It may come as a surprise that one ofthe most stunning examples of French Gothic architecture in the United States, theCathedral of the Sacred Heart, lies in downtown Newark. Admire the intricatelysculpted façade, wood-paneled interior and other fine features when you visitthis exceptional Roman Catholic place of worship.
Stand before the ornate façade of theCathedral of the Sacred Heart and you will see why Bishop Bernard McQuaidcalled the building a “fitting monument to the faith” at the laying of itscornerstone in 1899. Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley commissioned the structurein 1856 and the cathedral took over half a century to complete. The result is oneof the most spectacular cathedrals anywhere in the country.
You will see the twin towers andpointed spire of the cathedral long before you reach it, but it is only whenyou get up close that you can appreciate the sheer size of the building. Thetwo towers that flank the entrance stand 323 feet (98 meters) high. The buildingencompasses 45,000 square feet (4180 square meters) and is the fifth-largestcathedral in the United States.
The best way to enjoy the cathedral isto attend one of the free services. Join the locals who crowd into thecathedral’s wide interior and listen to the choir accompanied by the huge organ.
Visit when the cathedral is empty andenjoy the sense of peace that the huge, airy interior creates. Light streams inthrough the stained glass windows, reflecting off the silver-and-bronzechandeliers. Admire the stylish wood paneling and locally sourced marble setinto the walls.
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart islocated in the Lower Broadway area of Newark, adjacent to the Branch BrookPark. Several bus routes and the subway stop nearby. It is open daily and freeto enter. Ask the cathedral’s staff for service information.
