Located on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 552 West End Avenue, St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church is a historic landmark offering you a unique glimpse into Anglo-Catholic tradition and architecture. Built in 1902 to 1903 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this parish was designed by architect Charles C. Haight to specific ritualist standards.
As you step inside, you will experience a graceful English Gothic cruciform interior constructed from Roman brick, featuring stone arches that support a wooden truss roof. Look closely at the subsidiary spaces and undercroft to appreciate the distinctive Guastavino tile ceilings. Additional interior embellishments designed between 1924 and 1930 by Ralph Adams Cram include carved wooden Stations of the Cross, a spire-like cover over the baptismal font, a Lady Chapel altarpiece, and polychromed statues of St. Ignatius, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Beyond its architectural details, like the permanent holy water stoup and built-in confessional, the church is celebrated for its musical excellence. You can experience its fantastic acoustics during a concert or service accompanied by a professional choir and a refurbished Casavant Frères organ.
What to see at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church
- English Gothic cruciform design by Charles C. Haight featuring Roman brick and a wooden truss roof
- Interior furnishings by Ralph Adams Cram including carved wooden Stations of the Cross
- Guastavino tile ceilings featured in the undercroft and subsidiary spaces
- Musical performances hosted in an acoustic setting with a professional choir and Casavant Frères organ
Visiting tips
Be sure to inspect the entrance's permanent stoup for holy water and the intricate Guastavino tile ceilings in the undercroft.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During a service or concert
How to get there & what’s nearby
St. Ignatius of Antioch Church is easy to reach on New York metropolitan area’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Riverside Park and Master Apartments. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New York metropolitan area travel guide.
See the full New York metropolitan area travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.