Towering over Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, called Pennsylvania's third largest downtown, the Cathedral of Learning is a striking monument. The Gothic pillar anchors the University of Pittsburgh's campus and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Steel City. Even more impressive than the formidable exterior, the Commons Room inside looks like a Hogwarts duplicate. Surrounding this great hall are dozens of nationality classrooms, from Armenian to Yugoslav, all open to the public.
How to get to the Cathedral of Learning
Driving is the easiest way to get the the Cathedral of Learning, but driving in Pittsburgh isn't easy (the conundrum of Western PA transit). If driving east on I-376, exit onto Forbes Avenue and you will spot it easily on the corner of Forbes and Bigelow. If driving west on I-376, take the exit for route 885 and continue onto Bates, then left on Bouquet, and right onto Forbes. Street parking is available all over. You can also take one of many buses that go to Oakland, most routes stop at the Cathedral.
Best and worst time to go to the Cathedral of Learning
Summer (May-Aug) is the best time to visit, as students are away on summer break and guided tours are available for all the nationality rooms. The winter holidays (Nov. 15 to MLK Day) are another good time, since everything is decorated in holiday cheer. Worst time to visit is fall and spring semesters because the building is filled with students and tours are restricted (self-guided tours on weekends and guided tours by appointment only).
Admission to the Cathedral of Learning
It is free to enter the Cathedral, but guided tours and self-guided audio tours of the nationality rooms are $4-6 for adults and about half of that for youths (6-18). Children under six years old are free.
Must see/do at the Cathedral of Learning
Grab a desk and enjoy the dozens of nationality rooms on the first and third floor. Look at the detail of the architecture and art of each room, then pretend you are a student in Renaissance-era Austria or 18th century China. After that, grab a coffee and take a seat in the Commons Room and stare in awe up at the five story Gothic ceiling. It's hard not to be blown away.
Other places to visit near the Cathedral of Learning
Right across Forbes Avenue are the Carnegie Museums, a renowned art and natural history museum. Down Forbes Avenue a couple blocks is the Original Hot Dog Shop, known by locals as "The O," which has been serving cheap eats and drafts to Pittsburghers for generations. A short walk across the Schenley bridge sits the Phipps Conservatory, a beautiful botanic garden.
Insider tip for visitors to the Cathedral of Learning
Guided tours are informational and fun, but many of the nationality rooms can be viewed for free, year round. Head up to the third floor and look at many of them unencumbered. Just remember to be quiet and respectful, since some classrooms might be in use. Use the peep holes on the doors to see which rooms are vacant before entering. The rooms on first floor can only be viewed with a tour.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.