Discover America's spiritual and architectural heritage in these 10 beautiful churches
As we travel through America, we find more than just places of worship.
We discover architectural gems that tell stories of faith.
From the soaring spires of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City to the timeless charm of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., these structures embody more than religious significance.
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Explore the walls of the nation's most beautiful churches, where each building is a unique chapter in the unfolding story of spiritual and architectural heritage.
- St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City
- Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
- Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Augustine, Florida
- Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California
- The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York City
- St. Mary of the Angels, Chicago, Illinois
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Missouri
- Cathedral of St. Paul, Minnesota
- Wayfarers Chapel, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
1. St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic Catholic Church, stands as an iconic landmark in New York.
With the capacity to accommodate 2,400 individuals, the church welcomes 5.5 million visitors annually, solidifying its status as one of the city's most renowned attractions.
A view of St. Patrick's Cathedral on June 29, 2022, in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
St. Patrick’s architecture honors the dedication of its immigrant followers, past and present.
"In 2015, it concluded a restoration project costing $300 million. Annually, the fire department conducts inspections on the cathedral's spires," according to Forbes.
Every detail, from intricate sculptures to the seamless blend of Gothic architecture, reflects the hard work that went into creating this living masterpiece.
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"St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a physical manifestation of the Church’s mission to invite people to open the doors and ask Jesus in their hearts," the church's website says.
2. Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Thorncrown Chapel stands as a top wedding venue in Eureka Springs.
"Since 1980, couples from across the globe have chosen this enchanting glass sanctuary nestled in the forest as their idyllic wedding destination," according to eurekaspringsarkansasweddings.com.
Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas was designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones. The chapel's construction was completed in 1980. (Elizabeth W. Kearley/Getty Images )
Embraced by stunning rock formations and a lush tree canopy, the chapel offers a backdrop of unmatched beauty.
The natural surroundings contribute to the enchanting ambiance, making it an unforgettable location for any event or celebration.
3. National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
"Washington National Cathedral is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the United States," says cathedral.org.
The National Cathedral holds a significant place in American history, as it has hosted notable events and is a cultural hub for concerts and lectures.
The Washington National Cathedral's construction began in 1907 and took over 80 years to complete, with the final stone placed in 1990. (Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Its exterior, with towering spires and intricate carvings, commands attention from churchgoers. When visitors venture inside, they will find a vast and awe-inspiring space featuring high ceilings, colorful stained-glass windows, and woodwork that create an ambiance of divine magnificence.
4. Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Augustine, Florida
"The congregation of Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, which was the first presbyterian one in Florida, was organized in June 1824 during the Territorial Period in the state’s history," according to the church's website.
Built in the late 19th century by Henry Flagler in memory of his daughter, the church holds a significant historical legacy, echoing the Gilded Age's architectural magnificence.
The Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida, was constructed in 1889 by railroad magnate and developer Henry Flagler. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The exterior is lined with delicate carvings and a majestic bell tower, while the interior has vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and intricate woodwork, creating a sacred atmosphere.
The church is also surrounded by gardens, which provide a serene backdrop for churchgoers.
5. Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California
Grace Cathedral, part of the Diocese of California, has its origins in humble beginnings.
The construction of Little Grace Chapel, located near Powell and Jackson Streets, took place during the 1849 Gold Rush era.
Grace Cathedral, located on San Francisco's Nob Hill, provides a quiet place to get away from the noise of the city. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Inside, the cathedral unfolds into a space of awe, featuring high vaulted ceilings, elegant arches, and vibrant stained-glass windows that tell both biblical and contemporary stories.
"Grace Cathedral is home to two Chartres-style labyrinths — and to the Modern Labyrinth Movement that began in 1991," says gracecathedral.org. "Walking the labyrinth has become a spiritual practice for Christians as well as those in other religious traditions. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, and supports the practice of mindfulness."
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Surrounded by tranquil gardens, Grace Cathedral offers a peaceful escape in the midst of urban hustle.
6. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York City
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is well worth the 20-minute subway ride from Times Square.
The interior view of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine at the corner of 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The world's largest Gothic cathedral is open after damage caused in a 2001 fire. (Robert Sabo/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
Constructed in 1892 by architects George Heins and Christopher Grand Lafarge, the original design of the structure embraced the Romanesque-Byzantine style.
Following a series of fires and a span of decades, Ralph Adams Cram assumed control, orchestrating a metamorphosis into the French Gothic style that defines the cathedral today.
Notably, the Great Rose Window, positioned above the bronze doors on the Cathedral's Amsterdam Avenue side, stands as the largest stained-glass window in the U.S., comprising over 10,000 pieces of colored glass.
7. St. Mary of the Angels, Chicago, Illinois
Established in 1899 on the northwestern outskirts of Chicago, the initial St. Mary of the Angels served as a parish school.
Overcoming challenges arising from material shortages during World War I, the present-day church was finally completed in 1920.
St. Mary of the Angels was established in 1899. (Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Modeled after the Italian Romanesque style, reminiscent of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the church takes the form of a cross, featuring a central dome and flanking bell towers.
The interior is filled with stained-glass windows portraying the 12 Apostles, Stations of the Cross, saints, angels and various biblical scenes.
8. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Missouri
Despite facing a devastating tornado, the archbishops of St. Louis in the early 1900s remained unwavering in their determination to erect the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
They successfully raised the necessary $1 million to construct this architectural marvel, blending Byzantine and Romanesque styles.
St. Louis Cathedral, interior. In 1997, Pope John Paul II elevated the site to a cathedral basilica, personally visiting it in 1999. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
In 1908, the cornerstone was laid, dedicating the project to Christ and King Louis IX, the city's patron saint.
A series of stunning Byzantine-inspired mosaics illustrating St. Louis' life adorned the cathedral from 1930 to 1988.
In 1997, Pope John Paul II elevated the site to a cathedral basilica, personally visiting it in 1999.
9. Cathedral of St. Paul, Minnesota
In 1907, responding to the escalating demand for an expanded place of worship, Archbishop John Ireland oversaw the construction of the Cathedral of St. Paul. Crafted in the Beaux Arts architectural style, the cathedral has since become a prominent fixture on St. Paul's skyline.
The Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota. It draws tens of thousands of people who gather for prayer and to view the interior. (Harvey Meston/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
The cathedral draws tens of thousands, gathering for prayer and to marvel at the exquisite bronze grills narrating pivotal moments in St. Paul's life, from his conversion to martyrdom.
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The Shrine of the Nations within the cathedral stands as a tribute to other revered saints, acknowledging their significance to the culturally diverse community that has played a vital role in shaping the church's identity.
10. Wayfarers Chapel, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Wayfarers Chapel, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, is a breathtaking structure renowned for its stunning architectural design and serene surroundings.
Conceived by renowned architect Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, and dedicated in 1951, the chapel is often referred to as the "Glass Church."
The interior of the Wayfarers Chapel. The chapel is predominantly constructed with glass, featuring a triangular design. (Rick Meyer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The chapel is predominantly constructed with glass, featuring a triangular design that incorporates redwood and other natural materials.
The ethereal ambiance inside is enhanced by the filtered sunlight through the glass, creating a tranquil and uplifting space for reflection and prayer.
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Surrounding the chapel are beautifully landscaped gardens with winding pathways, vibrant flowers and majestic trees.
The gardens provide a peaceful setting for visitors to stroll, meditate and appreciate the harmony between architecture and nature.
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