Most Beautiful Churches in America

Apart from its other allures America is also a land of beautiful churches. More than being places of worship these churches are also tourist attractions with their stunning architecture and history attached to these architectural masterpieces. Situated in some of the most frequented cities in America these churches are as stunning as their European counterparts and visited by tourists irrespective of their religious affiliation.

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

A 20 minute subway ride from Times Square takes you to The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and the travel is worth it. This mammoth church is only next to  St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City in terms of size. Made of limestone and granite this church is as beautiful as its European rivals. The church that was built in Romanesque-Byzantine style by architects George Heins and Christopher Grand Lafarge has been reconstructed into the French Gothic style after it caught fire.

Washington National Cathedral

Washington, D.C. is replete with churches but Washington National Cathedral (officially called Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul) evokes interest for being the site of presidential funerals. National heroes like Helen Keller have also been interred here. Built in Neo-Gothic style, this 517-foot-long glass window structure is a place where people go to worship and see its impressive beauty. The structure took more than 8 decades to complete but this patient hardwork is well evident in this structure.

St. Mary of the Angels

The cathedral of St. Mary of the Angels has a chequered history. The cathedral for which construction work was started in 1899 soon became a parish school. The construction work got completed in 1920 after facing material shortage several times during World War I. During 1960s, the building was closed and prepared for demolition. But parishioners and the priests of Opus Dei were able to save this building from demolition. With such a chequered history the existence of this church is nothing short of a miracle.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Built in Byzantine and Romanesque style Cathedral Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a testimony to persistent efforts of the Archbishops of St. Louis during the early 1900s. He raised $1 million to construct even when this region was affected with a devastating tornado. The cornerstone for this cathedral was laid in 1908. On their visit to this cathedral the visitors will see several Byzantine-inspired mosaics depicting the life of St. Louis.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Paul was built in early 1900s, when Archbishop John Ireland realised the need of a larger place of worship in the area. Built in the Beaux Arts architectural style, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful structures in St. Paul's skyline. The cathedral has been declared a "bond of spiritual affinity" with its sister church, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. The site is frequented by thousands of visitors.

Thorncrown Chapel

Situated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, atop 100 tons of local stones beautiful Thorncrown Chapel perfectly blends with its natural surroundings. This impressive chapel is 48-foot-tall and has 425 windows that offer a glimpse of its beautiful surroundings.

Grace Cathedral

After seeing Grace Cathedral in San Francisco's Nob Hill you might think that it is replica of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Biblical stories are depicted in its stained glass windows. Apart from being important for religious regions, the cathedral is also prominent for hosting world renowned authors and scholars.