Whether majestic or quaint, towering or hidden away, America has a love affair with beautiful churches. Regardless of their setting in the midst an idyllic countryside, standing proudly alone for all to see, or tucked in the midst of a busy downtown area, America’s beloved churches speak of great history, triumph, perseverance, and faith. Here are 11 stunning churches from around the United States that are guaranteed to take your breath away:
- St. Paul Cathedral - St. Paul, Minnesota
Jim Denham/Flickr The beautiful church is considered one of the most distinctive cathedrals in the U.S. It is located on Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown St. Paul.
Dave/Flickr As beautiful as the cathedral’s exterior is, it pales to its exquisite interior. The current building opened in 1915.
- St. Joseph’s Church - Maui, Hawaii
Paul Nelson/Flickr This picturesque church was established in 1862.
Ted/Flickr It is located on the south side of Haleakala on the road past Hana.
- First Presbyterian Church - Urbana, Ohio
OZinOH/Flickr This historic and beautiful stone church has been part of the community here for more than 120 years.
First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, OH/Facebook It’s traditional interior features beautiful woodwork and ornate details as well as stunning stain glass windows.
- Heinz Memorial Chapel - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mike Procario/Flickr Heinz Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational chapel given by the H.J. Heinz family to the University of Pittsburgh.
Heinz Memorial Chapel/Facebook It was dedicated in 1938 and is breathtaking inside.
- Oysterville Church - Ocean Park, Washington
Steve Walser/Flickr This historic church was built in 1892.
Roger Jones/Flickr The interior remains simple and humble, just as it was constructed. This church lets its incredible surroundings do the talking!
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral - New York City
St. Patrick’s Cathedral/Facebook The cornerstone of stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral was laid in 1858 and doors were opened in 1879.
sama093/Flickr The opulent and awe-inspiring interior attracts visitors year-round.
- Memorial Presbyterian Church - Saint Augustine, Florida
Wesley Hetrick/Flickr This church is Florida’s oldest and was established in 1824.
Matthew Paulson/Flickr Its beautiful interior is reflective of the architecture and colors of the area.
- Stanford Memorial Church - Stanford, California
Chao-Wei Juan/Flickr The elaborate church stands at the center of Stanford University, and is considered the campus’ architectural crown jewel.
David Yu/Flickr The chapel attracts the faithful as well as the curious.
- Pagosa Springs Church - Colorado
Daniel/Flickr This old country church overlooks the town.
Daniel/Flickr There are hitching posts to the back where visitors can tie their horse and venture inside.
- Yosemite Valley Chapel - California
Steve Corey/Flickr The modest but enchanting church is in the valley of one of the most beautiful places in America.
mini/Trip Advisor Regardless of the season, it is a perfect complement to a spectacular landscape, complete with a large waterfall out its back door.
- Chapel of Thanksgiving - Dallas, Texas
Amaury Laporte/Flickr This strange-looking non-denominational church is a place for giving thanks.
Amaury Laporte/Flickr A look upward toward the sky and the stained glass windows provides inspiration.
Have you visited any of these beautiful churches? Which other ones would you add to this list? We’d love for you to share your thoughts and any photos you have taken of stunning places of worship across America.
Jim Denham/Flickr
The beautiful church is considered one of the most distinctive cathedrals in the U.S. It is located on Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown St. Paul.
Dave/Flickr
As beautiful as the cathedral’s exterior is, it pales to its exquisite interior. The current building opened in 1915.
Paul Nelson/Flickr
This picturesque church was established in 1862.
Ted/Flickr
It is located on the south side of Haleakala on the road past Hana.
OZinOH/Flickr
This historic and beautiful stone church has been part of the community here for more than 120 years.
First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, OH/Facebook
It’s traditional interior features beautiful woodwork and ornate details as well as stunning stain glass windows.
Mike Procario/Flickr
Heinz Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational chapel given by the H.J. Heinz family to the University of Pittsburgh.
Heinz Memorial Chapel/Facebook
It was dedicated in 1938 and is breathtaking inside.
Steve Walser/Flickr
This historic church was built in 1892.
Roger Jones/Flickr
The interior remains simple and humble, just as it was constructed. This church lets its incredible surroundings do the talking!
St. Patrick’s Cathedral/Facebook
The cornerstone of stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral was laid in 1858 and doors were opened in 1879.
sama093/Flickr
The opulent and awe-inspiring interior attracts visitors year-round.
Wesley Hetrick/Flickr
This church is Florida’s oldest and was established in 1824.
Matthew Paulson/Flickr
Its beautiful interior is reflective of the architecture and colors of the area.
Chao-Wei Juan/Flickr
The elaborate church stands at the center of Stanford University, and is considered the campus’ architectural crown jewel.
David Yu/Flickr
The chapel attracts the faithful as well as the curious.
Daniel/Flickr
This old country church overlooks the town.
There are hitching posts to the back where visitors can tie their horse and venture inside.
Steve Corey/Flickr
The modest but enchanting church is in the valley of one of the most beautiful places in America.
mini/Trip Advisor
Regardless of the season, it is a perfect complement to a spectacular landscape, complete with a large waterfall out its back door.
Amaury Laporte/Flickr
This strange-looking non-denominational church is a place for giving thanks.
A look upward toward the sky and the stained glass windows provides inspiration.
Speaking of beautiful places, be sure to check out these 13 photos of America’s great outdoors.
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