Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains
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Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati
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| Location | Cincinnati, Ohio |
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| Built | 1841-1845 |
| Architect | Henry Walter Edward J. Schulte (renovation) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001469 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1973 |
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains is a very important Catholic church in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the main church, or "cathedral," for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. This beautiful building is designed in the Greek Revival style. You can find it in downtown Cincinnati, at 8th and Plum streets.
The church is named after Saint Peter and his story of being imprisoned and then set free. Its first stone was placed on May 20, 1841. This was done under the guidance of Bishop John Baptist Purcell. The church was officially opened on November 2, 1845. It was the first large church built west of the Allegheny Mountains. On June 29, 2020, Pope Francis gave the church the special title of "minor basilica."
Contents
Exploring the Cathedral's Design
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The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains has a striking single spire. This tall, pointed top is made of pure white limestone. It reaches 224 feet (68 m) into the sky. For many years, it was the tallest building in Cincinnati.
Inside the church, you will see many tall columns. These columns are 33 feet (10 m) high. This number is special because it represents the number of years in Jesus' life.
Unique Interior Features
The inside of St. Peter in Chains is very special. It looks different from many other Catholic cathedrals in America. You can see Greek-themed mosaics that show the Stations of the Cross. These are pictures that tell the story of Jesus' last day.
The church also has fancy Corinthian columns. These columns have detailed tops. You will also notice huge bronze doors. The crucifix, which is a cross with Jesus on it, was made by Benvenuto Cellini. The beautiful pictures painted on the walls, called murals, are by Carl Zimmerman. The mosaic in the apse, which is the curved part behind the altar, was created by Anton Wendling.
The Cathedral's Long History
The first Catholic church in Cincinnati was called Christ Church. It was located where St. Francis Xavier Church stands today. Christ Church served as the main church for the young diocese for a while. Then, the first St. Peter's Cathedral was built on that same spot. It opened on December 17, 1826, becoming the official main church.
Building the Current Cathedral
The second and current St. Peter's Cathedral was finished in 1845. Large stone angels once stood next to the main altar. These angels were made by Odoardo Fantacchiotti in the late 1840s. They were some of the first European sculptures to arrive in Cincinnati. Today, you can see them at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Restoration and Rebirth
By the 1930s, St. Peter in Chains had become old and dirty. Its white limestone was covered in soot. In 1938, Archbishop John T. McNicholas moved the main church's office to a newer church. St. Peter in Chains then became just a regular parish church.
In the mid-1950s, the church got a big makeover. Archbishop Karl Joseph Alter started a plan to improve the city. St. Peter in Chains was greatly restored and made larger. Architect Edward J. Schulte designed new parts for the church. These included new transepts (the arms of the cross-shaped church), a rectory (where priests live), a sacristy (where sacred items are kept), and offices for the archdiocese.
The church was celebrated and opened again as a cathedral on November 3, 1957.
Important Visitors and Events
In 1977, the cathedral welcomed a visit from Polish Archbishop Karol Wojtyla. The very next year, he became Pope John Paul II. Many Roman Catholic bishops have been made bishops inside its walls. The cathedral is also a popular place for weddings. Every year, new priests and deacons for the archdiocese are officially welcomed there.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de San Pedro en Cadenas para niños
