My City Secret: The Riverside Church Bell Tower & Observatory
November 23, 2008 | Filed Under Cathedrals/Churches, My City Secret, Photo Blogging Theme Day, The Riverside Church
Riverside Church seen in the distance from the Bronx
Recently, Elizabeth of About New York & The House in Marrakesh tagged me to participate in a fun blogging event called My City Secret, which The Guardian UK started. I’m a bit late with my contribution but I’m thinking that it’s better late than never. Right? 
There are many best kept secrets in New York. One of my favorites is the Riverside Church Bell Tower and Observatory (located in Riverside Church, the tallest church in the United States, by the way.) in Harlem. I’d never get tired of visiting there. I love the view, I love the peaceful feeling high above the noisy and busy city streets, I love the sounds of the bells mixed with the wind. I even love the little trip it takes just to get to the observatory. First you take the elevator to the 20th floor and then the rest of the way, you have to climb up a narrow iron stairway that seems to go on forever till you reach the bell tower.
The 392-foot high, Gothic-style tower houses the largest carillon in the world (74 bells) and the observatory provides a stupendous view of the West side and beyond. I prefer this place instead of the Empire State Building and other Observatory sites, where it is usually crowded, the wait to go on the observation deck can be as long as five hours, and the admission price is way too much money.
The cost to visit the Riverside Church Bell Tower and Observatory is $2! TWO bucks! There aren’t many places in NYC, where you pay so little money and get a big reward. I love it!
Okay, so I’ve shared this best kept secret with you but now I have a little bit of bad news. I called to confirm visiting hours and admission price and found out that the tower and observatory is closed. "Indefinitely." The building structure and facade are being inspected and they aren’t sure how long it will take.
Why did I tell you about the tower and observatory if it’s closed? Because when it’s open again, it is worth the visit. So, if you’re interested, call before you go to make sure it’s open.
By the way, I posted some earlier photos, which you can check out here and here.
Riverside Church Bell Tower & Observatory is located between 120th and 122nd Street between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue in Harlem. (212) 870-6792,
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31 Responses to “My City Secret: The Riverside Church Bell Tower & Observatory”
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Very interesting geography/history lesson!
Magnificent!
I wouldn’t have guessed you could go inside at least not to the top.
Too bad it’s closed. I checked out the other pictures. That really is a beautiful church.
Planning my first NYC trip soon… I’ll definately add this to my list!
Paz,
That is awesome, sounds like it’s well worth it!
Rhonda
It looks like a really splendid place, Paz!
The carillon is very interesting: I wonder what absolutely charming sound it must have.
That church is beautiful! I loved the carvings above the doorways. We never went to this church when we were in NYC, but I gotta tell you, that I love to hear bells playing. At the holidays, the bell ringers are one of my favorites to hear. I’m sure that many bells makes for some beautiful songs. Thanks for sharing!
This was wonderful!
I remember you taking me near there when we were on our walk during the summer.
Must come uptown again before too very long.
That looks and sounds lovely! However, I don’t mind the height but that narrow staircase bit really isn’t my cup of tea… If I by chance one day will end up in the bell tower vicinity I will settle for a ground inspection:)
this is a great secret. I look forward to it opening again. Thanks Paz!
Wonderful!
You should combine that with today’s MyWorld! It’s a perfect fit!
Cheers, Klaus
great picture, great post….is that the moon!! what a great landmark. i hope they do reopen it. those are the kinds of places i like to visit, not the touristy one’s.
how neat? I for some reason haven’t heard about this cathedral.
I do know that St John the Divine at 110th Street has been recently renovated. The interiors are supposed to be wonderful.
Super post, Paz…And what a fun event! Looks like a beautiful church. I like the architecture of places of worship. I did’t know about this place though–thanks for the info. Happy Day, my friend ((HUGS))
Hi June: I know how you feel about heights like the lighthouses, so I’ll post something closer to the ground next time.
Hi Carletta: Thats the fun part for me.
Hi 2Sweet: It really is a beautiful church.
Hi Brian: That’ll be really cool!
Hi Rhonda: Definitely worth it.
Hi Pietro: The carillon sounds magnificent.
Hi Melissa: The bells do make some beautiful music. They used to have concerts on Sundays and the bells would ring every hour but that has stopped for the moment.
Hi Elizabeth: Yes, we have to plan another uptown excursion.
Hi Pia: LOL! An inspection from the ground up is also good.
Hi Lily: Yes!
Hi Klaus: I’ll have to come up with something for MyWorld.
Hi Christine: Thanks! And yes, that IS the moon! I love it.
Hi Kitty: I’m sure you have and probably passed it several time. You’ll probably recognize it when you’re in the neighborhood next time. St. John’s is my other favorite cathedral in the city.
Hi Tracy: Thanks! It IS a beautiful church. I, too, love the architecture of places of worship. One discovers so many interesting things.
Happy Day to you, too!
Happy Day to everyone!
Best,
Paz
~What a fantastic picture~
I love Cathedrals~ look how high up it goes~
I hope I can take my children one day~
Beautiful~
~Amy~
Hi Amy: That will be wonderful when you do!
Paz
Wow!!
This is what I like about blogging. You get to visit places not as a tourist, but guided by people who actually live there, and show yoy the best kept secrets!! Thanks, I love it!
I am learning so much about your city Paz! One day I hope to make a visit there and see it for myself!
Hi Jientje: I’m always glad when you can stop by!
Hi Jennie: I think you’ll have a wonderful time here.
Best to all,
Paz
That sounds promising.
Beautiful photo and wonderful view! I saw the other photos of the church and found out it has beautiful design and architectural style. The blue color of the sky on this photo is magnificent!
I like the sound of your ‘City Secret’ Paz! And only $2.00? Wow! This is such an interesting project, discovering all these cool places around the world.
I believe it is Thanksgiving Day in your country now, so wishing you & your family (that includes the pooches!) a very Happy Thanksgiving
xo
Nice to get to know more from NY.
Hi Paz! Happy Thanksgiving!
Blogtrotter is now at the Bardo Museum; some of the best Roman mosaics in the world! Enjoy and have a great weekend!
The staging even adds to the photo. Such interesting patterns.
Love your tours of NYC, Paz.
A beautiful secret place indeed.
Thanks for stopping by, everyone!
Paz
[...] another stone carving that decorates one of the door archways of Riverside Church in [...]
[...] Stone carving in one of the doorways of Riverside Church. [...]
i remember my dad taking me to the observatory at riverside church for the first time back in the 1970s and it is still one of my favorite things to do inNY. Well worth it. You will not be disappointed