Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul 🇺🇸

Perched atop Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown Saint Paul, the Cathedral of Saint Paul serves as a breathtaking national shrine and a crown jewel of Classical Renaissance architecture. Opened in 1915 and designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, this imposing sanctuary—the third-largest Catholic cathedral in the United States—welcomes you with an expansive Greek Cross layout designed to give you an unobstructed view of the central altar and pulpit.

As you step inside, you will notice an intriguing maritime motif crafted to make you feel as though you are inside a boat, complete with carved waves along the walls and pews, topped by an overhead sunburst chandelier. Marvel at the warm interior walls made of Minnesota Travertine, illuminated by twenty-four stained glass windows featuring angelic choirs and three striking rose windows.

Don't miss the four eight-ton marble statues of the evangelists supporting the piers, the massive bronze baldachin, or the six surrounding chapels honoring local European immigrant heritages with authentic marble from their homelands. Whether you come to admire its massive copper-clad dome or reflect amidst its historic art, this magnificent cathedral offers you a rich, inspiring journey into Minnesota’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

What to see at Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul

• A distinctive 76-foot-wide copper-clad dome reaching 186 feet high
• Nautical-themed nave featuring carved waves on walls and pews beneath a sunburst chandelier
• Four heroic eight-ton marble statues of the evangelists sculpted by John Angel
• Six ethnic chapels containing marble slabs imported directly from saints' home countries
• Restored dual pipe organs featuring hand-carved walnut cases and human-sized angels

Visiting tips

Look closely at the cathedral's interior walls and pews to spot the delicate carved wave details designed to make you feel like you are sitting inside a boat.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul is easy to reach on Saint Paul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Minnesota State Capitol. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Saint Paul travel guide.