Be among the quarter million visitors who annually tour one of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in North America. Built from 1906 - 1915, the Cathedral is a stunning example of Beaux Arts architecture. Making a distinctive mark on the skyline of the state's capital city with its copper dome soaring over 306 feet high, the Cathedral stands as a tribute to the immigrants who built it. Step inside its glistening granite walls to admire its rose windows and sacred art. The cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis was designed by architect E.L. Masqueray. Construction began in 1906 under Archbishop John Ireland and the first service was held on Palm Sunday in 1915. The Cathedral was built as a labor of love and expression of faith by an immigrant community who wanted their faith to shape their new life in their new country. Over the past decades, the interior of the cathedral has been gradually enhanced and filled with many treasured and unique works of art. Four mosaics created by the Vatican Mosaic Studio decorate the upper pillars of the main dome. The large bronze baldachin over the altar was designed by Whitney Warren, who also designed Grand Central Station in New York City. Three rose windows, 26 feet in diameter, fill the Cathedral with soothing colored light. Newly installed in 2010 is an exact replica of Michelangelo's "Pieta". The exterior of the cathedral was recently restored with a $32 million preservation project. Over 100,000 square feet of copper was replaced on the dome and roofs; more than four miles of mortar joints were tuck pointed and the exterior granite was cleaned using a special process of micro-blasting to restore its original luster.The Cathedral of Saint Paul is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The beauty of the Cathedral makes the building a popular venue for concerts as well as major liturgical celebrations. A quarter of a million visitors, pilgrims, tourists and guests visit the Cathedral each year.Self-guided tour books are available in the cathedral for a small donation. Continuously playing videos play in the kiosk give a brief history of the cathedral. Donations are gratefully accepted to help support the cathedral's ministries, restoration, and preservation.

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