Tour Review: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
I took this tour to learn more about Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, but I was left very disappointed with how it was conducted. The guide spoke very softly and only briefly, making it hard to hear or follow. They used a binder with pictures in a narrow hallway, where only the people closest to the guide could see anything. This setup excluded anyone standing in the middle or back.
The information shared in the basement focused more on the personal history of certain archbishops, with very little about the building itself. Again, much of this was presented in a hallway, leaving many unable to see or fully engage. The tour ended abruptly near the altar without any historical context or background being shared, which was frustrating.
While the guide did a good job answering questions, the overall experience lacked structure and depth. A fellow attendee dominated parts of the tour, talking about her son’s interactions with archbishops, which detracted from learning about the church itself.
In comparison, the tour at the older Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was phenomenal, offering rich history and engaging storytelling. This tour, however, felt overpriced and underwhelming. Additionally, as a non-Catholic, I found many references to Catholicism unclear, requiring me to ask for explanations multiple times. I had expected the tour to cater to a general audience, but it seemed more tailored to those already familiar with Catholic terminology.
For the amount charged, I would hope for a more inclusive and informative experience, not just being walked around offices and left at the altar to take pictures on our own.