8 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Arizona

Early explorers and settlers in Arizona brought their traditions, beliefs, and architectural influences, including Spanish Colonial designs, a style popular in the state’s historic churches and other buildings. But You can also find more modern designs in unique locations. Check out this list of the eight most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals in Arizona. Learn the dates they were completed and where you can find them.

1. Chapel of the Holy Cross – Sedona

This Roman Catholic chapel is an architectural wonder built directly into the red rock buttes in 1956. It is located in Sedona in the Coconino National Forest. Architects August K. Strotz and Richard Hein designed this modern-looking church after they saw the Empire State Building. A giant 90-foot iron cross that serves as a focal point and structural frame is the primary feature of the church. 

2. St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery – Florence

Situated within the Sonoran Desert, St. Anthony’s is a Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence. While it appears much older, this monastery was established in 1995 and features Greek and Spanish influence. Along with the main church, you will find living quarters for the monks, a dining hall, a vineyard, citrus orchards, and an olive grove, all connected by an elaborate garden system with pathways, gazebos, and fountains.

3. Brophy College Chapel – Phoenix

This college chapel is located at a Phoenix-based Jesuit high school and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1928, the building features a Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival style and is made from brick, stucco, and clay. The focal point of the church is a huge bell tower, sitting 135 feet tall with a dome and cross. The architects were Lescher & Mahoney, who also designed several other historic buildings in the area.

4. Mission San Xavier del Bac – Tucson

This Spanish Catholic mission is a historic church near downtown Tucson. It’s located on the Tohono O’odham Nation Indian Reservation and has been standing there since 1783, making it the oldest European building in the state. If you want to see an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture, Mission San Xavier del Bac is a must-visit. The church features stunning white stucco, carved wooden doors, statues, and a Moorish exterior.

5. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Basilica – Phoenix

St. Mary’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic church of the Diocese of Phoenix located in Downtown. The church began construction in 1902 and was finished in 1914, and elevated to a minor basilica in 1985. The building features a combination of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival architecture and is the oldest Catholic parish in the Phoenix region. The basilica features enormous stained glass windows, a 26-rank pipe organ, four domes, and two bell towers.

6. First Methodist Episcopal Church – Glendale

Located in downtown Glendale, the First Methodist Episcopal Church is on the National Register of Historic Places for its Late Gothic Revival architecture. A Los Angeles architectural firm designed and built it between 1928 and 1929. The church features a sanctuary, a bell tower, an administration building, and a raised basement. True to its Gothic style, the projected entryway features an arch, a castellated bell tower, and a brick exterior.

7. Mission San José de Tumacácori – Nogales

This historic Spanish mission is near Nogales in Santa Cruz County. While Jesuits founded the Mission San Cayetano del Tumacácori in 1691, the current building is from 1757 and features a Spanish Colonial architectural style. The Jesuit priests were expelled from the area in 1768. However, the building remained and became part of the Tumacácori National Historical Park. It is open to the public for touring. 

8. Gilbert Arizona Temple – Gilbert

The Gilbert Arizona Temple belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This temple is a newer building in Arizona. In fact, it didn’t break ground until 2010. It features light cream precast concrete and white quartz on the exterior and an earth-toned and stained-glass interior. And the architectural design for the temple is a Neoclassical center spire.

The Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Arizona: A Recap of the Top 8