The Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning

Overview

The Cathedral of Learning is the iconic landmark of the University of Pittsburgh. The Gothic Revival skyscraper was commissioned in 1921 and is a landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Lovingly referred to as “Cathy”, it stands at 535- feet-tall, the second-tallest educational building in the world. The Cathedral houses most of our humanities departments and programs in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. 

Fun Fact: In recent years, families of peregrine falcons have nested atop the Cathedral. You can watch them via a live stream hosted by the National Aviary!

Learn more about the Cathedral of Learning on our Campus Tour page.

Special Spots

  • "The best place to study is on the 23rd floor, which is a student study lounge with a fantastic view of campus and downtown in the distance."
    Henry Gifford
    - Henry, Dietrich School Student Ambassador (view bio)
     
  • "Whether you are in the honors college or not, definitely make a trip up to the 36th floor for some amazing views of Pitt campus and the city."
    Katie Oppenheimer
    - Katie, Dietrich School Student Ambassador (view bio)
     
  • The iconic Nationality Rooms, designed to represent and celebrate the cultures of various ethnic groups that settled in Allegheny County, are used as both classrooms and community spaces.  
  • The 3rd floor offers a great bird’s eye viewpoint of the main Commons Room.  

Academic Programs and Departments in the Cathedral of Learning

  • Children’s Literature 
  • Classics 
  • Communication  
  • Cultural Studies 
  • East Asian Languages and Literature 
  • English 
  • Film & Media Studies Program 
  • French & Italian 
  • Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies 
  • German 
  • Hispanic Languages & Literature 
  • History & Philosophy of Science 
  • Jewish Studies 
  • Linguistics 
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program 
  • Philosophy 
  • Religious Studies 
  • Slavic Languages and Literature 
  • Theatre Arts