Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Church
Major Philadelphia cathedral and seat of the archbishop
Philadelphia's Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul anchors the Benjamin Franklin Parkway; visitors note its domed nave, mural cycles and ceremonial role at the archdiocese seat.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at a Glance#
Address: 1723 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States (at 17th-18th St and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway)
Website: https://cathedralphila.org
Hours: Daily (generally early morning to early evening); Mass times vary - see website
Admission: Free (donations suggested; fees for special events)
About Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul#
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the Roman Catholic cathedral and archdiocesan seat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving as the mother church of the Archdiocese. The present cathedral building dates from the mid-19th century and functions as the centre for major diocesan liturgies and ceremonies.
The cathedral features a formal, classical exterior and an interior arranged with chapels, altars and seating for congregations and diocesan events; it houses tombs and memorials of past bishops. It is the site for major religious services, ordinations and civic-religious events for the local Catholic community.
Construction of the current cathedral building took place in the 19th century to replace earlier diocesan facilities and to accommodate the growing Catholic population of Philadelphia. Since then it has remained the liturgical and administrative centre of the archdiocese.
The cathedral is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia, near Logan Circle and within walking distance of other cultural institutions on the Parkway.
- Location: Sits on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia, adjacent to Logan Circle and within the city’s cultural corridor.
How to Get to Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul#
The cathedral sits on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Logan Square in Center City Philadelphia. From 30th Street Station take SEPTA Regional Rail to Suburban Station and walk (or take the Broad Street Line to City Hall and transfer a few blocks). Several bus routes serve the Parkway; paid on‑street and garage parking is available nearby.
Tips for Visiting Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul#
- Enter via the plaza on 17th-18th Street to see the cathedral in the context of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Call ahead for guided-tour times or to confirm visiting hours during holy days and special diocesan events.
- The cathedral has excellent acoustics - check the schedule for choral or organ recitals if timing permits.
Best Time to Visit Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul#
A year-round destination; pair with a morning or afternoon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway when museums are open.
Weather & Climate near Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul#
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1129 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 5° | -4° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 6° | -2° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 11° | 3° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 24° | 18° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Excellent | 17° - 29° | 23° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.7h |
| July | Very Good | 20° - 31° | 25° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.5h |
| August | Very Good | 19° - 30° | 24° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 8° - 20° | 14° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 3° - 13° | 6° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 8° | 0° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
