From atop a bluff overlooking the bustling city of Saint Paul, the Cathedral of Saint Paul stands as a testament to ambition and magnificence. The Cathedral of Saint Paul isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in granite and glass, a narrative whispered through generations. This current Cathedral of Saint Paul, the fourth in the city’s history, replaced three predecessors, each a stepping stone in the city’s spiritual journey. The first, a humble log cabin built in 1841, served a small community of French Canadians. As the city grew, so did the need for a grander space, leading to successively larger cathedrals in 1851 and 1856. By the turn of the 20th century, St. Paul’s Catholic population had swelled, prompting Archbishop John Ireland to envision a cathedral that would rival the grandeur of the newly completed State Capitol.
In 1904, Archbishop Ireland selected French architect Emmanuel Masqueray to bring his vision to life. The chosen site, a bluff overlooking downtown St. Paul, was both symbolic and strategic. The Cathedral of Saint Paul could literally and metaphorically look down on the centers of commerce and government. Construction began in 1906, and nine years later, the Cathedral of Saint Paul opened its doors, revealing a breathtaking exterior of Minnesota Rockville granite. The soaring copper dome, reaching 306 feet at its apex, dominates the skyline. Above the main entrance, a sculpted relief depicts Christ sending his apostles to preach. Flanking this scene are statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.
While the exterior exudes a sense of austere grandeur, the interior of the Cathedral of Saint Paul explodes with color and artistry. Marble from nine countries adorns the walls and columns. From the fiery red Rojo Alicante of Spain in the Sacred Heart Chapel to the deep green Tinos from Greece in the vestibules, the interior is a symphony of stone. The bronze screen behind the altar shimmers with intricate patterns. Eleven chapels glow with the rich hues of stained glass windows. Three magnificent rose windows grace the sanctuary. One depicts North American martyrs and North Woods wildlife.
One of the Cathedral of Saint Paul’s most unique features is the Shrine of Nations. This semicircle of six chapels behind the altar honors the diverse ethnic groups who contributed to its creation. Irish, French Canadian, Italian, German, and Slavic communities each have a dedicated chapel. A sixth chapel, dedicated to St. Therese, represents other ethnic groups. Two large frescoes by Mark Balma capture pivotal moments in the Cathedral’s history. One depicts the arrival of Bishop Cretin in 1851. The other portrays Archbishop Ireland preparing for the first mass in the new cathedral in 1915.
The vast interior space, crowned by the elaborately decorated dome, inspires awe. Four larger-than-life statues of the evangelists stand watch at the corners of the main seating area. The Cathedral of Saint Paul, completed in 1915, initially housed only the floor and pews. The interior decoration, a project spanning decades, finally concluded in the 1950s. Even after its completion, the Cathedral of Saint Paul continued to evolve. A major renovation between 2001 and 2003 restored the exterior and re-sheathed the iconic copper dome, ensuring that this architectural masterpiece would continue to inspire for generations to come.