If you want a taste of that “old world” vibe without crossing the Atlantic, many of America’s churches take cues from the greats. Featuring intricate stained glass, Gothic spires, and classical details, these are six of the most beautiful churches in the U.S.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart – Newark, New Jersey

Plans for Newark’s massive cathedral began in the 1870s, when the land was purchased for $60,000 — but that was just the beginning. From the breaking of ground in 1898 to the official dedication in 1954, it took over five decades to complete the Gothic Revival cathedral, primarily due to funding issues and construction delays. Many deemed the end result worth it, however, as Newark became home to one of the largest cathedrals in the U.S. 

The 45,000-square-foot cathedral is comparable in size to England’s Westminster Abbey, while its twin towers, measuring 232 feet, are taller than Notre-Dame in Paris. The interior craftsmanship features elaborate details such as hand-carved marble, crystal chandeliers, and bronze doors. The wooden pews were crafted from Appalachian oak, and the church’s organ features nearly 10,000 pipes.

Loretto Chapel – Santa Fe, New Mexico

The story of Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel traces back to 1850, when Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, the appointed bishop of the New Mexico Territory, made a request for a stronger Catholic presence in the region. The Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky responded to his call, with six sisters arriving in New Mexico to open a Catholic school. Construction on a chapel to accompany the school began in 1873, taking design inspiration from the bishop’s favorite Parisian church, Sainte‑Chapelle. 

Blending traditional Southwestern adobe, a Gothic Revival style, and French stained glass, the church is a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel. However, it was the church’s spiral staircase that became its most famous feature. The “Miraculous Staircase” was built by a mysterious carpenter who suddenly appeared to complete the job when no one else could — and then disappeared without asking for payment.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri

This historic church opened to the public in 1914 to accommodate the growing Catholic population in St. Louis at the time. When it was formally consecrated in 1926, the cathedral had already established a reputation as one of the most beautiful and unique churches in the country. 

The cathedral’s interior features 83,000 square feet of mosaic artwork, with 7,000 color variations and over 41 million pieces of glass, designed and built in collaboration with the Ravenna Mosaic Company. Covering the walls, domes, and arches, this incredible installation took 76 years to complete. It depicts various Catholic scenes, including the Resurrection, Pentecost, and narratives from St. Louis IX of France. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is open to all visitors and offers guided tours when scheduled in advance.

St. Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock – Allenpark, Colorado

Located in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colorado, this small chapel is stunning both inside and out. Catholic parishioners originally started visiting the area as a camping destination in the early 1900s. After children reportedly witnessed a meteorite landing on a rock, that exact spot became the future site of St. Catherine’s Chapel in 1935. 

Inspired by the biblical phrase “On this rock I will build my church,” the Chapel on the Rock was built from local stone in the Romanesque style, with the church’s stone arches and medieval architecture paying homage to its rugged location. Today, the chapel is part of Camp St. Malo Shrine, a pilgrimage site that also hosts a Catholic youth camp, weekly mass, and destination weddings.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist – Savannah, Georgia

Located in Savannah’s historic district, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist dates back to 1870, when plans for a grand cathedral were set into motion. Over the years, the church has undergone continuous renovations, modernization, and structural repairs, with the addition of unique architectural details such as interior murals, imported stained glass windows (81 in total), and Italian marble altars.  

The result is a magnificent cathedral that blends the High Victorian Gothic and Gothic Revival styles. Key details include the famous twin spired towers, pointed arches, and ribbed vault ceilings. Built with brick, slate, and copper nails, the church’s exterior features 16 gargoyles, adding a distinctly Gothic vibe to the Southern cathedral.

St. Louis Cathedral – New Orleans, Louisiana

Located in Jackson Square, in the heart of New Orleans, this famous cathedral has a story that dates back to 1718, when a simple wooden church was built on the site. From these humble beginnings — and after a fire devastated the second iteration — a grand cathedral was established in 1793. True to New Orleans’ history, the church was influenced by various cultures and styles, with Spanish, French, Gothic, Classical Revival, and Renaissance elements all playing a part in the building’s design. 

The end result is a striking symmetrical facade featuring triple spires, Roman motifs, and a unique iron steeple. Once considered avant-garde and even garish by traditional standards, its iconic design has stood the test of time, making it one of the most famous buildings in the Big Easy.