the only cathedral in the world erected through the "sole munificence of one family". The building is an example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. The exterior is constructed from Virginia granite and Indiana limestone; ceramic tiles and a copper-jacketed dome across complete the roof. The cathedral's two front towers rise . The portico is supported by fluted Corinthian columns; the entablature features the phrase "If Ye Love Me Keep My Commandments", while the underside of the pediment is lined with fireproof tiles designed by Rafael Guastavino. The cathedral was consecrated on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1906 in a series of ceremonies throughout the day. The church's consecration began at 6 am. In the time period following the Second Vatican Council, the cathedral made radical alterations to its interior. The original high altar was destroyed and a freestanding altar was installed. The nave was enlarged and room made for a larger, more open sanctuary. The marble altar rails, present in the building since its construction, were destroyed. Confessionals were repurposed into display cases. Iconography and statuary which had previously adorned the sanctuary was removed. Landmark The cathedral is a Virginia Historic Landmark and is on the National Register for Historic Places. Gallery See also List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States List of cathedrals in the United States References External links Cathedral Website Diocese of Richmond Website Roman Catholic churches completed in 1906 Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia Roman Catholic churches in Richmond, Virginia Italianate architecture in Virginia Sacred Heart Richmond Church buildings with domes Museums in Richmond, Virginia Religious museums in Virginia History museums in Virginia National Register of Historic Places in Richmond, Virginia 1906 establishments in Virginia 20th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in the United States Italianate church buildings in the United States