Top 10 Stunning U.S. Houses of Worship Worth Exploring
Rewritten Article:
Rolling into the religious season, churches buzz with activity, standing not only as sacred sites but also as cultural landmarks and tourist attractions. Let's delve into some of the most impressive American churches you should add to your travel itinerary, whether or not they align with your denomination or religious beliefs.
Highlights of American churches worth visiting
San Xavier del Bac, Arizona
Away from the gallery-turned-churches or park-like settings, San Xavier del Bac on the outskirts of Tucson remains a bustling place of worship, learning, and community for the Tohono O'odham Nation. This stunning structure, completed in 1797, is Arizona's oldest European-style piece of architecture. Weekly visits are highly recommended, with the exception of Sundays, when local food stalls serve delicious treats like tamales, frybread, and famous popovers.
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, Colorado
Built in the spirit of the space age and designed by renowned architect Walter Netsch, this futuristic chapel features stunning modern stained glass, 17 spires, and 100 steel tetrahedrons representing the various faiths of the U.S. Air Force cadets. Currently undergoing a $158-million renovation, takes a tentative reopening date of 2027.
Salt Lake Temple, Utah
After its completion in 1893, the Salt Lake Temple boasted extravagance unseen between St. Louis and San Francisco. A harmonious blend of Gothic and Romanesque features, the impressive structure features three spires, the highest one topped by a golden statue of Angel Moroni. Non-Mormon visitors are not allowed inside, but they can still explore Temple Square or catch performances by the Tabernacle Choir in the silver-domed concert hall.
Chapel of Thanksgiving, Dallas
Welcoming all religious groups and cultures, this spiraling tower church in Dallas offers breathtaking RGB stained glass by French artist Gabriel Loire, symbolizing the upward human spirit's infinite reach. Outside, the green triangular park provides a peaceful retreat amid metropolitan skyscrapers, allowing you to ponder other artworks like Norman Rockwell's "Golden Rule" reproduction and the Wall of Presidents honoring Thanksgiving proclamations.
Symmes Chapel, South Carolina
Also known as Pretty Place Chapel, Symmes Chapel perches on a hilltop overlook in YMCA Camp Greenville, offering unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rebuilt after sustaining damage from Hurricane Helene,the open-wood structure remains accessible during daylight hours, inviting guests to meditate, attend weddings, or simply enjoy the picturesque panorama.
Washington National Cathedral, District of Columbia
Dominating the capital's skyline, this sprawling Episcopal church is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and ranks as the second largest church in the nation. The striking Neo-Gothic structure, built between 1907 and 1990, greets visitors with an entourage of gargoyles, endearing ones like Darth Vadar and the sun-kissed Space Window containing actual moon rock fragments.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City
St. John's, started in 1892, remains a work in progress due to the continuous flux of architectural styles and funding shortages. Although lacking a tower, the unfinished Gothic cathedral inspires awe with its Chapel of the Seven Tongues and the impressive Great Bronze Doors.
Old North Church, Boston
Established in 1723, this National Historic Landmark stands as an emblem of Revolutionary War history, rather than religious significance. The church played a pivotal role on April 18, 1775, when sexton Robert Newman displayed two illuminated lanterns in the steeple to alert Paul Revere of British troop movements approaching by sea.
St. Johns Abbey Church, Minnesota
Inspiring Brutalist architecture enthusiasts, this tranquil church in Collegeville is a Brutalist showpiece. With a distinct garnering award attention, Brutalist architecture has attained a spotlight renewal. The church's unique design, conceived by Hungarian architect Marcel Breuer, boasts a "bell banner" – a towering concrete slab poised on parabolic arches with openings for five church bells.
Chapel in the Hills, South Dakota
Nestled among the trees outside Rapid City, this replica Norwegian stave church provides a peaceful sanctuary for Lutherans. Constructed almost entirely of wood, the historically inspired church displays intricate carvings and craftsmanship representative of the Viking era. The church grounds also feature a log cabin museum, a gift shop, and a serene Prayer Walk through the woods.
- Beyond Tucson, San Xavier del Bac serves as a significant gathering place for the Tohono O'odham Nation, featuring an architecturally remarkable structure completed in 1797 and offering cultural insights for visitors on weekdays, excluding Sundays when local food stalls are available.
- The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, situated in Colorado, embodies the spirit of the space age with a unique design consisting of 100 steel tetrahedrons and stunning modern stained glass, representing various faiths, though it is currently undergoing renovation with a provisional reopening date in 2027.
- In the heart of Dallas, the Chapel of Thanksgiving, open to all religious groups and cultures, flaunts breathtaking RGB stained glass and a spiraling tower design, while its surrounding park offers respite amidst metropolitan architecture and showcases other artworks, such as Norman Rockwell's "Golden Rule" reproduction.
