New York City is home to many churches from every denomination of Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and many other faiths. Many of these churches were built in the mid-1800s (some even earlier), and continue to host thriving congregations of worshippers throughout the week. Regardless of a person’s faith traditions or belief, these buildings represent a cornerstone of the New York tradition. Famous New York churches like the Bialystoker Synagogue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Abyssinian Baptist Church all played important parts in the history of the city.

Bialystoker Synagogue, for example, was a waypoint on the Underground Railroad. Though in many ways an outwardly unimpressive structure, the synagogue holds within its walls a rich décor of art and stained glass. During the daytime, sunlight illuminates the interior in a striking array of colors streaming through the stained glass. At night, hanging teardrop lights provide a somber and reflective lighting for worship services. Those comfortable with the idea of stopping in for a worship event may enjoy the thoughtful ceremony and find time to reflect in a welcoming environment. The synagogue is located on 7 Willet Street.

The Abyssinian Baptist Church, on West 138th Street, has its own rich history. The famous Dietrich Bonheoffer, a Nazi resister who plotted an attempt to assassinate Hitler, attended Abyssinian during 1930 and 1931. Many people who visit the building find it a solemn and even imposing house of worship, but not one void of a modern expression of the church. Possibly the most impressive aspect of the church—one that makes it unique among other structures in the city—is its sanctuary. In a city that has many gothic churches with lengthy stone corridors, Abyssinian is brightly painted in pure white and shaped in a semi-circle, giving it a clean, impressive appearance, striking in the daylight.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most famous New York churches. Stationed across the street from the Rockefeller Center, its prominent location is only one of the perks enjoyed by the Catholics who worship there. St. Patrick’s is also home to the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. The sanctuary is reminiscent of the great European Halls, and the Gothic structure is a perfect example of twelfth-century French Gothic architecture, such as Reims Cathedral.

Visitors to the city who enjoy visiting churches may enjoy simply taking to the streets and walking downtown. Many smaller churches have exceptionally intricate sanctuaries. The best way to find the lesser-known sanctuaries is to simply be prepared for a surprise.