Holy Name Cathedral
A magnificent Gothic Revival cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, renowned for its stunning 'Tree of Life' ceiling and rich history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Holy Name Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Gothic Revival cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, renowned for its stunning 'Tree of Life' ceiling and rich history.
"Absolutely beautiful church with outstanding liturgy and a breathtaking ceiling."
🎯 Guided Tours Available
Inquire about guided tours for an in-depth look at the cathedral's history and architecture.
🎶 Experience the Choir
Attend the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass for a chance to hear the full choir and organist.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tree-of-Life Ceiling
Nave
Marvel at the intricate, vaulted ceiling adorned with a stunning 'Tree of Life' motif, a true masterpiece of Gothic design.

Granite Altar
Sanctuary
Behold the impressive six-ton granite altar, a focal point of the cathedral's sacred space.

Stained Glass Windows
Nave
Admire the warming light filtering through the beautiful stained glass windows, adding to the cathedral's serene ambiance.

Bullet Hole History
Exterior Wall (ask for details)
Discover a piece of Chicago history with visible bullet holes from a 1926 mob incident.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours Available
Inquire about guided tours for an in-depth look at the cathedral's history and architecture.
🎶 Experience the Choir
Attend the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass for a chance to hear the full choir and organist.
🚶♀️ Near Riverwalk
Easily combine your visit with a stroll along the scenic Chicago Riverwalk.
🙏 Attend a Mass
Visitors are welcome to attend Mass; the congregation is known for being welcoming.
I’m not religiously but would like to attend a Christmas ceremony for the music. Any suggestions on places that have incredible voices and instruments as part of the ceremony?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours Available
Inquire about guided tours for an in-depth look at the cathedral's history and architecture.
🎶 Experience the Choir
Attend the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass for a chance to hear the full choir and organist.
🚶♀️ Near Riverwalk
Easily combine your visit with a stroll along the scenic Chicago Riverwalk.
🙏 Attend a Mass
Visitors are welcome to attend Mass; the congregation is known for being welcoming.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of services and other visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Holy Name Cathedral for its breathtaking architecture, particularly its stunning ceiling and stained glass, and its role as the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The quality of liturgy and music, especially the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass, is frequently highlighted. Some reviewers noted a desire for more religious imagery in the stained glass and found the electric prayer candles a bit too modern.
"Holy Name Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is an absolutely beautiful church. The liturgy here is outstanding. The Director of Liturgy and the rector work hard. The 10:30 AM Mass typically has the music director at the organ with the full choir. The cathedral has a lot of ushers, ministers, cantors,and security. Fr. Andy is one of my favorite priests because of his outstanding homilies. The resident priests all rotate saying Mass and hearing confessions. The presider schedule is online. The cathedral also has various other ministries.
I wish the stained glass in the cathedral had more religious imagery, rather than non denominational shapes. The courtyard though has two statutes—one of Mary and the other of Saint Cabrini."
Derick
"I am a great fan of cathedrals, always going out of my way to see them wherever I go, and Chicago's is really quite lovely. Charmingly on the smaller side, absolutely gorgeous woodwork in the ceiling, and some nice decorated capitals, sort of overgrown Corinthians. An interesting lectern of key saints (but not the four Doctors), and a font that seems somehow designed for both infant and full-body adult baptisms. The cardinal hats show a long tradition of episcopal importance - a subtle assertion for those who know. The stained glass is at first a bit blunt but provides a warming light that really compliments the wood of the roof, and the mirror-polish black stone blind triforium is odd but not displeasing. Floor is a bit disappointing, and the prayer candles are electric with a corresponding bank of switches - too modern for my tastes, and yet somehow retro. Well worth popping in for church architecture afficianados."
Christopher Riedel
"Beautiful cathedral with a rich history. This is where Hymie Weiss, a rival of Al Capone, was gunned down in 1926. You can still see the bullet holes in the stone walls today"
Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holy Name Cathedral is conveniently located in downtown Chicago at Chicago & State Streets. It's easily accessible by public transportation, with numerous CTA bus routes stopping nearby. The nearest 'L' train stations are Clark/Lake and State/Lake, both a short walk away. Parking can be challenging in the area, so public transit is often recommended.
While street parking is limited, there are several parking garages and lots near Holy Name Cathedral. Some reviews suggest checking for parking options on the official website or using parking apps for availability and rates.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Chicago and can drop you off directly at or very near Holy Name Cathedral. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport or find parking.
Holy Name Cathedral is generally accessible. Information regarding specific accessibility features, such as ramps or elevators, can usually be found on their official website or by contacting the parish directly.
The address for Holy Name Cathedral is 735 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610. It's a prominent landmark in the heart of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit Holy Name Cathedral for general exploration. Entry is free, though donations are always appreciated to support the upkeep of this historic landmark.
Visiting hours can vary, especially around Mass times and special events. It's best to check the official Holy Name Cathedral website for the most up-to-date information on when the cathedral is open to visitors.
Absolutely! Holy Name Cathedral welcomes visitors to attend Mass. They offer daily and Sunday Masses, with specific times available on their website. The 10:30 AM Sunday Mass is known for its choir.
Yes, guided tours are often available, especially for those interested in the architecture and history. Some reviews mention that sitting in the front may lead to tour opportunities. It's advisable to inquire in advance or check their website for tour schedules.
While there isn't a strict dress code for general visits, it's a place of worship. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully, avoiding overly casual or revealing attire, especially if attending Mass.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning 'Tree of Life' vaulted ceiling, the impressive six-ton granite altar, and the beautiful stained glass windows that cast a warm glow. The intricate woodwork and architectural details are also highlights.
Photography is generally permitted inside Holy Name Cathedral, but it's important to be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors. Avoid using flash during Mass or services.
Yes, children can appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the cathedral. The stained glass and high ceilings can be captivating. Attending a service can also be an educational experience.
Holy Name Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago and has a rich history, having risen from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871. It's also known for historical events, including a mob shooting in 1926.
Indeed, the cathedral walls are said to bear bullet holes from a 1926 incident involving Hymie Weiss, a rival of Al Capone, adding a layer of historical intrigue.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or cafes located directly inside Holy Name Cathedral. It is a place of worship, not a dining establishment.
Holy Name Cathedral is situated in a vibrant downtown Chicago area with numerous dining options. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining, within walking distance.
It is generally not permitted to bring food or drinks into the main sanctuary of Holy Name Cathedral, especially during services. It's best to consume them outside the church.
Yes, the area surrounding Holy Name Cathedral is bustling with cafes where you can grab a coffee before or after your visit. Many coffee shops are located along State Street and nearby avenues.
You can expect a diverse range of cuisines near Holy Name Cathedral, reflecting Chicago's culinary scene. Options include American, Italian, Mexican, Asian, and more, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior, with its stunning ceiling and stained glass, offers incredible photo opportunities. The exterior architecture is also very photogenic, especially from street level.
While photography might be allowed, it's crucial to be discreet and avoid flash during Mass or any services. The priority is to respect the sacredness of the event.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for capturing the interior's ambiance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for interior shots to encompass the grand scale.
Drone photography is generally prohibited in urban areas like downtown Chicago due to airspace regulations and privacy concerns. Always check local ordinances before flying a drone.
Yes, the bullet holes are a historical feature that visitors often photograph. They are typically pointed out during tours or can be located on the exterior walls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for opportunities to discuss the architectural details or the historical stories, like the bullet holes, which can make the visit more engaging. The welcoming congregation also contributes to a positive family atmosphere.
⛪ Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to appreciate the stained glass windows and their contribution to the interior's ambiance. The historical significance, including its post-fire reconstruction and the tales of its past, adds another dimension to its architectural appeal.
🎶 Music Aficionados
Even outside of major services, the cathedral's acoustics are impressive, and the presence of a dedicated music program ensures a high standard of liturgical music. It's an excellent opportunity to experience choral and organ music in a magnificent setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels
The stained glass windows, while perhaps described as 'blunt' by some, provide a warming and atmospheric light that enhances the wooden elements of the roof. The cathedral also features a unique mirror-polish black stone blind triforium, an unusual but aesthetically pleasing architectural choice. For those interested in church architecture, the decorated capitals and the design of the baptismal font are noteworthy.
Beyond the main sanctuary, the courtyard offers statues of Mary and Saint Cabrini. The presence of cardinal hats subtly signifies the long tradition of episcopal importance associated with the cathedral. Even the modern, electric prayer candles with their bank of switches have a certain retro charm that adds to the unique character of the space.
A Seat of Archdiocese
The liturgy at Holy Name Cathedral is consistently praised for its excellence. The Director of Liturgy and the rector are noted for their dedication, ensuring that services are meaningful and well-executed. The 10:30 AM Sunday Mass is particularly highlighted for featuring the organist and a full choir, offering a rich musical experience.
Several priests are associated with the cathedral, with Father Andy specifically mentioned for his outstanding homilies. The rotation of priests for Mass and confession, along with various ministries, ensures a vibrant and active parish community. The presider schedule is available online, allowing visitors to plan their attendance.
Historical Echoes
One of the most striking historical anecdotes associated with the cathedral involves the 1926 shooting of Hymie Weiss, a rival of Al Capone, outside its doors. Visitors can still reportedly see bullet holes in the stone walls, a stark reminder of the city's more tumultuous past. This event places the cathedral within the narrative of Chicago's Prohibition-era history.
The cathedral's architecture itself reflects a long tradition, with elements like the cardinal hats signifying its episcopal importance. The very act of attending Mass here connects you to generations of Chicagoans who have worshipped within its walls, making it a living piece of history.
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