With just about three million residents in the Twin Cities and its surrounding area, it’s no surprise that we have some absolutely stunning churches. The rich history and cultural diversity of our population has gathered residents of all faiths, which has shaped the architectural landscape of the cities with a wealth of beautiful places to worship. Whether you are a member of the congregation or just a visitor, these nine churches in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are undeniably stunning.
1. Basilica of Saint Mary
The Basilica of Saint Mary takes up a whole city block along Hennepin Avenue, just west of downtown Minneapolis, and one look at the stunning architecture makes it easy to understand why. This was the first Roman Catholic Basilica established in the United States, which formally opened at the location it is now in 1914.
The Basilica of Saint Mary is located at 88 N 17th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
2. Cathedral of St. Paul
The first location of the Cathedral of St. Paul was along the Mississippi riverbank and was formerly known as the Log Chapel. The ornate cathedral is far different from it's modest days in the 1840s. The Catholic faith has played a major role within the lives of many Twin Cities residents, which has allowed the Catholic Church to build and maintain these beautiful grounds.
The Cathedral of St. Paul is located at 239 Selby Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55102.
3. St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral
When thinking about immigration history in Minnesota, settlers from Ireland and Scandinavia come to mind; however, many fail to mention the extensive Russian community who came to Minneapolis and Saint Paul in the 1870s. The culture has left its mark in the city's architecture, including the design of this beautiful church in Northeast Minneapolis, which is adorned with an incredible black dome and copper accented spire.
St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral is located at 1701 5th St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
4. Our Lady Lourdes Catholic Church
If you want to view the oldest remaining Catholic church in Minneapolis, you absolutely must visit Our Lady Lourdes, constructed in the Gothic Revival style in the 1850s. It's not the largest church you'll see in Minneapolis, but the details within the interior of the chapel are what make it special.
Our Lady Lourdes Catholic Church is located at 1 Lourdes Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55414.
5. Lakewood Memorial Chapel
This chapel, located on the grounds of the Lakewood Cemetery near Lake Harriet, was constructed in 1910 after architects and designers who had visited and admired churches from all over the globe were inspired by the style of a chapel in Turkey. At the time this chapel was built, it was the only one of its kind in Minneapolis with a real mosaic interior.
Lakewood Memorial Chapel is located at 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408.
6. Church of Saint Agnes
Church of Saint Agnes was built in 1912, only to be partially destroyed five years later when someone bombed part of the rectory in an anti-German protest act during World War I. This beautiful building has a lot of history for many Saint Paul residents, as it has also served as a school.
Church of Saint Agnes is located at 535 Thomas Ave. W, Saint Paul, MN 55103.
7. Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist is easily recognizable as the one of the most welcoming and accepting churches in the entire city. The congregation welcome people from the LGBTQA community with open arms to reassure them that there is a place in Christianity for everyone. The Church runs along Hennepin Avenue near the Basilica of Saint Mary, creating somewhat of a friendly competition for the most beautiful building in the area.
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church is located at 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
8. Westminster Presbyterian Church
Located in downtown Minneapolis, this church was built as the third of its parish in the late 1800s. Beginning in the 1850s, it became a place for those of Welsh, Irish, and Scottish heritage to come together and worship. It is now a historical landmark within the city, and just as beautiful as ever since its restoration in the 1990s.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 S Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
9. Saint Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church
As with most dome-shaped churches in the Twin Cities, this church was built with a Russian and Ukrainian influence. Located in Northeast Minneapolis, this beautiful building also serves Eastern European comfort food to the public on Fridays.
Saint Constantine Ukrainian Catholic Church is located at 515 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
These are just a few of the most beautiful churches in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. We know there are so many other gorgeous places of worship for a whole spectrum of religions in the Twin Cities, and we’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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