11 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Indiana

A quiet moment of respite in a setting of inspiration could be just the thing as you make your way through Indiana on a road trip this autumn. The Hoosier state offers many beautiful options for your solitude. Among those choices, the cathedrals in Indiana are some of the most inspiring and awesome around. Take an hour or more to visit any that appeal and you’ll find yourself enveloped in peace, quiet, and beauty.

Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church or the Sanctuary on the Penn, Indianapolis

For a long time, the Pisgah Lutheran Church went by the name of First Luther Church or First English Lutheran Church. Now, the beautiful building goes by the name of The Sanctuary on the Penn. The Romanesque and Late Gothic Revival building was first build in 1875, followed by additions 10 years later.

Today, this gorgeous building serves not as an active congregation but as a venue space. The red brick L-shaped building was built in two sections, the first in 1875 which included the original chapel, a Late Gothic building. Then, in 1885 the limestone foundation was laid and by 1887, the Romanesque Revival style portion, containing the main sanctuary, was completed.

The beautiful sanctuary building features a rose window, brick buttresses with limestone caps, and round-arched windows. Since its completion, few alterations have occurred, though a few things were added. In 1898, a raised platform behind the altar was added. In 1915, stained glass replaced the plain glass. Classrooms were added beneath the building later on. Inside the chapel, you’ll witness a large stained-glass window depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis

Built in the 1850s, Christ Church Cathedral remains as the only church on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. The construction of the beautiful building used three times of limestone after the original wooden Gothic Revival church building became too small for the congregation. In 1857, Bethel AME Church of Indianapolis bought the first church building. They moved it to Georgia Street and met there until a fire destroyed it in 1862.

By 1857, the Christ Church parish built its second and present building on the site of the original church. The church has remained in continuous use since its construction and is the oldest church building in the city and county. The new building was designed by Irish-born architect William Tinsley. He used an English Gothic Revival style for the building. A spire wasn’t added until 1869, though, and the brick Sunday school building came in 1876.

Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, Indianapolis

Belonging to the Eastern Greek Catholic Church, Saint Athanasius the Great carries on traditions and customs from its eastern roots. The name of Byzantine literally means “coming from Byzantium” the old city name for Istanbul or Constantinople. Byzantine fits these churches like “Roman” does another catholic branch of the Church.

In the case of Saint Athanasius, the church practices all a cappella singing, meaning no instruments accompany them. Parishioners know the music already and sing along as the leader directs. The church also focuses on icons instead of statues. Ancient church fathers of the Greek church feared statues would lead the church into idolatry, so only icons are permitted. These are flat painting of Mary, Jesus Christ, God, and saints.

As you enter Saint Athanasius, you’ll enter quiet solitude, beautiful architecture, and sacred spaces.

Saint John Evangelist Catholic Church, Indianapolis

One of the most revered landmarks of downtown Indianapolis, Saint John Evangelist Catholic Church has stood in its spot for almost 150 years. First forming in 1871, the cathedral building has rested in this spot, as-is, since 1907. The parishioners, for over a century, have maintained the church and later cathedral with its stunning rose window, twin spires, glorious stained-glass windows, carved wooden features, and beautiful arches.

St. Mary Cathedral and St. Ann Church, Lafayette

The cornerstone for St. Mary Cathedral and St. Ann Church in Lafayette was laid in September of 1897. The century old church first came into being for the Holy Cross Brothers who taught the boys of the parish, along with the Sisters of Providence, who taught the girls. By 1907, the parish welcomed households of more than 1,000 into the fold, and so expanded the church’s schools for greater capacity. In 1932, the church received a relic for display, turning the location into a shrine.

Today, you may enter the beautiful buildings, visit the shrine and gardens, listen to the stunning pipe organ, attend services, or simply reflect and pray as you rest in the most stunning church in Lafayette, Indiana.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne

Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception offers some gorgeous stained-glass windows and other beautiful features to inspire the soul. The large sanctuary window of Mary particularly holds value for the visitor, seeking reprieve. The window was made in France and then installed in the church in 1861. Brass candlesticks with figures of the Apostles came also from France. The altar stone and crucifix came from salvage of the Saint Augustine Church.

First erected in 1860, the church saw renovations in 1896, when twelve stained-glass windows from the Royal Bavarian Art Institute of Munich came to place in the church. You’ll also witness the stunning wood-carved Stations of the Cross installed at the time, come from Germany.

Visit this church for inspiration and awe any time the doors are open.

St. Charles Borromeo Church, Bloomington

1864 marked the formation of the St. Charles Borromeo Church of Bloomington. The church has remained operational since its opening then, seeing many changes in the culture and climate around. From Irish, German, and other European Catholic immigrants coming to the city, to the many leader changes over the year, the stunning church has seen it all. Interestingly, though, the denomination of the church has changed as well, seeing three different forms of Christianity find its shaping within.

The second building on the site was dedicated in 1878 when the cornerstone was laid. The Gothic-style building of brick took $5,600 to build, a veritable small fortune at the time. The third building was built in 1922, followed by a fourth in 1938. Finally, the fifth, and current building, was completed in 1957. Each successive building enlarged the space to provide for the ever-growing congregation. Since that time, improvements have been made to better the heating and cooling, air circulation, and other necessities of the church.

Today, the warm stone and wooden ceiling sanctuary inspires awe, with the icons, crosses, stonework, and other beautiful features helping to encourage parishioners and visitors alike to reflect in quiet prayer and peace.

Saint Anne Shell Chapel, Saint Mary of the Woods

Much smaller than the other churches on this list, the Saint Anne Shell Chapel is no less inspiring. Tucked into the community of Saint Mary of the Woods, this beautiful chapel finds its roots running back to 1843. On the outside, the small chapel seems ordinary, but once you go inside, you’ll be amazed! Nearly every surface of the chapel is covered in seashells, referencing back to the salvation of nuns who helped to found the chapel.

Seashells in many colors cover the walls, altar, candlesticks, vases, floor, holy water font, and tiles. Even the stained-glass windows feature images of seashells and coral within. The gorgeous work comes from the design of Sister Mary Joseph Le Fer de la Motte who gathered shells from the Wabash River nearby. Illustrations, made with this shells, show up in mosaics depicting the sisters’ missions and journeys aboard the Nashville ship and others. At the door, the date 1876 appears, noting when the chapel saw completion.

The convent also houses historic shrines, grottos, a cemetery, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception which was completed in 1891.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart, South Bend

Situated on the campus at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart warrants a visit. The stunning basilica offers deep reflection in solitude within the sanctuary in its neo-gothic form. Featuring 44 large stained-glass windows ad murals, painted and created over 17 years by Vatican painter Luigi Gregori, the building calls worshipers into prayer and silence.

A bell tower, standing at 230 feet, earns the title for the church as the tallest university chapel in America. The exterior was made of bricks, with a spire and two lateral pinnacle, a 12-foot golden cross on top the bell tower, and other stunning features draw the eye.

Inside, you’ll find three altars, one in Gothic Revival in bronze from Paris. The tabernacle tower, holding the reserved Blessed Sacrament found inspiration in Revelation 21:9. Multiple frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings of the nave, also painted by Vatican painter Luigi Gregori. Many incredible stained-glass windows depicting saints, while the seven side chapels contain stunning carvings, incredible woodwork, and beautiful statues.

St Joseph’s Church, Jasper

A Roman Catholic church in Jasper, the Saint Joseph’s Church welcomes visitors and parishioners alike with incredible beauty. The large Romanesque Revival-style, solid sandstone block building features a large bell tower and 235-foot-high steeple. In 1980, the beautiful church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The original church of the parish was a small log cabin, but within 3 years, the congregation was too large to be housed within. A brick building, completed in 1841, was built for the congregation, measuring 100 feet by 54 feet. The building that rests on the site now had its foundation laid in 1867, with the consecration in 1888 after twenty years of construction. In 1954, the building saw renovations.

Within the gorgeous church, you’ll find three Italian marble altars with figures representing Abraham and King Melchizedek, standing at 7 feet in height. Three large mosaics above the altars came from Australia, representing Christ the High Priest, the Assumption of Mary, and the betrothal of Mary to Joseph. Stained-glass windows from Switzerland installed in 1898, cap off the beauty of the church.

Scottish Rite Cathedral, Indianapolis

Constructed in the 1920s, the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis displays neo-Gothic style architecture using beautiful, detailed carvings. The historic building found life via the imagination of architect George F. Scheriber, situated in downtown Indy. The church has affiliations with the body of Freemasonry, making it one of the largest Masonic buildings in the world and the largest Scottish Rite building overall.

Each dimension of the structure was intentionally divisible by three, reflecting the three degrees in Freemasonry. Dominant features of the church include the Singing Tower, rising 212 feet, and a carillon with 54 bells. The tower is topped with 12 fleur de lis extending to the north, east, south, and west, symbolizing the universality of Masonry.

Sculptured figures feature King Solomon, Hiram I, and three condemned stonemasons. Supposedly, these three stonemasons murdered King Solomon’s master builder. Large bronze medallions mark the eastern and southern entrances, with travertine marble floors. Over 100 stained-glass windows (in this case, painted glass) depict various images of Freemasonry. Within the cathedral, a floating floor covered in cushions rests, intended as a ballroom. Multiple pillars define the dancing space, with oak floor panels, and a 200-light chandelier hanging above. Multiple hand-painted backdrops rest on the theater stage, along with many other unique, intriguing features all throughout.