
You and I are soooooooooooooooooo much alike because I feel the exact same way. I truly believe in higher power, no doubt. However, my relationship with that higher power is a personal one. And I began to realize that in the 80s, when I deep spiritual journey began.
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week and weekend!
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Thanks so much, Ron! And I will be sure to credit them to your blog.
ReplyDeleteRon, this cathedral is indeed magnificent! The workmanship is outstanding, and it's so appropriate for you to post this right as Easter Week gets going.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the votive candles -- too many churches have done away with them. But I'm curious: how does a person do confession face-to-face? Maybe they don't offer that option? I used to think all the anonymity of being behind a screen was preferable, but hey, I imagine priests (especially in smaller parishes) know who's on the other side anyway.
What an awesome ceiling that is! Kind of makes you want to lie on a pew and drink it all in. Can you imagine how fabulous a wedding would be in a building like this? (Or, for that matter, a funeral?)
Gorgeous shots, my friend, and your phone's camera did the cathedral proud. Happy, Happy Easter to you ... and Happy Spring, as well!!
Hey there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it magnificent? And no matter how many times I visit, it never ceases to take my breath away. Yes, this post worked out perfect for Easter week!
More and more votive candles are not being used in churches. They say it's a "fire safety" thing, but for heavens sake, they've been using votive candles for years and years. Why all of sudden is it a safety thing?!?
"But I'm curious: how does a person do confession face-to-face? Maybe they don't offer that option? I used to think all the anonymity of being behind a screen was preferable, but hey, I imagine priests (especially in smaller parishes) know who's on the other side anyway."
I don't think this cathedral does face-to-face. Even in the small chapel that is directly next door uses confessional boxes. But you're right, I think parish priests eventually know who is who during confessionals, just from the voices.
Isn't the ceiling stunning beyond belief? I kept staring at it and gasping! And speaking of weddings, they do a lot of them at the cathedral. And also Baptism's.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you, Domer and the Monk a Happy, Happy Easter! And Happy Spring too! I've already being taking pictures of the flowers and trees blooming here and will be posting them soon.
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You are so welcome! 🙏
ReplyDeleteRonnie, this is the perfect post for Easter! Good lord, these pictures are gorgeously stunning! Whether you took them with your cell phone or you camera, it doesn't matter because it's your talented photography EYE that made these images - composition, framing, focus, and perspective. I know you mentioned before that you have never taken "official" photography classes, so your talent is natural.
ReplyDeleteThat cathedral is incredible. And that ceiling!!!! A work of art!
Tell me, did you light a votive candle while there? I used love doing that in my church on Sundays. And my parents would put a dollar and some change in the little box on the side.
Have a wonderful weekend and Easter, dear man! Any plans? xoxo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteMuch, much thank you's for your kind and encouraging words. X
Ever since I can remember, I've always been utterly fascinated with pictures, camera's, and photography. I used to go to the library and sit for hours, looking through photography books. I especially love black and white photography - Ansel Adams, Herb Ritts, Annie Leibovitz, and Richard Avedon, to name but a few. To me, there is something extra-special about black and white photos.
Isn't that ceiling phenomenal? I just kept staring at it while I was there.
No, I did not light a votive, but I should have. Yup, my parents used to do the same thing - always dropped a buck or some loose change in the volunteer box on the side of the votive candle holders.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous weekend and Easter. No, I have no plans, other than just going to the park and feeding the squirrels.
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Hi! Just stopped by via my friend James who said I should stop by and take a look at your photographs. He was right, these are stunning! Isn't it something how far the quality of cell phone cameras have come? I hardly use my Nikon anymore, it's easier just to use my iPhone.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of phone do you have?
Glad I stopped by. I will be back to read more of your posts.
Greetings, Harriet! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop and leaving a comment. Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, cell phone camera's have gotten so much better over the years. The quality has gotten to a point where you can't tell the difference. And like you said, it's easier and more convenient to just use are cell phones because they are always with us.
I have a Moto g 5G. It's an android. I've always had droids.
Thanks again for stopping by, Harriet! Please feel free to drop by anytime!
Have a superb week!
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