If you want a taste of that “old world” vibe without crossing the Atlantic, many of America’s churches take cues from the greats. Featuring intricate stained glass, Gothic spires, and classical details, these are six of the most beautiful churches in the U.S.
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart – Newark, New Jersey
Plans for Newark’s massive cathedral began in the 1870s, when the land was purchased for $60,000 — but that was just the beginning. From the breaking of ground in 1898 to the official dedication in 1954, it took over five decades to complete the Gothic Revival cathedral, primarily due to funding issues and construction delays. Many deemed the end result worth it, however, as Newark became home to one of the largest cathedrals in the U.S.
The 45,000-square-foot cathedral is comparable in size to England’s Westminster Abbey, while its twin towers, measuring 232 feet, are taller than Notre-Dame in Paris. The interior craftsmanship features elaborate details such as hand-carved marble, crystal chandeliers, and bronze doors. The wooden pews were crafted from Appalachian oak, and the church’s organ features nearly 10,000 pipes.
Loretto Chapel – Santa Fe, New Mexico
The story of Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel traces back to 1850, when Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, the appointed bishop of the New Mexico Territory, made a request for a stronger Catholic presence in the region. The Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky responded to his call, with six sisters arriving in New Mexico to open a Catholic school. Construction on a chapel to accompany the school began in 1873, taking design inspiration from the bishop’s favorite Parisian church, Sainte‑Chapelle.
Blending traditional Southwestern adobe, a Gothic Revival style, and French stained glass, the church is a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel. However, it was the church’s spiral staircase that became its most famous feature. The “Miraculous Staircase” was built by a mysterious carpenter who suddenly appeared to complete the job when no one else could — and then disappeared without asking for payment.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
This historic church opened to the public in 1914 to accommodate the growing Catholic population in St. Louis at the time. When it was formally consecrated in 1926, the cathedral had already established a reputation as one of the most beautiful and unique churches in the country…