1. The Chapel of the Holy Cross – Sedona, AZ
Perched dramatically on red rock cliffs, this chapel feels like it was carved by the desert itself. Built in 1956, it was the vision of sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The cross is literally part of the structure, rising up through the rock and framing the front window. It’s small, but its setting makes a huge impression, according to Steve Givens from Catholic Digest.
The floor-to-ceiling glass looks out over the Sedona landscape, turning the whole chapel into a kind of sacred overlook. It’s especially stunning at sunset, when the rocks glow orange and red. Though Catholic in origin, it draws visitors of all beliefs. Nature and spirituality collide here in the best way.
2. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine – New York, NY
This colossal cathedral in Manhattan isn’t just big—it’s one of the largest in the entire world. Construction began in 1892 and, more than a century later, it’s still technically unfinished, according to Jane Margolies from The New York Times. Its architecture is a wild mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, reflecting the evolving visions over time. Walk inside and you’ll feel more like you’re in a European city than uptown Manhattan.
What really sets it apart are its quirky, even bizarre touches. Look closely at the carvings and you’ll spot things like a space shuttle and the Twin Towers—added as part of a 1980s “Apocalypse” portal. It also hosts everything from blessing-of-the-animals services to large-scale art installations. This isn’t just a church—it’s an experience.
3. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – Washington, D.C.
The largest Roman Catholic church in North America, this basilica is impossible to miss. It towers over the northeast part of D.C., with its massive blue dome and Byzantine-Romanesque style. The interior is decked out with over 80 chapels and oratories, each reflecting different cultural heritages. It’s more like a museum of Catholic art and architecture than a single cohesive building, according to Charles Donagh Maginnis from Arch Journey.
Visitors are often stunned by the ceiling mosaics—especially Christ in Majesty, which covers the entire apse. You’ll also find marble floors, gold details, and intricate tile work in every direction. Despite its grandeur, the space still feels sacred and peaceful. It’s both a spiritual sanctuary and a national treasure.
4. Trinity Church – Boston, MA
This historic Episcopal church stands right in Boston’s Copley Square and is a textbook example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Completed in 1877, it was the first building designed by Henry Hobson Richardson in this style—and it set a trend across the country. The building’s heavy stone, polychromatic design, and fortress-like appearance make it visually arresting, according to James B. Peabody from the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. It’s also been named one of the “Ten Most Significant Buildings in the U.S.” by the AIA.
Inside, you’ll find lavish murals and stained glass windows that were shockingly progressive for the 19th century. The interior, with its deep reds and golds, feels more like a Gothic novel come to life. It’s still an active parish, and the acoustics make it a prime venue for concerts. The mix of history, art, and architecture makes this one unforgettable.
5. St. Louis Cathedral – New Orleans, LA
Right in the heart of the French Quarter, this iconic cathedral faces Jackson Square and is one of the most photographed spots in the city. The current building dates to 1850, though churches have stood on the site since 1727. Its triple steeples and white façade make it look like something out of a fairy tale. But it’s also been through hurricanes, fires, and even pirate drama.
Inside, it’s a blend of classic and Creole, with ornate woodwork and vaulted ceilings. It’s also the final resting place of several early bishops, including the controversial Père Antoine. Mass is still held regularly, but tourists are welcome to quietly walk through. It’s a living piece of New Orleans history.
6. Washington National Cathedral – Washington, D.C.
You might think Europe has a monopoly on Gothic cathedrals, but this one proves otherwise. Officially called the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, it took 83 years to complete—from 1907 to 1990. With its flying buttresses, pointed arches, and stained glass, it could be mistaken for something centuries older. But look closely, and you’ll see some very American touches.
One stained-glass window contains a moon rock from Apollo 11. Another highlight? The Darth Vader grotesque carved into the tower, thanks to a kids’ design contest in the 1980s. It’s a playful nod in an otherwise reverent space, and that balance makes it uniquely American.
7. San Xavier del Bac Mission – Tucson, AZ
Nicknamed the “White Dove of the Desert,” this 18th-century Spanish mission is a literal oasis in the Sonoran desert. It was founded in 1692, and the current church was completed in 1797. Its gleaming white exterior is stunning against the Arizona sky, while the interior explodes with color and texture. Baroque altar pieces, hand-painted statues, and vivid murals cover nearly every surface.
It’s the oldest intact European structure in Arizona and still serves the Tohono O’odham Nation. The blend of Indigenous and Spanish influences gives the space a sacred, cross-cultural atmosphere. Restoration efforts have preserved its original charm without sterilizing it. Visiting feels like stepping into another century.
8. Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs, CO
This chapel looks more like a spaceship than a sanctuary. Its 17 spires stretch toward the Colorado sky, and the whole thing is made of aluminum, glass, and steel. Designed in the 1950s by architect Walter Netsch, it’s an icon of mid-century modernism. Each faith tradition—Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist—has its own dedicated worship space inside.
The Protestant chapel alone features over 20,000 pieces of colored glass that fill the interior with rainbow light. It’s both sacred and futuristic, offering something truly different from the traditional church. The chapel recently underwent a major renovation to fix structural issues and preserve its legacy. It’s a marvel of both faith and engineering.
9. Old Ship Church – Hingham, MA
Built in 1681, this is the oldest church in continuous use in the U.S. It’s a modest wooden structure that might not catch your eye at first, but step inside and you’ll see why it’s on this list. The ceiling resembles an inverted ship’s hull—hence the name—and it was constructed by shipbuilders from the local community. The simple wooden pews and pulpit remain largely unchanged since Colonial times.
The church was central to the early Puritan settlement of New England. It has no elaborate decoration or grand windows, but its authenticity is what makes it beautiful. You’re walking into a place where American religious life literally began. History buffs will be in heaven here.
10. Crystal Cathedral – Garden Grove, CA
Originally built for televangelist Robert Schuller in 1980, the Crystal Cathedral is now Christ Cathedral and serves the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. With over 10,000 panes of glass, this gleaming structure looks like a modernist crystal palace. Architect Philip Johnson designed it to reflect both the sky and the people gathered inside. The glass walls open to the outside world, blurring the line between sacred and secular.
Its 273-foot-tall bell tower is visible for miles. Inside, it holds one of the largest pipe organs in the world—more than 16,000 pipes. The building was renovated when it changed denominations, but its striking silhouette remains the same. It’s Southern California glitz with spiritual depth.
11. St. Patrick’s Cathedral – New York, NY
Smack in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, this neo-Gothic cathedral is surrounded by skyscrapers and bustling streets. It opened in 1879 and remains the largest decorated Gothic-style Catholic cathedral in the country. Its white marble spires soar above Fifth Avenue like a pointed protest against modern steel and glass. You can’t help but pause when you see it.
Inside, it’s just as dramatic—soaring ceilings, elaborate altars, and famously detailed stained glass. It’s hosted popes, presidents, and celebrities, yet still feels deeply personal. Over five million people visit each year, whether for Mass or a quiet moment of reflection. It’s a classic for good reason.
12. Mission San José – San Antonio, TX
Part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, this 18th-century Spanish mission is often called the “Queen of the Missions.” Built in 1720, it includes a church, living quarters, granary, and even a defensive wall. The standout feature is the Rose Window, a masterwork of stone carving from around 1750. It’s considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in North America.
The site reflects a mix of Spanish Catholic and Indigenous cultures. Restored to its original beauty, it now hosts both religious services and historical tours. Walking the grounds, you get a deep sense of how faith and colonization intertwined here. It’s both beautiful and thought-provoking.
13. Thorncrown Chapel – Eureka Springs, AR
Hidden in the Ozark woods, Thorncrown Chapel looks like something out of a dream. Designed by architect E. Fay Jones, a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, it’s made almost entirely of glass and local wood. With 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, sunlight floods in from every angle. The effect is both calming and awe-inspiring.
It’s small—only 48 feet tall—but its presence is massive. The structure somehow manages to blend into the forest while standing out as an architectural masterpiece. It’s often listed as one of the top examples of organic architecture in the U.S. Whether or not you’re religious, it’s a serene spot worth detouring for.
14. Holy Family Shrine – Gretna, NE
This prairie gem is tucked away off I-80, west of Omaha. Built in 2002, it’s designed to resemble a tent in the wilderness—a nod to the Holy Family’s journey. The structure is mostly glass and timber, with sweeping arches that echo the nearby plains. When the light hits it just right, the chapel seems to disappear into the landscape.
It was built to offer travelers a place of peace and reflection, and it absolutely delivers. There’s a footbridge over a stream and a nearby visitors’ center that explains the design. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the most spiritually calming places you’ll ever step into. A hidden treasure in the heart of America.
