St. Patrick's Cathedral, the first mention of which dates back to the 11th century, is considered the largest temple in Ireland. Built in the Gothic style, it is the site of many national public ceremonies.
St Patrick's Cathedral, built on an island between the two branches of the Poddle River, is one of Ireland's most famous and most revered temple complexes. An old legend says that it was at this place that the enlightener and baptist of Ireland, Saint Patrick, for the first time converted one of the local residents to Christianity. At this very place, a small church made of wood was built, from which today only the stone with the image of the cross remains intact. Scientists date the image to the beginning of the 8th century.
In its lifetime, St. Patrick's Cathedral has seen a lot. It was rebuilt more than once, restored after the Anglo-Norman and English invasions. The early English Gothic style in which the cathedral was built received many additions and details. Although the church has never changed radically. Only in 1270, on the initiative of Archbishop Falk Soundford, a small chapel of Our Lady was added to the east. The temple acquired its present appearance after a global restoration that lasted for several decades. During this time, it was possible to restore the cathedral to its original appearance, removing numerous layers that appeared during the Reformation and during the reign of King Edward.
At the base, the cathedral has the correct form of a Latin cross. At the entrance there is a baptistery-baptistery, which has been preserved since the 12th century. Its walls are decorated with various blue patterns in a geometric style, three stained-glass windows in the lancet windows are made in yellow and red tones. In comparison with the modestly decorated baptismal chapel of Our Lady, it looks pompous. Its vaults are painted beige and blue, which are supported by cream ribs of four slender columns. The chapel has five windows, and all of them are decorated with bright multicolored stained glass windows. But the most beautiful are the stained-glass windows of the central hall. Each of the windows is decorated with scenes from the life and deeds of St. Patrick.
Inside the building, only a few ancient tombstones from the Middle Ages and a few stone monuments created in the XII century have survived. There is a sculptural statue of Jonathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver's Travels. This famous writer at the end of his life became a clergyman, in 1713 he took the post of dean of the temple and stayed there until the end of his years.
You may notice an unusual through hole made in the door of the chapter hall. It appeared here in the 15th century as a result of a conflict between two counts. Lord Ormond, defeated in battle, decided to take refuge in the cathedral and refused to leave it. Then Lord Kildare offered the terms of an amicable agreement and knocked a hole in the door to shake hands.
Even if you do not consider yourself to be a connoisseur of religious traditions and the beauty of the cathedral did not impress you, be sure to go to the temple to listen to the largest musical organ in the country. St. Patrick's Cathedral is the only church in Ireland to offer twice daily choir services.
