Portrait of Omaha: Saint Cecilia Cathedral
Good morning! It's time for another installment of Portrait of Omaha. It's a photo series I'm doing that showcases some of the historical, iconic, and unique spots that make up Omaha. Today, I'm going to show you Saint Cecilia's Cathedral.
Saint Cecilia's is a huge Roman Catholic cathedral. Construction on the structure began in 1905 and was completed in 1959. One of the largest cathedrals in the United States, it's built in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style and beautifully looms high above the skies of Omaha. If it sounds impressive, that's because it is. Whether you're religious or not, if you appreciate art and architecture this is a do-not-miss spot in the city.
As it's a Catholic church, it is open to the public every day, and you can always count on seeing at least one other person while there. If you're interested in seeing it for yourself, you can find it on the corner of 40th and Burt Streets, just south of Cuming Street. It's absolutely gorgeous inside, so let's take a look shall we?
Saint Cecilia's is a huge Roman Catholic cathedral. Construction on the structure began in 1905 and was completed in 1959. One of the largest cathedrals in the United States, it's built in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style and beautifully looms high above the skies of Omaha. If it sounds impressive, that's because it is. Whether you're religious or not, if you appreciate art and architecture this is a do-not-miss spot in the city.
As it's a Catholic church, it is open to the public every day, and you can always count on seeing at least one other person while there. If you're interested in seeing it for yourself, you can find it on the corner of 40th and Burt Streets, just south of Cuming Street. It's absolutely gorgeous inside, so let's take a look shall we?
The outside of Saint Cecilia's rises high into the sky, seemingly touching the clouds.
A view looking up from just outside the front entrance. The architecture is inspiring, and the Spanish Renaissance Revival style is evident in the details.
As you make your way inside and walk down the Nave (the main aisle of a church), make sure to look up.
This is one of many doors you will find inside the church. It has a beautifully, hand-crafted metal frame with decadent stained-glass windows.
A close-up of the metal frame and stained-glass from the previous photo.
Along either side of the Nave and rows of pews, lie two aisles. This one, to the right of the Nave, runs directly to the cordoned-off area behind the altar.
A view up above the Narthex, you can see the impressive organ pipes of the church.
One of a couple of short staircases that lead off the aisles, it leads to nowhere in particular. It's function is probably simply to admire the detail in the stained-glass, and contemplate things.
Off to the right of the Narthex, after entering, you will find this statue. I guess it to be a young Jesus and his father, Joseph, but I could be wrong about that.
A small chapel can be found off of the right aisle, and it's exquisite and rich. An ornate ceiling, fantastic painting, red stained-glass, and a large chandelier adorn this small room.
A close-up of the ceiling and one of the stained-glass windows from the aforementioned chapel. It's lovely to look at.
A view, from the left aisle, of the Apse of Saint Cecilia's Cathedral. Therein lies the main altar of the church with it's large crucifix and domed ceiling.
Walking around Saint Cecilia's is truly a feast for the eyes and mind, and a must-see for anyone with a love of history, art, and architecture. It's an iconic piece of Omaha, and I hope you can see if for yourself one day. For more information about Saint Cecilia's, you can visit their website here.
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