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Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sendona, Arizona
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Sacred Spaces
Seven Stunning U.S. Churches and Chapels to Visit
Explore remarkable works of architecture, discover rich history and find inspiration at these accessible houses of worship and reflection.
By Marcea Cazel
When exploring new areas, some of the most remarkable sights aren’t on typical “must-see” lists. Houses of worship are often designed as works of art, to inspire awe and wonder and welcome visitors outside of regular services. While some have dress codes or photography restrictions, most are open to people of all faiths. Whether soaring with vaulted ceilings and stained glass or blending seamlessly into the natural landscape, these churches and chapels are worth a visit.
Thorncrown Chapel
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Constructed with more than 6,000 square feet of glass and integrated into the surrounding flagstone, Thorncrown Chapel, set within serene woodland, offers glimpses of the Ozark Mountains. Opened in 1980, the non-denominational chapel seats 100 guests and has a roof that is 48 feet tall at its highest point.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, Thorncrown Chapel was designed by E. Fay Jones, a protege of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. To help maintain the natural setting surrounding the church, no elements of its construction were too large for just two men to carry into the woods.
The chapel is open to visitors from March through December. It does not have an admission fee but does accept donations
Mission San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, California
Considered the birthplace of Orange County, California, Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 by Franciscan missionaries. Built of adobe and local stone with indigenous labor and completed in 1782, the mission was once the center of a variety of industries in the area.
After being sold in the mid-1800s, the mission was privately owned until, upon a request, President Abraham Lincoln returned the land and buildings to the Catholic Church. Today, the grounds include the historic mission, a museum, gardens and a chapel.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission prices range from $10 to $18 per person and include a complimentary audio tour (children four and younger receive free admission).
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona, Arizona
Constructed in the buttes of the Coconino National Forest, Chapel of the Holy Cross makes a bold statement as it rises out of the red rocks of Sedona. Commissioned in 1954 by a local rancher and sculptor, the design was inspired by the architecture of the Empire State Building.
Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the modernist structure of the church is supported by an external 90-foot cross. Inside, hangs The Living Christ, a 33-foot sculpture made of bronze and centered against that cross.
Added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2011, the chapel is open seven days a week, but parking is limited. The chapel is free to visit and donations are welcomed.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Tarpon Springs, Florida
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral interior
Located in Tarpon Springs, Florida, home to the largest percentage of people of Greek descent in the U.S., St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral was completed in 1943. The Neo-Byzantine church houses more than 60 stained-glass windows, a marble altar and a rotunda with painted dome, reflecting the heritage of the local community and its rich religious traditions.
The church is open daily for visitors and prayers. Tours can be scheduled ahead of time for individuals and groups if staff is available. Admission is free.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
New York City, New York
St. Patrick’s Cathedral interior
Recognizable by its twin spires that rise more than 329 feet above Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral seats 2,400 people and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of New York and an important feature in the community.
Dedicated in 1879, the church features stained-glass windows designed and constructed in Europe, altarpieces and main doors made of bronze. Each of these doors weighs 9,200 pounds and features images of saints and figures from the Bible. There is also a new 25-foot oil-on-canvas mural celebrating the city's immigrants.
The cathedral is open to the public every day, including during services. Downloadable self-guided audio tours are also available for purchase, as well as guided tours.
Duke University Chapel
Durham, North Carolina
Aerial view of the Duke University Chapel
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Designed by African American architect Julian Abele and built of locally quarried bluestone, the Duke University Chapel seats 1,800 people and stands 210 feet tall with a high-vaulted Gothic ceiling. Over 70 stained glass windows contain more than a million pieces of glass. There are three permanent pipe organs in the chapel, and the church’s carillon has 50 bells, with the largest weighing more than 11,000 pounds.
The chapel is open daily, but sometimes closed due to special events. Check the Chapel’s calendar before planning a visit. Guided tours are available on Sundays after the 11 a.m. interdenominational service. The tours are free to the public and last approximately 45 minutes.
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, D.C.
Exterior of Washington National Cathedral
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Combining medieval craftsmanship with modern engineering, the Washington National Cathedral soars 301 feet above northwest Washington, D.C. Designed by Philip Hubert Frohman, the cathedral is constructed of Indiana limestone with a hidden steel framework.
Its interior showcases more than 200 stained-glass windows, including the Space Window containing a piece of lunar rock, and a 53-bell carillon.
The cathedral is open every day and is accessible by public transportation. Self-guided tour tickets are available for $12-$17. Children age four and under receive free admission.
Ready to travel the U.S. to enjoy beautiful churches and cathedrals? Let a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent help you with the planning.
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