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All the United States New York State New York City Dobbs Ferry St. Cabrini Novitiate

St. Cabrini Novitiate

This dilapidated castle-like structure overlooks the Hudson River at one of its widest points and was once home to nuns.

Dobbs Ferry, New York

Added By
Gerard Nolan
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North tower   Anna Minster / Atlas Obscura User
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Deck between the two towers   Anna Minster / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The St. Cabrini Novitiate's castle used to offer some stunning vistas of the Hudson River from its large windows. But they're shuttered, and the structure's sits in disrepair amid thickets of trees and shrubs that threaten to overgrow it. Next door is the modern-looking St. Cabrini Nursing Home. The castle's ultimate fate remains unknown after reports in the early part of the 21st century that it would be demolished. 

Situated on a bluff above the river bank, the castle has three levels, the top of which is close to even with the nursing home's parking lot. The building has been described as a hodgepodge of architectural styles, but its edifice is beginning to show signs of weathering. The building served as part of a novitiate, which was a community for nuns-in-training, or novices, who lived together as they prepared to take their final vows. The nuns ran a hospital on the site. 

Frances Xavier Cabrini, who emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in the 1800s at the behest of the pope, founded the novitiate around the turn of the century. She also founded the order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and close to 70 instituions across the United States. Cabrini is the first U.S. citizen to be canonized. 

Curiosity seekers can catch a glimpse of the structure from the train while taking Metro North's Hudson Line train. The castle is just south of the Dobbs Ferry Station. 

 

Related Tags

Natural Wonders Architectural Oddities Catholic Ruins Abandoned Architecture Nature

Community Contributors

Added By

Gerard Nolan

Edited By

Molly McBride Jacobson, Anna Minster

  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • Anna Minster

Published

July 7, 2013

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Sources
  • http://www.hudsonvalleyruins.org/yasinsac/cabrini/cabrini.html
  • http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/17/nyregion/decrepit-crumbling-even-perilous-perfect.html
  • http://www.scoutingny.com/
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Xavier_Cabrini
St. Cabrini Novitiate
135-155 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, New York, 10522
United States
41.008991, -73.880122
Get Directions

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Photo of Dobbs Ferry

Dobbs Ferry

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Places 2

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Photo of Dobbs Ferry

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