25 Stunning U.S. Churches Worth Seeing At Least Once

Across the U.S., some of the most striking structures are places built for reflection. Their designs turn heads, and their histories add depth to their beauty. For anyone drawn to extraordinary spaces shaped by faith and craftsmanship, these 25 churches are worth a closer look.

Cathedral Basilica Of St. Louis, Missouri

Step inside this cathedral, and you’re instantly surrounded by one of the largest mosaic collections in the world. Over 41 million glass tiles create scenes that shimmer across walls and domes. Its construction began in 1907 and continued into the 1920s, and the church still holds regular services today.

Mission San Xavier Del Bac, Arizona

Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” this church has stood on Tohono O’odham land since 1797. Spanish colonial design mixes with Indigenous artistry throughout the sanctuary. The golden altar draws the eye first as surrounding details reveal a long history shaped by devotion and the merging of artistic traditions across generations.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, High Hill, Texas

Nicknamed the “Painted Church,” this small Texas chapel surprises guests with an elaborate, hand-painted interior that mimics Gothic stonework. Completed in 1906 by German immigrants, the interior features woodwork painted in deep jewel tones that give the space a warmth and depth far beyond its modest exterior.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City, New York

Few places stop people in their tracks like this one on Fifth Avenue. Twin spires rise above the streets as stained glass casts light across vaulted ceilings, creating a quiet moment in the middle of Manhattan’s constant motion. Opened in 1879, it’s still a working parish and a must-see for visitors to Manhattan.

Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Surprises wait around every corner in this towering structure made from Indiana limestone. Gargoyles cling to the edges, while one unexpected carving nods to pop culture. A single stained-glass window holds a piece of the moon. Beyond the fun details, it’s also a place for prayer, reflection, and national remembrance events.

Chapel Of The Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona

Red rock cliffs surround a striking structure carved straight from the earth. Designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, it took years to complete and finally opened in 1956. Its single large window forms a cross, framing breathtaking views of Sedona’s desert and sandstone formations below.

St. Joseph The Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church, Chicago, Illinois

Thirteen copper domes, each symbolizing Christ and the apostles, crown a building that grabs attention immediately. Its groundwork began in the 1950s, with significant additions completed in the following decades. Inside, bold iconography and colorful stained glass give the sanctuary a vibrant, otherworldly feel.

Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Nothing about the setting gives away how close the chapel is to the trees. Built in 1980 with over 6,000 square feet of glass, it integrates steel supports within a design that disappears into the surrounding forest. Its organic form has earned dozens of architectural awards and quiet admiration.

Old North Church, Boston, Massachusetts

Famous for Paul Revere’s “one if by land, two if by sea” signal in 1775, this colonial church is the oldest standing in Boston. Its tall steeple and wooden pews still look much like they did centuries ago. Tourists can even see the original bell and historic crypts below.

Cathedral Of Saint Paul, Minnesota

Visitors to St. Paul can’t miss the grand Beaux-Arts structure standing high above the city from its hilltop location. A towering dome rises 186 feet above the floor, and marble columns lead toward rose windows and a bronze canopy that crowns the altar with a dramatic focal point. The structure is open for tours year-round.

Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California

Glass walls sparkle under the sun, and Christ Cathedral’s name adds to its sense of purpose. Designed by architect Philip Johnson, the building features more than 10,000 panes of mirrored glass. It was initially built for televangelist Robert Schuller and is now a Roman Catholic cathedral with soaring views inside and out.

St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana

Just beyond the foot traffic and street music of Jackson Square rises the country’s oldest functioning cathedral. The current structure dates back to 1850, though churches have stood here long before. Triple steeples tower over the square in Spanish Colonial style, and detailed stained glass helps anchor its place as a beloved part of the French Quarter.

Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

As the largest Catholic church in North America, this massive shrine is a mosaic-covered marvel. Construction began in 1920, featuring dozens of chapels reflecting cultures worldwide. The blue-tiled dome rises high above, while the crypt below offers a quieter place to reflect.

St. Francis De Sales Oratory, St. Louis, Missouri

Locals call it the Cathedral of South St. Louis, and its spire stretches more than 300 feet into the sky. In the early 1900s, construction wrapped on a structure known for its towering ceilings and ornate woodwork, where Latin Mass remains a central part of the experience. Its beauty feels timeless from every angle.

The Cadet Chapel, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

With its dramatic 17 spires, this aluminum and glass chapel looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Completed in 1962, it includes separate worship areas for multiple faiths. Light pours in from stained glass panels, while the sharp angles and geometric symmetry make it an architectural landmark.

Trinity Church, Boston, Massachusetts

The 1877 architectural landmark in Copley Square played a key role in shaping the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Massive stone arches draw attention first, as intricate murals and carved details continue to leave a lasting impression. The church sits on swampy reclaimed land, supported by over 4,000 wooden piles driven deep into the ground below.

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California

This Episcopal cathedral is known for its striking stained glass and twin towers, which include two labyrinths for walking meditation. Construction finished in 1964 on a structure that blends French Gothic design with modern elements. A replica of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise standing among vivid murals and mosaics enhances its layered visual impact.

Cathedral Of The Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah

A mix of Romanesque and Gothic influences gives the building its detailed ceiling and bold sandstone look. It opened in 1909 and remains the mother church for Roman Catholics in Utah. Onlookers often note the detailed organ loft and liturgical music that fills the space during services.

Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Augustine, Florida

This church, completed in 1890, was constructed by Henry Flagler in memory of his daughter. Its Venetian Renaissance design features a copper dome and intricate woodwork. It’s one of the oldest Protestant churches in Florida and part of the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established city.

Cathedral Of The Holy Cross, Boston, Massachusetts

Since 1875, this towering cathedral has stood as a central landmark in Boston’s religious life. The dramatic ceilings and stained glass create an atmosphere of awe, matched by the stone architecture outside. It remains lively and inviting, filled with the sounds of prayer and performance alike.

The Basilica Of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Built in the late 1890s with reclaimed stone from a torn-down Chicago post office, this Milwaukee basilica channels the grandeur of St. Peter’s in Rome. Its towering dome and richly painted interior have made it a landmark of faith and a proud tribute to Polish-American heritage.

Saint Thomas Church, New York City, New York

Fifth Avenue holds many architectural gems, and this Episcopal sanctuary stands among the finest. Completed in 1914, the church is known for its intricate French Gothic details and massive reredos hand-carved from stone. It also features one of the most celebrated church choirs in the country.

Cathedral Of Our Lady Of The Angels, Los Angeles, California

The cathedral, which opened in 2002, embraces a modern style. Here, Alabaster windows and warm concrete walls shape a space that reflects California’s architectural character and the region’s layered cultural identity. It functions not only as the archdiocesan center but also as a symbol of spiritual openness and modern design.

Cathedral Basilica Of The Sacred Heart, Newark, New Jersey

This massive Gothic Revival cathedral was completed after nearly 50 years of construction. Towering spires and flying buttresses give it a distinctly European feel. Beyond the grand entrance, stained glass windows and a soaring sanctuary create an atmosphere that rivals cathedrals across the Atlantic.

Saint Augustine Cathedral, Tucson, Arizona

Recent restoration efforts have returned this Tucson cathedral’s interior to its full brilliance, with murals and flourishes glowing once more. The structure itself dates back to the late 19th century and has a deep Mexican Baroque influence. Its tiled, sculpted exterior remains one of the city’s most distinct religious landmarks.