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St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church

An Italian Renaissance masterpiece on the Upper East Side, this landmark church is distinguished by its rare high dome and exquisite stained glass windows from the renowned studios of Chartres.

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St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church
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Where is St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church located?

The church is located at 184 East 76th Street at the corner of Lexington Avenue in the Lenox Hill neighborhood of Manhattan's Upper East Side.

What are the hours of the church?

On weekdays, the church is open from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM. On Sundays, it opens at 8:30 AM, with High Mass held at 11:00 AM.

What is the church known for architecturally?

Designed by Nicholas Sirracino in the Italian Renaissance style, the church features a high dome, twin bell towers, and a pedimented porch. It is one of only two Catholic churches in New York City with stained glass windows from the glass studios of Chartres.

Is it a historic site?

Yes, the church was designated a New York City landmark in 1969 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 along with its rectory.

What is the history of the parish?

The parish was established in 1882, originally meeting in a rented hall above a stable at 202 East 77th Street. The current church building was begun in 1910 and completed in 1913.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church, also known as the Église St-Jean-Baptiste, stands at the corner of Lexington Avenue and East 76th Street in the Lenox Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. The parish began its journey on February 22, 1882, when the first mission chapel opened in a rented hall located above a stable at 202 East 77th Street. Today, the parish is staffed by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The present structure was designed by Italian architect Nicholas Sirracino (also spelled Serracino) and constructed between 1910 and 1913. Sirracino's vision for the building was so prestigious that the design won first prize at the 1911 International Exhibit in Turin, Italy. The church is built in the Italian Renaissance style, featuring a four-column pedimented porch, twin bell towers, and a high dome over the crossing. Architecturally, the church is a rarity among New York City Catholic churches. It is one of the few to feature a dome and is one of only two—the other being St. Patrick's Cathedral—to house stained glass windows from the glass studios of Chartres. These unique features contributed to its designation as a New York City landmark in 1969. Recognized for its enduring beauty and historical value, the church and its accompanying rectory were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Visitors can still appreciate the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance Revival style that makes it one of the most beautiful churches in the country.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit during weekday public hours, as the church opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 1:30 PM.
  • If visiting on a Sunday, the church opens at 8:30 AM, with High Mass held at 11:00 AM.
  • Look up at the high dome and the twin bell towers when approaching from Lexington Avenue.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Lenox Hill on the Upper East Side, this church serves as a serene architectural anchor amidst the bustling residential and commercial blocks of Lexington Avenue.

Sources

Evidence and links