Built in a Roman-Corinthian style of architecture—with a grand façade, vaulted dome, ornate main altar, eight side chapels, and large main sanctuary—the cathedral is modeled after the Lombard Church of St. Charles (San Carlo al Corso) in Rome. Prominent local architect Napoleon LeBrun designed the 2,000-seat basilica and its Palladian facade, and interior frescoes were painted by Constantino Brumidi, an artist known for his work in the U.S. Capitol Building. The crypt beneath the main altar contains the remains of most of Philadelphia’s bishops and archbishops.
You can learn more by taking a walking tour that includes a stop at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The cathedral is also a stop on many hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours, making it easy to squeeze in a visit among Philadelphia’s many other historic attractions.