Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

Go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Little Italy and see areas of the church grounds that are otherwise barred from the public during this 90-minute catacomb group tour.

For over 200 years, the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral have served as the final resting place for the faithful departed. This historic place has witnessed the many struggles and accomplishments of prominent New York Catholics.

Gain exclusive access to off-limits areas, including the two exterior walled cemeteries and narthex below the sanctuary. Experience the only active Catholic Catacombs in New York City.   See where bishops rest alongside prominent New York Catholics, such as the Delmonico Family and the first resident Bishop of New York, Bishop John Connolly. This labyrinth of vaults belongs largely to bankers, lawyers, captains of industry, merchants, political candidates, and even to a Civil War-era general, Thomas Eckert.

  Explore Manhattan’s Chinatown without worrying about getting lost along its narrow streets and corridors and visit spaces that are normally off limits to the public.   After checking in at the Chinatown Little Italy Information Kiosk on the corner of Baxter and Canal streets we will head down to the old Five Points neighborhood brought back to fame by Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York.  This was the cauldron that gave birth to Manhattan’s Chinatown in the mid 1800’s.  We tour the southern portion of Historic Chinatown as far south as Kimlau Square and wind our way through the labyrinth of winding roads stopping at places like Confucius Plaza, a Taoist Temple, the Famed Doyers street and see the largest Buddhist Statue in New York City.  The grand finale is a visit inside the CCBA – The Chinatown Consolidated Benevolent Association where you may catch a glimpse of the Mayor of Chinatown.  

This Official Neighborhood tour is in partnership with the Chinatown Little Italy Historic District Association and was developed in collaboration with the Historic Districts Council.

If you love New York City history or just want to take a deep dive into one of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods, you shouldn’t miss this guided tour of Little Italy.  You’ll leave with a warm sense of nostalgia, as you walk the very lanes and avenues where so many American dreams were born.

This tour begins at the Chinatown Little Italy Information Kiosk on the corner of Baxter and Canal streets and will encompass the entire northern portion of Historic Little Italy all the way up to Houston Street and back.  Learn about the very first American Catholic Church built specifically for the Italian American community, pay tribute to the haunts of the very first Italian American Police Sargeant Joseph Petrosino.  See the streets where famed film producer/director Martin Scorsese grew up.  Meet the neighborhood as we pay homage to all the Italian owned establishments.  See locations of many famous films and tv shows. Don’t be surprised if your tour is taking place during filming of new productions.

This Official Neighborhood tour is in partnership with the Chinatown Little Italy Historic District Association and was developed in collaboration with the Historic Districts Council.