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Kathleen Orenza
avatarKathleen Orenza6 min read  

7 stunning US churches families should visit

one of the beautiful churches in the US
The United States boasts beautiful churches with magnificent architecture, just like Europe. The country is also home to different faiths. Image: Washington National Cathedral

Some fine examples of U.S. churches rival Europe’s gorgeous Gothic cathedrals and Romanesque basilicas. These places of worship across the United States deserve international acclaim for their impeccable craftsmanship and design.

The country is also home to various religious communities with congregations all around the country.

According to Discover Walks, most of the country’s most opulent religious structures are owned by Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian congregations. Many U.S. churches are also steeped in mythology or history, making them architectural marvels and spiritual epicenters.

Beautiful US Churches

Because these magnificent U.S. churches are scattered across the country, it doesn’t matter where you call home. 

Chances are good that there is one close enough that you could travel to. You can even take a road trip across the country to show the most magnificent places of worship built.

Families should consider making their little pilgrimage to these beautiful worship places to edify their faith and marvel at exquisite architectural wonders.

Here are seven stunning U.S. churches your family should visit soon: 

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Image: wren_i_photographs|Chapel Sedona Instagram

Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local rancher and sculptor, was the creative force behind the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona. She decided in 1932 to commission its construction after seeing the Empire State Building being built and was moved to do the same.

The contemporary Roman Catholic chapel stands out against the rough landscape due to its angular, stiff aspect. The interior is far more at home among the sandstone rocks than the façade, which stands out against the rugged surroundings.

Recommendation: If you are into adventure, architecture, and religion, you should visit this church with your family and gaze at its beauty atop the beautiful red rocks of Sedona.

Washington National Cathedral

Image: Washington National Cathedral website

The Washington National Cathedral is unique because it bridges the gap between faith and politics. Gothic style has been used for centuries to create structures that seem to reach for the stars. 

The sixth-largest cathedral in the world is a place to contemplate God’s presence amidst ancient craftsmanship.

Recommendation: The church offers congregation tours, which your family should try. During public viewing hours, you can dive straight in and explore the cathedral at your own pace using a free self-guided tour leaflet.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Image: Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis website

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is truly unique. Its massive size, combined with its beauty, makes it truly breathtaking. It has soaring ceilings and gleaming mosaics that your family can marvel at. The ideas and creations of over a dozen architects and artisans have come together to form a stunningly cohesive and beautiful ensemble.

Recommendation: You may get an overview of everything the Cathedral Basilica offers through its museum and tours. The guided tours can also give you a deeper understanding of the building’s rich history and symbolic significance.

Memorial Presbyterian Church

Image: MPC Facebook page

The beautiful domes and ornate details of the Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida, have made it famous worldwide. The grounds have the waving palms typical of the Florida shore. 

According to Travel Awaits, this underappreciated church is a beautiful spot to visit and take a break, thanks to its Tiffany-style stained glass windows, marble mausoleum, and towering domes. 

While it’s a popular tourist destination in Florida, it is not as well-known as the other U.S. churches on this list.

Recommendation: You should grab the chance to tour this magnificent church. In this tour, you will learn the church’s history and this beautiful congregation’s more profound architecture. 

Wayfarers Chapel 

one of the beautiful churches in the US

Image: Dmitry Kotov|Unsplash

The organic design of Wayfarers Chapel is a fitting symbol of the sacred space’s open invitation to all travelers. 

The chapel’s 3.5-acre grounds are designed magnificently and include a pool with a memorial fountain, a rose garden with paths of engraved pavers, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

Recommendation: This beautiful place is perfect for an outdoor wedding. But, you could also gaze at its stunning architecture and feel the cold air breeze with your family.

Saint Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral

Image: Saint Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral website

The Russian influence on the cathedral’s design makes it one of the country’s most eye-catching and distinctive religious buildings. It is among the finest examples of Russian religious architecture in the United States.

Andrej Bicenko painted elaborate murals covering every church wall, featuring holy characters in vibrant colors like red, blue, and gold.

Recommendation: Check out the portrait on the far left of the iconostasis (the huge screen that separates the sanctuary from the nave): Patron saint of Orthodox Christians. A Russian missionary named Herman of Alaska arrived in the territory in 1794.

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church

Image: Holy Ascension Orthodox Church

The first church was erected in 1826, and the second one was rebuilt in the same spot using the same foundation. 

Discover Walks shared that it was named after Fr. Ioann Veniaminov, popularly known as Saint Innocent of Alaska, the man credited with founding its properties.

The stunning church, a landmark in the Aleutian Islands, is a monument to him and his lessons in Russian architecture and the Christian faith.

Recommendation: If you plan to visit this amazing church, you might as well visit its garden, the “St. Phocas Garden Guild.” This garden has always represented harmony with nature and connection with the sacred.

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    Kathleen Orenza

    My faith in the Christian Church has been an integral part of who I am. From a young age, I was taught the significance of the sacraments, the beauty of prayer, and the guiding principles of love and compassion. Through the years, my faith matured, and I sought deeper connections with my beliefs. With Crossmap, it has reinforced my devotion to the Christian faith and allowed me to play a small role in spreading the love and teachings of Christ in the digital age.

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