St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati

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St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati

St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati

Located at the corner of 8th and Plum Streets in downtown Cincinnati, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains is one of the city's most historic and architecturally striking landmarks. A cathedral of the Latin Church in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, it is notable for its Greek Revival design and its dedication to Saint Peter’s imprisonment and liberation.

The cornerstone was laid on May 20, 1841, under the guidance of then-bishop John Baptist Purcell, who would later become archbishop. The church was officially dedicated on November 2, 1845, making it the first large Catholic church west of the Allegheny Mountains. In recognition of its historical and spiritual significance, Pope Francis designated it a minor basilica on June 29, 2020.

One of the basilica's most iconic features is its 224-foot white limestone spire, which towered over the Cincinnati skyline for decades as the tallest man-made structure in the city. The 33-foot-tall columns at the entrance are symbolically linked to the number of years in Jesus’ life.

Inside, the cathedral distinguishes itself with Greek-inspired mosaics representing the Stations of the Cross, Corinthian columns, and massive bronze doors. Artistic highlights include a crucifix attributed to Benvenuto Cellini, murals by Carl Zimmerman, and an apse mosaic by Anton Wendling. Originally, the cathedral also featured stone angels sculpted by Odoardo Fantacchiotti, among the first European sculptures brought to Cincinnati. These now reside at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

A major moment in the basilica's more recent history occurred in 1977 when Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Poland—soon to become Pope John Paul II—visited the cathedral. Over the years, Saint Peter in Chains has hosted more than two dozen bishop consecrations, annual ordinations, and countless weddings, continuing its central role in Cincinnati’s Catholic life.

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St. Peter in Chains Cathedral on Map

Sight Name: St. Peter in Chains Cathedral
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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