If you’re lucky enough to visit Europe, you’ll notice the massive, magnificent cathedrals, historic churches, and other gorgeous religious structures strewn all over the continent. It’s a bit less common to see them here in the U.S., but we do have them—and in fact, we’ve got one of America’s most regal cathedrals right here in Montana. The Cathedral of St. Helena makes all kinds of must-see lists, and it’s easy to see why.

The Cathedral of St. Helena sits perched on a hill overlooking Montana's capital city. The spires rise 230 feet above street level and can be seen from all over town.
Robby GC / TripAdvisor
The cathedral was designed by architect A.O. Von Herbulis after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria. This explains its old European look.
Construction began in 1908, and by November of 1914, mass was being held inside.
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The finishing touches were finally put on the building in 1924.
While the cathedral sustained some damage in 1935 due to Helena's major earthquake, it still maintains some of its original details even after extensive renovations.
MandyLouLou / TripAdvisor
And since 1980, it has been on the National Register of Historic Places.

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You can still attend mass at the cathedral. In fact, it's a pretty popular place to do so.
MandyLouLou / TripAdvisor
Other traditional ceremonies like baptisms, weddings, and funerals are performed here. And while guided tours are still offered by appointment, current conditions have made the virtual tour option much more popular.
The cathedral was renovated again in from 1982 to 1983, and that's when many of the famous stained glass windows were touched up.
Nostalgiyah / TripAdvisor
The windows were made by the F. X. Zettler Firm of Munich, Bavaria, and it took years to create and install them. The windows tell the story of the church, starting with Adam and Eve.
In fact, as you explore, you'll see how absolutely no detail was spared when designing this surreal place of worship.
desertbells / TripAdvisor
Whether you're Catholic or simply appreciate beauty and art, you'll love it here.
The Cathedral of St. Helena's most prominent feature is its 230-foot twin spires.
trvlloop / TripAdvisor
Many locals are comforted when they look up and see them, day or night.

Have you ever been to the Cathedral of St. Helena? You can take a virtual tour here.

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Cathedral of Saint Helena, 530 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, USA