Background

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Discover a spiritual beacon in Peoria, IL. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary, a testament to faith, art, and history, and the final resting place of Fulton J. Sheen.

4.8

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, often called St. Mary's Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Peoria, Illinois. Established in 1846, the current building was completed in 1889 and stands as a testament to faith and architectural beauty. It is the seat of the Diocese of Peoria and houses the tomb of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a revered figure in the Catholic Church.

A brief summary to The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Local tips

  • Visit the tomb of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a revered figure, located in a side chapel within the cathedral.
  • Take a guided tour to delve deeper into the history, architecture, and significance of the cathedral.
  • Attend a mass to experience the cathedral's spiritual atmosphere and participate in a service.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Peoria Riverfront Museum, walk northeast on Water Street toward Main Street. Continue on Main Street for about 0.5 miles until you reach NE Madison Avenue. Turn left onto NE Madison Avenue and walk for approximately 0.3 miles. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception will be on your right at 607 NE Madison Avenue.

  • Public Transport

    From Peoria City Hall, walk to the nearest CityLink bus stop. Take CityLink bus route 10 (North) towards Northwoods Mall and get off at the 'Madison Ave & Main St' stop. From there, walk east on Madison Avenue for about 0.2 miles to the Cathedral at 607 NE Madison Ave. A single CityLink bus fare costs $1.

  • Parking

    The Cathedral of St. Mary has dedicated parking lots located south and west of the building, as well as on-street parking. Street parking meter enforcement is from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. Meter hoods may be obtained from Heartland Parking at 128 NE Madison St. Contact Heartland Parking at 309-674-1850 to check availability.

Unlock the Best of The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a significant landmark in Peoria, Illinois, serving as the central church for the Diocese of Peoria. Its history dates back to 1846, with the current cathedral building completed in 1889. Designed by Chicago architect Casper Mehler, the cathedral's architecture is inspired by St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, featuring twin spires that rise to 230 feet. The exterior is constructed of Anamosa Limestone, adding to its grandeur. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning stained-glass windows and the painting of the Crucifix behind the altar, created in 1873 by Spanish artist Yzquierda. The cathedral also houses a large pipe organ with 3,329 pipes, installed in 1936. A side chapel contains the tomb of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who was born, raised, and ordained a priest in Peoria. Mother Teresa visited the cathedral in 1995, and the building underwent a major renovation between 2014 and 2016. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception is more than just a place of worship; it is a historical and cultural landmark. It is part of the North Side Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral's architecture, art, and spiritual atmosphere.

Popular Experiences near The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Popular Hotels near The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Select Currency