Check out the tombstones in the Trinity Churchyard for a slice of history. Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, are among those buried there
Found near the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, Trinity Church is a historical and active church in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Stepping in from the sidewalk is striking: outside on Wall Street, the air is churned by traffic and throngs of people; inside, it is serenely still. Light pours in through stained glass windows and stone pillars spread up into a vaulted ceiling: it is pure gothic. It is hard to believe that such a peaceful and contemplative place could exist in the heart of New York’s financial district.
It might not be as grand as St Patrick’s Cathedral, but Trinity Church is an intimate and beautiful place of worship nonetheless. Within its ground are many memorials, including one to the unknown martyrs of the American Revolution, and also the moving Tobin sculpture, fashioned from the roots of a sycamore tree blown over during the collapse of the World Trade Centre. Indeed the church stands just blocks from the World Trade Centre, and was where policemen and fireman rested during the rescue efforts.
Third Time Lucky
There have in fact been three Trinity Churches. The first was destroyed in the Great New York City Fire of 1776, which started in the Fighting Cocks Tavern, destroying nearly 500 buildings. In 1788 the Second Trinity church was built, only to be torn down some years later after it was weakened by severe snows during the winter of 1838-39. The third and current church was built in 1846, and is still going strong.
Troublesome Priests
Trinity Church is near Zuccotti park, where the Occupy Wall Street movement ignited. The church offered moral and practical support to demonstrators, for which it was criticised by some others in the Anglican movement. Trouble came their way: on Dec 17, 2011, activists, accompanied by a few clergy, attempted to occupy the church-owned Juan Pablo Duante Square. Police responded by arresting 50 demonstrators, including three Episcopal clergymen and a Roman Catholic nun. Not exactly by the book.
Beginning with views of the Statue of Liberty, you will learn about the history of perhaps the most iconic city in the world as you absorb the truly vibrant atmosphere of the city that never sleeps, from Wall Street to the bustling streets of Downtown Manhattan, the sparkling brilliance of Times Square and end with tickets to see the glorious views from the Top of the Rock - the sky-high observatory at the Rockefeller Centre.
On your private full-day tour of New York City, you will:
Your tour begins in the heart of Wall Street, where you'll discover the most famous financial district in the world. Begin with an introduction to the history of New Amsterdam - that became New York in Battery Park - with glorious views out towards the Statue of Liberty, before exploring the highlights of Wall Street, including the statues of the Fearless Girl and Charging Bull, the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Bank - where you'll hear all about the history and formation of the modern financial institutions and systems invented by Alexander Hamilton.
Your tour continues to the National 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero— the original site of the World Trade Center. Here, your guide will share the history of the World Trade Center and discuss the tragic events of 9/11 when the two terrorist planes crashed into the Twin Towers, forever changing the modern world.
Next, it's time to take a New York metro ride - the most popular - and fastest - way of travelling around the city to Midtown Manhattan! First, you'll explore Grand Central Terminal, the most iconic transportation hub in the United States, with beautiful celestial ceiling murals and stunning Beaux-Arts architecture.
It is the setting of many movies and novels and is also famous for its shopping, bars, and restaurants - it is the second most visited landmark in New York after Times Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the area - your guide will be happy to make recommendations.
After lunch, explore the iconic area of Midtown Manhattan - famous for its skyscrapers, high-end shopping and of course Broadway theatre scene!
Enjoy a tranquil stroll through Bryant Park, a lovely green oasis in the heart of busy Midtown. See the New York Public Library - flanked by two giant lions, and admire the art deco skyscrapers the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, that made up New York's world-famous skyline.
Walk along the iconic 5th Avenue famous for its department stores - admire the stunning window displays at Saks, and the historical contrast of St Patrick's Cathedral, an impressive neo-gothic construction that was opened in 1879. Famous for its spires, stained glass windows, and titanic bronze doors - the cathedral has hosted many famous funerals including Babe Ruth and Bobby Kennedy.
Head to the amazing Times Square, known as the 'crossroads of the world to see the news ticker on the One Times Square Building, the NASDAQ board, and the myriad of flashing neon signs that lead you onto the bright lights of Broadway!
Finally, passing by the iconic Radio City Hall, your guide will give you your tickets to 'The Top of the Rock', the Rockefeller Observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre.
Your guide will show you the entrance and leave you to enjoy a perfect end to a perfect day - with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Manhattan and the rest of the Big Apple.
Please note that tour guides are not allowed to guide inside the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Your guide will give you full information on each island and then silently accompany you through the museums. He/she will be able to answer questions you may have but not actually “guide” you through the museums.
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