America the Beautiful
America is home to some incredibly diverse and artistic houses of worship. Whether you're a fan of soaring Gothic spires, modern glass structures that blend into nature, or humble adobe chapels, there's a unique beauty to be found in every corner of the country. With that in mind, here are 20 of the most stunning churches in America.
1. St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York
Wedged right between soaring office buildings in Midtown Manhattan sits this Neo-Gothic masterpiece. Inside, you'll marvel at detailed marble columns and the enormous bronze doors, all of which welcome millions of visitors each year.
2. Thorncrown Chapel, Arkansas
Made almost entirely out of glass, Thorncrown Chapel contains over 6,000 square feet of nothing but windowpanes. Nestled among the trees, you'll find yourself struggling to identify where the architecture stops and nature begins. As the sun shines through the leaves, it lights up the entire chapel in natural sunlight.
The original uploader was Bobak at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
3. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Missouri
Hosting one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, there isn't a wall in sight that doesn't sparkle with thousands of tiny glass fragments. Artists spent nearly eight decades putting up these enormous works of art that will make you look up in awe. Don't worry, there's plenty more to see up there.
Colin.faulkingham at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
4. Washington National Cathedral, D.C.
The second-largest cathedral in the United States got its name for its huge sculpted baldacchinos and flying buttresses. It's famous for its unique gargoyles, including one shaped like Darth Vader. You'll love the vibrant "Space Window," which actually contains a small piece of lunar rock brought back by Apollo 11.
5. Wayfarers Chapel, California
Constructed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding redwood trees, Lloyd Wright's famed "Glass Church" overlooks the Pacific Ocean. As the sun sets, you'll be amazed at how the geometric lines of the framing and windows complement one another. It's a popular place to get married because of its unbeatable view.
6. San Xavier del Bac Mission, Arizona
Bright white walls against the dusty Arizona desert make San Xavier del Bac unique. Its colorful interiors are covered with original 18th-century paintings and statues throughout. Step inside and admire all the history that has been restored.
7. The Salt Lake Temple, Utah
This massive granite structure took forty years to build and serves as a primary icon for the city's skyline. Standing at over 150 feet tall with six pointed spires, it wasn't finished until 40 years after construction had begun. This means that you can only tour the exterior gardens and the visitor center.
8. St. Louis Cathedral, Louisiana
This French cathedral, right in the heart of the French Quarter, is the oldest in continuous use in the United States. Sitting in Jackson Square, its signature three-pointed white towers have become symbolic of the city itself. The interior murals and quiet courtyard offer a lovely escape.
9. Memorial Presbyterian Church, Florida
Henry Flagler built this Venetian Revival church in honor of his daughter, who had passed away. Everything from the copper dome to detailed terra cotta trim will make you forget you're on the east coast of Florida. The church is as beautiful as it is historical.
10. Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana
The twin spires of this cathedral rise over two hundred feet into the Big Sky. Modeled after the Votivkirche in Vienna, its stained glass windows were crafted in Germany. You might be surprised to find such a grand, European-style cathedral in a relatively small mountain town.
11. Cadet Chapel, Colorado
This striking modernist building at the Air Force Academy features seventeen soaring spires made of aluminum, glass, and steel. The design is meant to evoke the feeling of jet fighters pointing toward the sky. Inside, the colored glass strips create a rainbow effect on the pews.
12. Grace Cathedral, California
Sitting atop Nob Hill in San Francisco, this cathedral is famous for its "Ghiberti doors" and two indoor labyrinths meant for walking meditation. It survived the 1906 earthquake and was eventually finished in a grand French Gothic style. You should definitely check out the colorful Keith Haring altarpiece located in one of the side chapels.
13. St. Josaphat Basilica, Wisconsin
Polish immigrants in Milwaukee built this beautiful basilica using materials salvaged from the old Chicago Post Office and Customs House. Look up to see the famous dome that rivals St. Peter's in Rome itself. Polish churches don't get much bigger than this in the United States.
The original uploader was Sulfur at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
14. Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, North Carolina
Though one of the newest churches on our list, this Romanesque building is hard to miss. Able to fit over two thousand people inside, its copper-domed ceiling is one of Raleigh's landmarks. Inside, you'll find tons of refurbished stained glass windows from older churches around the South.
photo by See The Holy Land on Wikimedia
15. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Arizona
Yes, this church is literally built into the side of a mountain. Chapel of the Holy Cross looks as though it belongs in the Holy Land, with its giant cross embedded into the front façade. Sedona's red rocks truly make this building something you have to see for yourself to appreciate.
16. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, D.C.
At over 200,000 square feet, this is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America. Built in the style of Neo-Byzantine architecture, its colorful ceiling dome is one you won't soon forget. Containing dozens of smaller chapels, each area honors a different culture or style of artistry.
17. Trinity Church, Massachusetts
Located in Boston's Copley Square, this building established the "Richardsonian Romanesque" style with its heavy stone walls and clay roof. The clay-colored exterior looks amazing next to the modern glass tower. Inside, the murals by John La Farge are considered some of the most important pieces of American ecclesiastical art.
The original uploader was Daderot at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
18. St. John the Divine, New York
Though still under construction, this "Great Divine" church sits in Upper Manhattan and is one of the biggest churches in existence. If its huge nave isn't enough to blow you away, take a look at some of the styles it boasts. Construction on the church has taken place for so long that you can see Romanesque and Gothic elements.
19. Cathedral of St. Paul, Minnesota
Perched atop a hill that gazes out over Saint Paul lies the cathedral of the same name. Built with a giant dome reminiscent of the French countryside, you'll feel overwhelmed by how much space you have inside. With thousands of people able to fit inside at once, it truly dominates the Twin Cities skyline.
20. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, Arkansas
This sister chapel to Thorncrown was also designed by E. Fay Jones and features a series of intersecting steel arches that create a rhythmic, tunnel-like effect. It sits on a wooded point overlooking a lake. You'll love how the shadows change throughout the day, creating different patterns on the stone floor.
