The Portal of Paradise

The Portal of Paradise is the central entrance of the Cathedral. Its statuary flanks the three-ton Bronze Doors. Carving of these figures was recently completed. From 1988 to 1997, a procession of 32 matriarchs and patriarchs from the Old and New Testaments slowly emerged. Sculptors worked on blocks of limestone already in place. Sculptor Simon Verity, of England, headed the project. He was assisted by the French sculptor Jean Claude Marchionni.

Click here to view photographer Marty Cooper's documentation of the carving of the Portal of Paradise




The statuary joins John Angel's Trumeau carving of St. John the Divine, who gazes upward toward the statue of Christ in the Majestas over the entrance. Statuary of the North Portal was also created by John Angel. The statuary of the South Portal remains unfinished.





The Portal of Paradise figures are as follows:

Major Rank: 8 foot Sculptures North South Melchizedek David Abraham, Sarah, Isaac in utero Amos, Hosea Jacob Isaiah, Jeremiah Moses Ezekiel Elijah, Elishah Elizabeth Samuel John the Baptist

Upper Rank: 3 foot 6 inch Sculptures North South Noah Solomon Ishmael, Hagar Ruth, Naomi Rachel Jonah Miriam, Aaron Esther Deborah Daniel Hannah Simeon

(Return to the Virtual Tour)