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
Walking with Woody (Catahoula/Pitbull mix), for a walk through the grounds today. We entered from the Church Street side. It’s a remarkably quiet and somber place despite being so close to the World Trade Center.
The paths are well-paved, making it an easy stroll, though keep in mind it’s a cemetery and chapel, so it’s best for a respectful, leashed walk rather than a play session. A great historic pocket of NYC.
Hoiping Ngo - a week ago
So this is the first church I ever entered.Where they had security armed guards and all you have to enter through a metal detector which they explained it as this was the church that was across from the nine eleven buildings, the twin towers, which makes sense.
I did, however say I wish they had a metal detectors down south in south carolina and it was answered with a why?And I said, that's where Dylan Roof had the shooting.
And I got a response: "I hope they have them now."😂.
But on a serious note, this is relatively a good spot to look at.But you can't go upstairs.
And it also has, I believe jewish services for some reason.
And it seems that no one continues to preach at the church.
The church is also famous as the grounds where george washington was sworn in as president, which is pretty cool.But at least wanted it to have a side where it pointed down and said here where he stood and was sworn in that would have been helpful.
And yes, I know it's was across from the twid towers, but I would have liked a little bio of the people who were churchgoers, who died in the twin towers that would have been pretty insightful.
The Flagged YouTuber II - 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 - 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 - 2 months ago
Very close to the 9/11 memorial. Seems to still be an operating church. While small it has beautiful artifacts and stories. You can also walk through the cemetery around the back. There is no price or ticket for entering.
Marlon Blake - 6 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: bilderkombinat berlin - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Charlie Phillips - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajay_suresh - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Charlie Phillips - cc license via Flickr
