Those who say that America doesn't have magnificent cathedrals are simply wrong.

St. Patrick's Cathedral - a spectacular Gothic sanctuary in the heart of New York City. Completed in 1878, it's the largest Catholic cathedral in the US, and a symbol of the triumph of religious freedom in America.

It's also a triumph of Gothic Revivalism, executed on such scale that it occupies an entire city block. The design is the work of architect James Renwick Jr., and pays tribute to the great Medieval Gothic works of Europe. The mighty octagonal towers (330 feet tall) are a clear nod to the soaring spires of Cologne.

Entering the dramatic interior, with its vaulted ceiling and dazzling stained glass, is an experience comparable to some of the finest cathedrals of Europe. The exterior is adorned in white marble cladding, creating a striking contrast with the city.

The architectural grandeur is a fitting symbol of the resilience of Catholics who had been banned from public prayer by the Dutch and British colonial authorities, and stands as a testament to their perseverance in establishing a place of worship in the city.

Unsurprisingly, it's one of the most visited buildings in America, welcoming 5 million people through its doors every year - more than the Empire State Building.

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