Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, located on Cathedral Place along North Laurel Street, serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond, playing a vital role in the spiritual life of the community.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1903, financed entirely by Thomas Fortune Ryan and his wife, marking a rare instance where a single family's generosity funded an entire cathedral project. The cornerstone was laid on June 4, 1903, by Father Conway from Saint Ignatius in New York. Remarkably, the cathedral was completed just two years later in 1905, and was consecrated on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1906, through a series of ceremonies.

Designed by architect Joseph Hubert McGuire, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a stunning example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. The building's robust exterior combines Virginia granite with Indiana limestone. A striking feature is the copper-jacketed dome, measuring 118 feet across, flanked by two 90-foot front towers. The portico, supported by fluted Corinthian columns, displays the entablature phrase "If Ye Love Me Keep My Commandments," while fireproof tiles designed by Rafael Guastavino line the underside of the pediment.

Over the years, particularly following the Second Vatican Council, the cathedral has seen significant interior modifications. The original high altar was removed in favor of a freestanding altar to facilitate a more open sanctuary space. This period also saw the destruction of marble altar rails and the repurposing of confessionals into display cases. Changes also included the removal of traditional iconography and statuary that had adorned the sanctuary, reflecting a shift towards a more modern Catholic worship space.

Today, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart not only serves as a place of worship but also hosts the Catholic Campus Ministry for Virginia Commonwealth University. It remains a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continuing to be a pivotal spiritual and cultural hub in Richmond.