Cathedral of the Sacred Heart - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pueblo County, Colorado. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the city of Pueblo, the cathedral offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding area. Visitors to the cathedral can explore the beautiful location and learn about its rich history. The cathedral was built in 1876 and is home to a number of unique features, including a large stained glass window depicting the life of Christ. In addition to its architectural significance, the cathedral is also home to a number of important works of art, including a statue of the Virgin Mary. Visitors to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart can also take part in a number of activities, including attending mass, touring the grounds, and participating in devotional services.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Pueblo, Colorado, United States. It is the seat of the Diocese of Pueblo and the mother church of the diocese. The cathedral is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The present structure was built in 1887 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first church on the site was a small wooden structure built in 1860. In 1874, a new stone church was built to replace it. The current cathedral was constructed between 1886 and 1887. It is made of sandstone from quarries near Lyons, Colorado. The interior of the cathedral features paintings by Joseph DeCamp, an Italian-American artist from Boston, Massachusetts. The cathedral is home to a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which was brought to Pueblo from Mexico in 1895. Every year on December 12, a mass is held in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The best time to visit the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is during the spring or summer months, when the weather is milder. However, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the cathedral during the fall and winter months.

1. Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The cathedral gets very busy during peak tourist season, so it's best to arrive as early as possible.

2. Take a guided tour. Guided tours are available Monday-Saturday at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tours last approximately 1 hour.

3.  Listen to the audio guide. An audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The audio guide provides information about the history of the cathedral and its architectural features.

4. Visit the gift shop. The cathedral's gift shop sells books, DVDs, jewelry, and other souvenirs. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the cathedral.

5.  Attend mass. Mass is held daily at 8:00 AM and noon (English) and 7:00 PM (Spanish). Sunday mass is also held at 9:00 AM (English) and 11:00 AM (Spanish). Confession is available 30 minutes before each mass time listed above.

6. Visit during off-peak times. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for mid-week or during the off-season (autumn and winter). 

1. The Cathedral was built in 1911 and is one of the oldest churches in Pueblo County.
2. The church was designed by architect John Gaw Meem, who also designed several other famous landmarks in Colorado, including the State Capitol Building and the Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway.
3. The church is located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Pueblo, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. The church has a stained glass window that was created by artist Gabriel Loire and is one of the largest stained glass windows in Colorado.
5. The Cathedral also has a number of artworks by noted artists such as Frederico Arcudi and Frank Mechau Jr.
6. The Cathedral is home to a large pipe organ that was installed in the early 20th century.
7. The church has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 While there is no definitive answer to the question of how long it takes to explore the cathedral, most experts agree that two hours is a reasonable estimate. This allows plenty of time to admire the exterior of the building, tour the interior, and even climb to the top of the bell tower for an unparalleled view of Pueblo. 

The easiest way to reach the Cathedral is to take I-25 North from Denver. Take Exit 102 for US-50 West/Pueblo Boulevard. Continue on US-50 West/Pueblo Boulevard for about 7 miles. Then, take a left onto W 29th Street and the Cathedral will be on your right. Another option is to take I-25 South from Colorado Springs. Take Exit 99 for CO-47 North toward Pueblo West/Lake Avenue. Merge onto CO-47 North and continue for 3 miles. Make a slight right onto Lake Avenue and continue for 2 miles. Then, take a left onto W 29th Street and the Cathedral will be on your right.

Admission to the Cathedral is free, but donations are welcome to help support its upkeep.

The church is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.