Built into the red sandstone cliffs of the Sonoran Desert, Chapel of the Holy Cross offers panoramic views of the region's rugged landscape. Commissioned by a local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, the chapel took nearly two years to complete, with the final touches added in 1956. Considered a wonder of modern architecture, the structure sits on a twin-pinnacled ridge, towering over the landscape from a height of about 75 m (250 ft). Sparsely adorned inside, the building contains a few benches hugging the angular walls, two rows of pews in the center, and floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb from the parking lot. Add Chapel of the Holy Cross to your Sedona travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Sedona day trip planning website.
Tours to Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross reviews
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This is a serene chapel where a weary traveler can sit quietly and rest. Beautiful chapel Parking is all along the windy road up to the chapel. Don’t take the first area. Keep driving. It’s a..... more
This is a serene chapel where a weary traveler can sit quietly and rest. Beautiful chapel Parking is all along the windy road up to the chapel. Don’t take the first area. Keep driving. It’s a..... more »
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After a long drive from Vegas - arrived at 5:06pm - just after entrance to the chapel closed. Really disappointing - hadn't realised there's a time difference :( Managed to get some lovely photos...
After a long drive from Vegas - arrived at 5:06pm - just after entrance to the chapel closed. Really disappointing - hadn't realised there's a time difference :( Managed to get some lovely photos... more »
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This is a fascinating church! We parked at the bottom, in the first lot, which gave us a great view of the front of the church. There were 2 men in golf carts, giving rides to the top for tips, which were thankful for in the heat. The church itself is small, but beautiful, with amazing scenery surrounding it. I would love to return for a mass sometime. I would highly recommend this.
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Beautiful views surrounded by red mountains of rock.The chapel is a triumph of architecture in its simplicity and beauty building around the the perfect spots. I sense a feeling of holy and joy upon entering the church . I am not a Catholic but would still highly recommend fighting the crowds to see and experience the glory of the chapel. Outside is breath taking views filled with fresh air, i highly recommend packing extra water bottle or two and apply sun screen before visiting because the sun light can be a pretty hot.
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