15 of the Most Beautiful Churches & Cathedrals in the US, Including One with a Space Rock

The United States boasts an array of beautiful churches and cathedrals that captivate visitors with their architectural splendor and rich history. These sacred spaces serve not only as centers of worship but also as proof of human ingenuity and artistic expression.

Did you know that the Washington National Cathedral features a stained glass window containing an actual piece of lunar rock brought back from the Apollo 11 mission?¹ This unusual blend of faith and science is just one example of the unexpected treasures awaiting discovery in America’s most beautiful churches.

Here are 15 of the most breathtaking ecclesiastical structures in the U.S.

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

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an iconic Neo-Gothic masterpiece. The cathedral, completed in 1878, features soaring spires, intricate marble carvings, and vibrant stained glass windows.

• The cathedral welcomes approximately 5 million visitors annually
• It measures 332 feet long and 174 feet wide, with spires reaching 330 feet high
• The cathedral houses an impressive organ with over 7,800 pipes

2. Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C.

The Washington National Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1907 and was completed in 1990, making it the sixth-largest cathedral in the world.

• The cathedral’s central tower stands 301 feet tall and offers panoramic views of Washington D.C.
• It features 231 stained glass windows, including the famous Space Window, which contains a piece of lunar rock.
• The cathedral has hosted many significant events, including state funerals and presidential prayer services.

3. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, completed in 1914, is renowned for its expansive mosaic collection, covering 83,000 square feet. The cathedral’s Byzantine and Romanesque architecture creates a stunning backdrop for the intricate mosaics.

• The cathedral houses the largest collection of mosaics in the world, containing over 41.5 million glass tesserae pieces.
• It took over 75 years to install all the mosaics.
• The cathedral’s domes rise 143 feet high and are adorned with beautiful frescoes.

4. St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco, California

St. Mary’s Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, is a modern architectural wonder. Completed in 1971, the cathedral’s distinctive design features a hyperbolic paraboloid roof and a stunning stained glass window behind the altar.

• The cathedral’s unique roof is composed of eight segments of hyperbolic paraboloids, rising to a cross at 190 feet.
• The stained glass window behind the altar measures 40 feet in diameter.
• The cathedral can seat 2,400 people.

5. Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, New York

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, an Episcopal cathedral in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, is the largest cathedral in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Construction began in 1892 and continues to this day.

• The cathedral measures 601 feet long and 232 feet wide.
• Its central dome rises 162 feet high.
• The cathedral is home to many works of art, including a 9/11 memorial sculpture and a triptych by Keith Haring.

6. Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, Hawaii

The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1958, the cathedral features stunning stained glass windows depicting scenes from Hawaiian history and culture.

• The cathedral’s vaulted ceiling rises 56 feet high.
• Its organ, installed in 1961, has over 5,000 pipes.
• The cathedral grounds include a peaceful cloister garden.

7. Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, Kentucky

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1915, the cathedral features intricate stone carvings, vibrant stained glass windows, and a soaring central spire.

• The cathedral’s central spire rises 224 feet high.
• Its stained glass windows were crafted by the renowned Munich Studio of Chicago.
• The cathedral is home to a 65-rank pipe organ with over 3,700 pipes.

8. Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, New York

The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1885, the cathedral features intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and a peaceful cloister garden.

• The cathedral’s central tower rises 200 feet high.
• Its stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of Christ and the history of the Episcopal Church.
• The cathedral grounds include a serene meditation garden.

9. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, New Jersey

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1954, the cathedral features soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and vibrant stained glass windows.

• The cathedral is the fifth-largest in North America, measuring 365 feet long and 156 feet wide.
• Its central tower rises 232 feet high.
• The cathedral houses a massive pipe organ with over 9,500 pipes.

10. Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul, Minnesota

The Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Completed in 1915, the cathedral features a stunning copper dome, intricate marble carvings, and vibrant stained glass windows.

• The cathedral’s dome rises 306 feet high, making it one of the tallest in the United States.
• Its stained glass windows were crafted by renowned artist Charles Connick.
• The cathedral houses a massive pipe organ with over 5,500 pipes.

11. Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, California

The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, is a stunning example of modern architecture. Completed in 2008, the cathedral features a distinctive glass and steel design, allowing natural light to flood the interior.

• The cathedral’s design is based on a vesica piscis, an ancient Christian symbol formed by the intersection of two equal circles.
• Its glass panels are etched with over 94,000 perforations, creating a dappled light effect inside.
• The cathedral’s organ has over 5,000 pipes.

12. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. Construction began in 1920 and was completed in 1959.

• The basilica measures 459 feet long, 240 feet wide, and 237 feet high at the top of the dome.
• It features over 70 chapels and oratories, each with unique architectural and artistic styles.
• The basilica’s Great Upper Church can seat over 3,500 people.

13. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, California

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles is a modern architectural marvel. Completed in 2002, the cathedral features a distinctive postmodern design with angular walls and a stunning alabaster window behind the altar.

• The cathedral’s alabaster window is one of the largest in the world, measuring 58 feet high and 26 feet wide.
• Its bronze doors feature relief sculptures depicting the history of the Catholic Church in Los Angeles.
• The cathedral can seat 3,000 people.

14. St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Brooklyn, New York

St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, is a beautiful example of French Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1912, the cathedral features intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and a soaring central tower.

• The cathedral’s central tower rises 256 feet high.
• Its stained glass windows were crafted by the renowned Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich.
• The cathedral houses a massive pipe organ with over 4,000 pipes.

15. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, Massachusetts

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. Completed in 1820, the cathedral features a distinctive portico with Ionic columns and a beautiful stained glass rose window above the altar.

• The cathedral’s portico is modeled after the Temple of Athena Polias in Athens.
• Its stained glass rose window measures 25 feet in diameter.
• The cathedral played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, hosting anti-slavery meetings and speakers.

These 15 churches and cathedrals showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of sacred architecture in the United States. From towering Gothic spires to modern masterpieces, each of these structures offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

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1. Washington National Cathedral