Sedona is a place known for its natural beauty and its enigmatic connection to the spiritual side of people. Red rocks, blue skies, and cool temperatures all do their part in creating a perfect environment for finding solace through prayer or meditation. While most churches tend to shield people from that natural beauty, there is one that uses the landscape to enhance the spirituality people tend to seek, and that is the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Arizona. It’s one remarkable place you need to see to believe.

From afar, the structure is barely seen standing against the red buttes and that may be one of the best design features of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
callandresponse/Flickr
While most other churches are designed to stand out from nature, this chapel appears to emerge from the rocks surrounding it as though it came from the earth herself.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is located at the end of the slightly curved Chapel Road in Sedona. Inspired by the Art Deco designs of the Empire State Building and its prominence in the landscape, Oak Creek rancher and artist Marguerite Brunswig Staude imagined creating a similar religious structure in 1932.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Initially, the plan was to build the structure with Frank Lloyd Wright's son, Lloyd, in Budapest, a city that happened to already be rich in religious architecture. However, World War II broke out not long after and Staude's vision was put on hold.
Hector/Flickr

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Instead, Staude moved the structure to her hometown of Sedona and the structure was re-worked into a much smaller version of the massive, Modernist cathedral she originally envisioned by architects Richard Hein and August K. Strotz. Completed in 1956, the chapel today is one of the most iconic structures in Arizona.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
Rick Stegeman/Flickr
From Chapel Road, a long, curved walkway ascends the buttes, leading parishioners and visitors to the small chapel. Several rows of pews sit at the front of the building with prayer candles lining the walls. There is little room for anything other than worship and a breathtaking view of the valley below.
Today, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is considered one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona and attracts tourists from around the world for its architectural beauty.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
In fact, when the chapel was first built, it was widely recognized for its universal appeal to people of all denominations, especially by Staude herself. Shortly after the chapel opened, she said, "Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the Chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality."
7263255/Flickr
I often find myself driving to Holy Cross Chapel whenever I'm in Sedona. This Arizona chapel is one of a kind and I'm forever in awe of the architecture. While many tourists visit, it's still a serene place to spend some time.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
And taking photos of the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Arizona is one of my favorite things to do. That and taking in the views from atop the rocks it sits upon.

Take a look at this video by @RoadTripTrave:

Have you visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Arizona before? What did you think of it? Be sure to share your thoughts here or on our Facebook fan page. You can learn more about the chapel and how to visit it by visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross website.

Looking for a weekend getaway in Sedona? Check out this cottage with views and a hot tub on Vrbo.

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More to Explore

Beautiful And Unique Places In Arizona

Leah | June 19, 2020

What is the most scenic town in Arizona?

The most scenic town in Arizona has to be Sedona. Surrounded by stunning red rocks, rivers, bright green forest, and big blue skies, it's located in an absolutely gorgeous area. Plus, the town itself is beautiful and full of unique shops to visit. It's no wonder why it's one of the most popular resort towns in the state. Whether you go to have fun outdoor areas or to experience all the town has to offer, it's a must-visit at least once.

What are the most unique places in Arizona?

Among the most unique places in Arizona are the following:

  • The Mystery Castle in Phoenix is a quirky spot. The large, fascinating-looking yet enchanting home has quite a history. You can visit it yourself and see the many rooms and learn about the love and story behind it.
  • To get a taste of the "old west meets artsy," visit the funky town of Chloride. It is a "ghost town" of sorts and plenty of art pieces like murals and junk art.
  • For a unique natural wonder, visit The Wave in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. That spot is almost hard to believe is truly real, so you'll have to see it in person to fully appreciate it.

 

What are the oldest churches in Arizona?

The following are among the oldest churches in Arizona:

  • The Mission San José de Tumacácori has been around since 1753, and it was founded over half a century earlier. The building is quite old yet stunning in its own way, and you can visit it in the Tumacácori National Monument in Arizona.
  • One of the oldest churches in Phoenix is the Saint Mary's Basilica, a tall and beautiful structure, which was built in 1903.
  • The Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tuscon is another church that's stood the test of time, having been built in 1783 and still looking magnificent to this day.

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Chapel of the Holy Cross, 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA