Since the settlement of Boston was established by Puritans, it’s no surprise that there are many churches dotting our city. Whether you’re a history fan, architecture enthusiast, or a member of the congregation, you’ll find something to admire in these 13 impressive buildings.
- Trinity Church
Flickr/EyeTunes
Flickr/The Explorographer™ Built in 1877, this Romanesque Revival style church has a striking exterior. Once inside, you’ll find that it’s decorated with ornate woodwork and lovely stained glass. Trinity Church is located at 206 Clarendon Street in Boston.
- Old North Church
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Matthew and Heather This church played a key part in US history because it was here in 1775 that Paul Revere and Robert Newman hung two lanterns to signal that the British were arriving by sea. Dating back to 1723, this is also the oldest church in the city. It located at 193 Salem Street in Boston.
- Old South Meeting House
Yelp/l o.
Yelp/Old South Meeting House It was from here - Boston’s second oldest church - that irate protesters flowed out towards the wharf and tossed tea in the harbor on the night of the Boston Tea Party. The church is located at 310 Washington Street in Boston.
- Old South Church
Flickr/John Tammaro
Flickr/Nathan Rupert This Italian Gothic church is one of the prettiest in Boston. Its ornate exterior is a total turnaround from the simple façade of the Old South Meeting House, which used to house the congregation that moved here. It is located at 645 Boylston Street in Boston.
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
Flickr/Chris Walton St. Paul’s pediment remained undecorated from the time the church was constructed in 1820 until 2012, when sculptor Donald Lipski added a nautilus shell to the exterior. The church is located at 138 Tremont Street in Boston.
- Old West Church
Flickr/Andrea Koerner This church was the first in the entire nation to have an integrated congregation; it also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Old West Church is located at 131 Cambridge Street in Boston.
- St. Stephen’s
Flickr/Tim Sackton
Flickr/Wally Gobetz Boston’s famed architect, Charles Bulfinch, designed this church that was built in 1804; this Federal style structure is the lone Bulfinch church that remains in the city. Paul Revere crafted the church’s original dome. It is located at 401 Hanover Street in Boston.
- King’s Chapel
Yelp/F H.
Yelp/Rick M. This imposing granite church houses the largest bell that Paul Revere ever made. Funds ran out before the church could get its steeple, but inside it’s beauty has been altered little over the many years since its completion in 1754. It is located at 58 Tremont Street in Boston.
- Arlington Street Church
Flickr/Gary Lerude
Flickr/Bill Ilott This church, built in 1861, boasts 16 stunning stained glass windows crafted by Tiffany. It is located at 351 Boylston Street in Boston.
- Church of the Covenant
Yelp/LJ D.
Yelp/Ed M. Stained glass fans should also visit this church, which has an impressive collection of windows and a 14-foot high lantern, all made by Tiffany. The Gothic Revival building is topped by a towering steeple, which is well over 200 feet high. You’ll find this church at 67 Newbury Street in Boston.
- Park Street Church
Yelp/Harald C. From the time it was founded in 1809 until 1867, this church was the tallest building in Boston, making it a notable landmark during the 19th century. Today it is on the Freedom Trail at 1 Park Street in Boston.
- The First Church of Christian Science
Flickr/Sarah Nichols
Flickr/Turn of Phrase Christian Science is a religion that was founded here by Mary Baker Eddy. This massive edifice is the first church of Christian Science ever built. The complex is known for its lovely reflecting pool and for the Mapparium. The church is located at 210 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston.
- Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Epiphany
Flickr/Aaron Knox The onion domes of this church’s roofline are a pretty, if unusual, sight in the Boston area. This church is located at 963 South Street in Roslindale.
Which church in Boston – or in the Greater Boston area – most appeals to you? Let us know in the comments, or on the Only In Boston Facebook page.
Flickr/EyeTunes
Flickr/The Explorographer™
Built in 1877, this Romanesque Revival style church has a striking exterior. Once inside, you’ll find that it’s decorated with ornate woodwork and lovely stained glass. Trinity Church is located at 206 Clarendon Street in Boston.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Matthew and Heather
This church played a key part in US history because it was here in 1775 that Paul Revere and Robert Newman hung two lanterns to signal that the British were arriving by sea. Dating back to 1723, this is also the oldest church in the city. It located at 193 Salem Street in Boston.
Yelp/l o.
Yelp/Old South Meeting House
It was from here - Boston’s second oldest church - that irate protesters flowed out towards the wharf and tossed tea in the harbor on the night of the Boston Tea Party. The church is located at 310 Washington Street in Boston.
Flickr/John Tammaro
Flickr/Nathan Rupert
This Italian Gothic church is one of the prettiest in Boston. Its ornate exterior is a total turnaround from the simple façade of the Old South Meeting House, which used to house the congregation that moved here. It is located at 645 Boylston Street in Boston.
Flickr/Chris Walton
St. Paul’s pediment remained undecorated from the time the church was constructed in 1820 until 2012, when sculptor Donald Lipski added a nautilus shell to the exterior. The church is located at 138 Tremont Street in Boston.
Flickr/Andrea Koerner
This church was the first in the entire nation to have an integrated congregation; it also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Old West Church is located at 131 Cambridge Street in Boston.
Flickr/Tim Sackton
Boston’s famed architect, Charles Bulfinch, designed this church that was built in 1804; this Federal style structure is the lone Bulfinch church that remains in the city. Paul Revere crafted the church’s original dome. It is located at 401 Hanover Street in Boston.
Yelp/F H.
Yelp/Rick M.
This imposing granite church houses the largest bell that Paul Revere ever made. Funds ran out before the church could get its steeple, but inside it’s beauty has been altered little over the many years since its completion in 1754. It is located at 58 Tremont Street in Boston.
Flickr/Gary Lerude
Flickr/Bill Ilott
This church, built in 1861, boasts 16 stunning stained glass windows crafted by Tiffany. It is located at 351 Boylston Street in Boston.
Yelp/LJ D.
Yelp/Ed M.
Stained glass fans should also visit this church, which has an impressive collection of windows and a 14-foot high lantern, all made by Tiffany. The Gothic Revival building is topped by a towering steeple, which is well over 200 feet high. You’ll find this church at 67 Newbury Street in Boston.
Yelp/Harald C.
From the time it was founded in 1809 until 1867, this church was the tallest building in Boston, making it a notable landmark during the 19th century. Today it is on the Freedom Trail at 1 Park Street in Boston.
Flickr/Sarah Nichols
Flickr/Turn of Phrase
Christian Science is a religion that was founded here by Mary Baker Eddy. This massive edifice is the first church of Christian Science ever built. The complex is known for its lovely reflecting pool and for the Mapparium. The church is located at 210 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston.
Flickr/Aaron Knox
The onion domes of this church’s roofline are a pretty, if unusual, sight in the Boston area. This church is located at 963 South Street in Roslindale.
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