If you're planning a Catholic pilgrimage to New York—or just love discovering sacred spaces tucked into city life—don’t sleep on the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Brooklyn. It’s not as famous as St. Patrick’s in Manhattan, but let me tell you: this place stuns.
Nestled in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems that makes you stop mid-sidewalk and stare. From the outside, it’s quietly noble—a classic brick structure with Romanesque touches and a steady, grounded presence in the middle of Brooklyn bustle.
But walk inside? Boom. Welcome to my winner of the “Most ‘Grammable Interior” award.
Every square inch of the ceiling is covered in vibrant artwork, pulling your gaze upward in what can only be described as a full-body experience of awe. Depictions of Mary, many of which are lesser-known, fill the vast, curved vaults above the longitudinal aisles. It’s a technicolor theology lesson that turns every corner of the church into a reflection point—and a photo op. (Seriously, good luck choosing just one favorite shot.)
The co-cathedral was extensively renovated in the early 2010s, and the result is a space that feels simultaneously fresh and reverent. Not to mention that weekly Mass attendance went from the dozens to nearly 1,500.
Modern lighting enhances the ceiling frescoes without overwhelming them, while soft neutral tones elsewhere let the artwork take center stage. It’s a masterclass in how to revive a sacred space without stripping it of soul.
One thing I love most about this church is that it embraces its role in a living, breathing city. The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph is still very much a parish church—with regular Masses, community events, and a real sense that this is a spiritual home, not a museum. It’s proof that beauty and utility aren’t opposites in Catholic architecture—they belong together.
The Co-Cathedral was elevated to cathedral status by Pope Benedict XVI in February of 2013 - one of his last acts before resigning the papacy.
Whether you’re a Catholic traveler, sacred art enthusiast, or someone who just appreciates a jaw-dropping ceiling mural, this Brooklyn co-cathedral is well worth the visit. (Or, if you can't go in person, check out this virtual tour!)
Just be sure to bring your camera—and maybe an extra prayer of thanks for the artists who made this space sing.
