Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption 🇺🇸

Welcome to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, a historic Romanesque-style Catholic cathedral serving as the seat of the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey. Originally dedicated in 1871 and designated as a cathedral in 1881, the site is rich with American history.

It sits on land that formed part of the 1776 Battle of Trenton battlefield during the Revolutionary War. After the original building was destroyed in a tragic 1956 fire, the current structure was rebuilt and dedicated in 1959, offering you a modern architectural interpretation built from beautiful Mount Airy granite. As you explore, you will discover a fascinating blend of saved heritage and mid-century design.

Outside, admire the 98-foot bell tower and the statues of the Twelve Apostles lining the exterior façade. Inside, keep an eye out for historic elements salvaged from the original 1800s structure and integrated into the present build, including preserved stained glass windows, bronze doors, altar rails, and the restored town clock. It is an inspiring stop for anyone exploring American history and historic church architecture in Trenton.

What to see at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

• Historic Revolutionary War battlefield site where Hessian Colonel Johann Gottlieb Rall died
• Rebuilt Modern Romanesque-style exterior made from Mount Airy granite
• 98-foot bell tower featuring ten restored historic bells operated via an electronic keyboard
• Exterior façade adorned with statues of the Twelve Apostles
• Preserved historical features including bronze doors, altar rails, and a restored Seth Thomas clock

Visiting tips

Look for the historical marker on the rectory that identifies the site of Hessian commander Colonel Johann Gottlieb Rall's death during the Battle of Trenton.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is easy to reach on Trenton’s public transport, and pairs naturally with New Jersey State House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Trenton travel guide.