Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota) Church
Grand domed Roman Catholic cathedral and St. Paul landmark
Saint Paul's Cathedral in Minnesota presents a large copper dome and classical interiors; tourists visit for city views, organ recitals and its role as the archdiocesan seat.
Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota) at a Glance#
Address: 239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, United States
Website: https://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:00am-5:00pm, Sun 7:00am-6:00pm (times may vary for services)
Admission: Free (donations accepted); guided tours sometimes fee-based
About Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)#
The Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and a prominent early 20th-century basilica. Construction was carried out under architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray and completed in 1915.
The building is known for its large dome, classical forms and richly finished interior marble and mosaics, which draw visitors for both worship and architectural interest. Its elevated site makes the dome visible across the downtown and river valley.
Construction took place in the early 1900s and the completed cathedral was dedicated in 1915; it has served as the archdiocesan seat since then. The design and materials reflect Beaux-Arts and classical influences promoted by its architect.
The cathedral stands on Cathedral Hill in the city of St. Paul, overlooking the Mississippi River and close to the downtown area.
- Viewing point: Best external views are from Cathedral Hill and the nearby Mississippi River bluffs, where the dome dominates the skyline.
How to Get to Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)#
The cathedral is on Cathedral Hill at 239 Selby Ave, about a 10-15 minute walk north of downtown Saint Paul and 5 minutes by taxi. From downtown Minneapolis, it’s 10-15 minutes by car across the river; regional buses stop within a short walk.
Tips for Visiting Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)#
- Walk the Cathedral Hill steps north of downtown for the best exterior photos at golden hour.
- Check the cathedral's website for organ concert dates - the pipe organ is a highlight.
- Arrive early on summer mornings to avoid tour buses and hear the city's cathedral bells uninterrupted.
Best Time to Visit Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)#
Late spring through early autumn offers pleasant weather and the chance to hear outdoor bell concerts; winter brings snow-dusted romanticism but limited walking comfort.
Weather & Climate near Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)#
Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (761 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -16° - -5° | -17° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 3.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -1° | -12° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 3.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | -5° - 6° | -4° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 15° | 6° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Very Good | 9° - 22° | 16° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Very Good | 14° - 27° | 21° | 112 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Excellent | 17° - 29° | 23° | 104 mm | some cloud | 70% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 10° - 22° | 16° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 8° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | -4° - 5° | -3° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -3° | -13° | 25 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
