10 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Missouri

Known as the Show Me State, Missouri is home to many breathtaking churches and cathedrals. If you want to be shown something truly magnificent, you don’t need to go very far. Many of these are in the two largest cities in Missouri, Kansas City and St. Louis. Catholic churches and cathedrals dominate the list, in part because of the use of major design inspiration in these buildings but also due to the many Catholic churches throughout the state. Other religious buildings are also notable, both for their design and the artwork that is on display.

If you visit Missouri, you should definitely take a look at some of these buildings. Some are historic landmarks while others have more modern appeal. You can even spend the night in some of these amazing places. Whether you visit to participate in worship, snap some photos of world-class art, or just enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture, these churches and cathedrals in Missouri won’t disappoint.

#1 Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

This monumental and breathtaking cathedral in Saint Louis is part of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. It is designed and decorated in the Byzantine and Romanesque styles, two popular styles for religious buildings of great importance. The cornerstone of the church was laid in 1908, following a long procession that included representatives of all 77 churches in St. Louis. It took over 80 years for construction to be completed. Much of that time was spent on the design and installation of the many detailed mosaics throughout the space.

The cathedral is steeped in history, so much so that there is a designated museum space to house artifacts and notable items from its long life. The original Kilgen organ is on display in the museum, along with vestments, information about the installation of the cathedral’s mosaics, and a needlepoint kneeler made by parishioners for Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1999.

#2 St. Francis Xavier College Church

More commonly known as College Church, St. Francis Xavier is located on the campus of St. Louis University and serves the students as well as residents in the area. It was designed by Thomas Walsh as the architect, who is also behind the design of DuBourg Hall, also at St. Louis University. The exterior is white stone, giving it a very serene look. But when you step inside, you’re greeted by a rich interior full of pink granite columns made of stone found in Missouri, pointed arches, and countless stained glass windows. It is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture.

#3 Priory Chapel at Saint Louis Abbey

This Abbey was founded in the 1950s with an emphasis on creating a boys’ school in St. Louis. The Abbey is run by Benedictine monks, who still operate the day school. The chapel was designed by prominent St. Louis architect Gyo Obata. Obata also designed the McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis, the St. Louis Science Center’s GROW Pavilion, the Independence Temple in Independence, Missouri, and the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

The chapel is made of white-washed concrete, giving it a modern appearance. It has three tiers of arches and plenty of windows that let in natural light to the inner space. There are sculptures and artwork inside from the 14th century, 17th century, and modern artists. You can visit the church to see the stunning architecture, participate with the active congregation, or spend the night at the Abbey in the guest wing.

#4 Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral

This cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal faith in the Diocese of Missouri. It was designed by Leopold Eidlitz in the 1850s. Eidlitz also designed the New York State Capital building, P.T. Barnum’s Bridgeport, Connecticut estate, and numerous churches in Brooklyn and Manhattan. It is in the Gothic revival style, popular at the time of its construction. It has three bells, the heaviest of which weighs over 5,700 pounds. This bell is the largest bell in the state.

While the exterior is magnificent, it’s the interior that will really take your breath away. When you go inside, your eye is immediately drawn to the carved wall behind the altar, also called a reredo. It is 35 feet tall and features scenes from the bible. It was carved in England out of cream-colored stone in 1909, and then shipped to the current site for installation. The cathedral was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

#5 Shrine of Saint Joseph

The church was founded in 1846 but the current building was remodeled in 1866. It was altered again in 1954 for safety, creating the structure that stands today. Through the years, however, the shrine fell into disrepair and was almost left to be demolished to make room for warehouses in the area. A grassroots effort to save the shrine resulted in a massive restoration project. The church has 14 ceiling bays, a main area, marble columns, and numerous statues. These had all been damaged, painted over, or left to rot and decay. Local artisans restored them over many years. Not only is the church today a beautiful site, but it is also a testament to superb restoration skills.

One notable part of the church’s history includes an 1864 miracle that was investigated and deemed authentic by the Vatican. A parishioner was healed when he kissed a relic of a man who was later canonized as a saint. The main altar, also called the Altar of Answered Prayers, is another important part of both architecture and history. Funds for the altar were collected during a deadly cholera outbreak in the city in 1866. Those who donated did so in the name of St. Joseph, asking him to protect them from the disease. The families who donated did not suffer cholera after that day and they followed through on their promise to honor St. Joseph.

#6 Conception Abbey

This is actually an Abbey, not a traditional church. It is home to a monastic order as well as a seminary college. You can visit the Abbey for tours or to participate in worship. There are even spaces for overnight visits and retreats. The Abbey operates a printery house as well.

The basilica at the Abbey was built in 1873 with the monastery’s founder, Abbot Frowin Conrad, designing it to be dignified and simple. It took until 1891 for the church to be completed and Brother Adrian Wewer, a Franciscan monk, actually worked as the primary architect on the project.

After sustaining damage in a tornado in 1893, the basilica was repaired and repainted. But the Beuronese murals painted on the walls are notable both for their simple beauty and the artists themselves. Three monks, two of whom studied this art form previously, took charge of painting the murals. All of them were done by monks at the abbey. Some are original pieces by the monks and others are replicas of murals from cathedrals in Czechoslovakia and Italy. Both of the original locations were damaged or destroyed, leaving the murals at Conception Abbey as the only remaining replicas.

#7 St. Louis Missouri Mormon Temple

This was the first temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in Missouri. The grounds are open and welcoming, with plenty of trees and a water feature. The building is startlingly white, with a tall spire characteristic of Mormon temples.

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you will not be able to go inside the temple. The interior is open only for those who practice their faith, although you can visit the temple even if you are part of a different Mormon congregation. Weekly religious services are not performed in the temple. Instead, it is reserved for ceremonies, learning more about the faith, and being close to God.

#8 National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church

One of the most striking parts of the National Shrine of Mary, located in the Lake of the Ozarks, is actually outside. A simple and impactful statue of Mary stands in front of a fountain and the nearby Mother’s Wall. The statue is made of stainless steel and turns in a full circle every four minutes to position Mary’s welcoming embrace in all directions. It was made by sculptor Don Wiegand, who wanted a timeless version of Mary that would stand in for mothers everywhere. Every aspect of the shrine and the grounds are designed to celebrate mothers and Mary in particular.

While part of the Catholic tradition, visitors of all faiths are welcomed to the shrine. Anyone can add their mother’s name on the Mother’s Wall, regardless of religious affiliation.

The shrine hosts outdoor mass during the summer months, as well as special events throughout the year. Because it has beautiful grounds, this is a particularly great place to visit during the spring and summer. Indoor mass is celebrated at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, located adjacent to the outdoor shrine and amphitheater.

#9 The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

This Catholic church in Kansas City is easily recognized by its gold dome. One of the standout features in the Kansas City skyline, the cathedral building dates back to 1882 and the congregation has been gathering at the site for worship since 1857. At the time of its completion, this cathedral was the tallest building in Kansas City. The bell tower houses eleven bells, each named after one of the saints.

The stained glass windows of the church have a special local connection. They were all designed and made by local artisans through the Kansas City Stained Glass Works Company in 1912. The gold dome was once made of copper but was starting to show excessive wear. In 1960, it was covered with 23-karat gold leaf to protect it from the elements. The resulting brilliant gold dome was also a sight to behold.

#10 McKendree Chapel

This quaint little chapel is on the other end of the spectrum from most of the ornate and magnificent buildings on our list. Located in Jackson, Missouri, it was built by Methodist families in the area in 1819 out of hand-hewn logs. These poplar logs are still in place today. The surrounding grove has oak and maple trees as well. At the height of its time as a meeting place for Methodist services, it hosted up to 600 families during a week-long camp.

A major restoration effort in the 1930s helped to preserve the chapel, which was neglected and fell into disrepair after the Civil War. The roof was replaced with handmade cypress shingles, the original fireplace was rebuilt, and general upkeep and repairs helped ensure the chapel would remain in use. The church only holds religious services once per year on Old McKendree Day in September but is open for special events and serves as a historical landmark year-round.

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