St. Paul's Chapel
St. Paul's Chapel is New York's oldest public building in continuous use
New York's oldest public building in continuous use, St. Paul's Chapel, opened in 1766 and is still an active part of Trinity Church. Completed in 1766, the Georgian chapel was spared from the fire that consumed lower Manhattan that same year by the heroic efforts by a bucket brigade.
In the aftermath of the fire, St. Paul's Chapel served as a refuge and relief center for hundreds of homeless New Yorkers, a role it reprised 225 years later in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Memorials and items sent to encourage the rescue workers during New York City's darkest days are still on display in an interactive exhibit.
While New York was the nation's capital from 1788 to 1790, St. Paul's congregation included George Washington and many of the founding fathers who were drawn to the intimate chapel. Visitors to St. Paul's Chapel can see Washington's original church pew and an exquisite 18th century oil painting of the Great Seal of the United States.
Surrounding St. Paul's Chapel, a churchyard with pre-Revolutionary War graves and memorials to Revolutionary War heroes. Interments ceased in the beginning of the 19th century and recently underwent a restoration in 2002 to remove damaging debris that blanketed the cemetery following September 11, 2001. The Bell of Hope, a gift from St. Paul's sister church in London was installed following the restoration to commemorate the events at the World Trade Center and the parish's mission work.
Today, St. Paul's Chapel is an active part of the Trinity Church parish holding daily mass, concerts lectures welcoming visitors from all backgrounds. The practice of daily Prayers for Peace and Reconciliation rose out of the community's need for healing in the aftermath of 9/11 and continues daily at midday.
Nearby attractions include Trinity Church and the Financial District.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoSt. Paul's Chapel Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA
Phone: (212) 602-0800
Official Website: St. Paul's Chapel
St. Paul's Chapel Reviews
Rated out of 5
St. Paul’s Chapel
A Quiet Pause in the Middle of Lower Manhattan
Stepping into St. Paul’s Chapel feels like crossing an invisible line out of New York’s noise and into stillness. Just blocks from the intensity of Lower Manhattan, the atmosphere shifts immediately, traffic fades, voices drop, and everything slows down in a way that feels almost intentional.
We visited and rested there, and that’s exactly what the space seems designed for. It’s not flashy or overwhelming. Instead, it carries a calm, grounded presence that feels rare in the city. The wooden pews, soft lighting, and simple historic interior create a sense of quiet that encourages you to sit down, breathe, and just take a moment.
What makes it even more powerful is the history layered into it. St. Paul’s Chapel is one of the oldest surviving churches in Manhattan, and its endurance gives the space a weight that you can feel without needing it explained. Even without focusing on any single event or detail, there’s a sense that this place has held space for the city through a lot of its most difficult and defining moments.
Outside, everything is movement and steel. Inside, it’s pause and reflection. That contrast is what makes the visit memorable, it’s not about spectacle, it’s about relief.
Rodzilla - a month ago
This is a very calming little area to stop and check out across from 9/11 monument and shops. The Chapel is pretty and they have a Bell that is very important for the NYC remembrance of 9/11
Nomi Sanchez - a month ago
This is a great but often overlooked piece of history and architecture in the city. The build of the structure is so different from everything around it, it makes it worth the trip. The history in the graveyard is interesting as well.
Eric Adams - 8 months ago
The scent of old wood and stone hits you the second you step inside, instantly cutting through the noise of lower Manhattan. I spent a few minutes looking at the hand-stitched tributes from the recovery period... it’s a heavy experience, but the staff there makes you feel truly welcome. It is a strange, quiet relief to find such a still space right in the middle of all that glass and steel.
Sara Gregory - 2 months ago
Stopped in to say a prayer on Christmas Day, 2025. Incredible history and energy. I especially appreciated the two murals from the 18th century. George Washington himself attended service here!
Liam Lewis - 7 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| E | World Trade Center | 2 minutes |
| 4 or 5 | Fulton Street | 2 minutes |
How to get to St. Paul's Chapel by Subway
Take the E train to the World Trade Center, head southwest on Vessey Street, turn left on Church Street, turn right on Broadway or take a 4 or 5 train to Fulton Street, walk north on Broadway.
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Accommodations near St. Paul's Chapel :
Photo Gallery
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Interior of St Pauls Chapel in New York City cc licensed photo by Vincent Desjardins -
Photo Credit: A. Duarte - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bilderkombinat berlin - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajay_suresh - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Charlie Phillips - cc license via Flickr
