Located at 869 North Clinton Avenue, Saint Michael's Church is an active Roman Catholic parish in Rochester, New York, and the city's sole remaining example of an entirely 19th-century religious campus. Completed in 1890, this Gothic Revival masterpiece was designed by German-born architect Adolphus Druiding in the shape of a Latin cross. You will be captivated by its striking exterior, crafted from Lockport sandstone and Medina brownstone transported via the Erie Canal, featuring a grand 256-foot tower crowned with a gilded cross—making it the tallest church steeple in Rochester.
Inside, you can admire 15 vibrant stained glass windows created by the Tyrolean Glass Painting Institute in Innsbruck, Austria, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Highlights include a window depicting Daniel in the Lion's Den, which won first prize at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and another featuring portrait likenesses of Bishop McQuaid and Father Pascalar. You can also see a detailed baptismal font illustrating the Seven Sacraments, self-supporting spiral staircases, and a 2,169-pipe J.
W. Steere & Son organ. Today, Saint Michael's serves Rochester's vibrant Hispanic community, with all Masses currently celebrated in Spanish.
What to see at Saint Michael's Church
- Rochester's tallest church steeple standing at 256 feet with a gilded cross
- Stained glass windows from Innsbruck, Austria, including an 1893 Chicago World's Fair winner
- A restored tower clock and 13 bells, including the 4,800-pound bell named Johannes
- Historic interior furnishings, including self-supporting spiral staircases and a 2,169-pipe organ
Visiting tips
Keep in mind if attending services that all Masses at Saint Michael's are currently celebrated in Spanish.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Saint Michael's Church is easy to reach on Rochester’s public transport, and pairs naturally with The National Museum of Play. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Rochester travel guide.
See the full Rochester travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.