Top 15 Most Beautiful Churches In The US

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Churches are more than just religious sites; they also showcase some of the gorgeous structures in the world. Most people think of beautiful churches spread around Europe, but the United States has its fair share as well.

The gorgeous churches are spread across the country, meaning that no matter where you live, there should be one nearby to visit.

You can even take a cross-country road trip that will show you the most beautiful sacred architecture.

List of Top 15 Most Beautiful Churches In the US

1. Washington National Cathedral

2. St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, LA

3. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, GA

4. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Missouri

5.San Fernando de Bexar Cathedral, San Antonio, TX

6.Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA

7.Trinity Church, New York City

8.St. Philip’s Church, Charleston, SC

9.St. Patricks’ Cathedral, New York City

10.Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, MN

11.Mission San Xazier del Bac, Tucson, AZ

12.Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacramento, CA

13.Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

14.Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

15.Scottish Rite Cathedral | Indianapolis, IN

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1. Washington National Cathedral

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The Washington National Cathedral dates back to 1907, and since then, it has been a spiritual center and gorgeous landmark within the nation's capital. In addition to the gorgeous architecture, the grounds are also beautiful and open year-round with cultural activities as well as spiritual ones. Inside this breathtaking church, you will find varying exhibits, such as photographs and those related to the church's history.

Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

2. St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, LA

Photo St. Louis Cathedral

New Orleans isn’t just the birthplace of jazz or the Mardi Gras capital—it’s also home to the oldest church in North America. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral and its iconic spires overlook the hustle and bustle of artists, musicians, and street vendors that claim their space in the historic Jackson Square. Stop in after people-watching in the park to gaze at the breathtaking ceiling murals, or attend a Mass held every day at noon. A leisurely walking tour of the French Quarter makes St. Louis Cathedral an easy destination.

3. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, GA

A stop at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a must when wandering through the charming cobblestone streets of Savannah, Georgia. After admiring the striking white and gold facade, spend time observing the stained glass that overlooks the altar. If you’re lucky, the nave will be filled with the sound of the church’s iconic pipe organ. See the cathedral at your own pace with the a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour of historic Savannah.

4. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Missouri

One of the largest mosaics in the world greets visitors to the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, home to a 41.5-million piece glass display designed in part by Tiffany Studios. Walk under the basilica’s two domes and many arches to see the 83,000 square foot sprawl of stunning mosaic artwork before descending to the basilica’s crypts and museum to learn more about its history and artifacts. Guided tours are available weekdays outside of Mass.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis was designed by four architects, with another designing the Chapel for the Blessed Virgin and All Saints and their unique mosaics, which were then created in 1912 by Tiffany Company. The balcony level stained glass windows were created by yet another designer, but the entire structure remains uniform. You can attend one of the weekly masses at the cathedral, take a tour, or visit the Mosaic Museum, including historical items.

Address: 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

5.San Fernando de Bexar Cathedral, San Antonio, TX

History comes to life at San Fernando de Bexar Cathedral in San Antonio. Not only is the cathedral is the oldest in Texas, but it is also well-known for its role in the Battle of the Alamo. See the final resting place for a number of fallen Alamo soldiers inside the church, or visit at night to watch a 20-minute light show depicting San Antonio history play across the church’s facade. Make the most of your time in downtown San Antonio by seeing the church as part of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour.

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6.Grace Cathedral | San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral is every bit as emblematic of the city as the cable car line that passes right by it. Let the sounds of pipe organs and pianos serenade you through the inner or outer labyrinths, or join a community event like donation-based yoga classes, art exhibits, or concerts. Visit the Nob Hill landmark on San Francisco city tour or learn its haunted history on a Nob Hill ghost and vampire tour.

7.Trinity Church, New York City

Photo Curbed NY

Take refuge from the 24-hour hustle of New York City’s Financial District when you step through the doors of Trinity Church, a 300-year-old Gothic Revival church in the middle of Manhattan mayhem. The church may be best known as the final resting place for Alexander Hamilton—musical fans can even visit as part of a Hamilton walking tour to learn more about the historic figure’s life and death around old Manhattan.

8.St. Philip’s Church, Charleston, SC

Located in the heart of the Holy City, St. Philip’s Church dates back to Charleston’s early 17th-century colonial period, though the original building no longer stands. The church is now best known for its cemetery, which boasts the remains of famous figures from U.S. history such as Charles Pinckney, John C. Calhoun, and Edward Rutledge. Visit the church on your own while strolling through the French Quarter, or hear the whole story of St Philips’ 400-year history on a historic Charleston walking tour.

9.St. Patricks’ Cathedral, New York City

Photo St Patrick

With its 2,000-person capacity, 26-foot wide rose window, and towering 330-foot tall twin spires, St Patricks’ Cathedral perfectly fits into the scale of Manhattan. The church offers donation-based tours two to four times per week, but if you can’t make one, visit as part of a New York City sightseeing tour to get the inside scoop on this historic Manhattan attraction.

10.Basilica of St. Mary | Minneapolis, MN

Art, history, and religion exist in equal measure at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. The grand beaux-arts building is not only one of the most beautiful basilicas in the United States, but also the country’s first established basilica. Take a walk through the basilica’s permanent art collection and specialty galleries, including a textile display and liturgical vessels exhibit, or time your trip to coincide with one of the basilica’s many public concerts.

11.Mission San Xazier del Bac, Tucson, AZ

A quick look at Mission San Xazier del Bac is all it takes to understand why this Tucson, Arizona church is nicknamed “the white dove of the desert.” The church’s ornate white-washed exterior is widely appreciated and considered one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States, while its status as a pilgrimage site draws thousands of devout visitors every year. The church offers free tours every morning or can be visited as part of a guided tour for a broader context of the church’s history.

12.Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacramento, CA

Sacramento’s Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is located just a block from California’s capitol building and occupies an important place in both Sacramento’s religious and civic life. The 19th-century church is modeled after Paris’ Church of the Holy Trinity and remains one of the largest and most beautiful churches west of the Mississippi River. The church offers bi-weekly tours for visitors in addition to a daily Mass.

13.Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

The Cathedral of St. Helena could easily blend into an idyllic Austrian village, but its location overlooking Helena’s historic downtown puts it on the map for Montana visitors. Pop in for a look at the church’s grand towers and stained glass, or visit during daily Catholic Mass.

14.Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

Photo Visit Sedona

Arising from the sandstone buttes of the Arizona desert, Chapel of the Holy Cross is as much an architectural marvel and must-see roadside attraction as a religious pilgrimage site. The iconic Sedona chapel, easily one of the most beautiful churches in America, can be visited as part of a Sedona sightseeing tour or enjoyed on its own. Make the steep trek to take a few photos before heading back down to the parking area, or time your visit for a daily Mass.

15.Scottish Rite Cathedral | Indianapolis, IN

Though not exactly a cathedral in the traditional sense of the word (it does not have a church or altar), the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis still makes the cut as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country for its fine Neo-Gothic architecture and its designation as a gathering place for members of the Scottish Rite, a branch of Freemasons. The cathedral offers complementary tours Tuesdays through Fridays from 10am to 2pm on the hour.

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