Chapel of the Holy Cross
4.8(16K)google
4.6(447)yelp
Historic BuildingScenic LookoutPhoto SpotMust-See
Overview
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural and artistic triumph built directly into the dramatic red rock cliffs of Sedona, Arizona. Completed in 1956, this modernist Roman Catholic chapel was designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who was inspired by the Empire State Building. A towering, 90-foot iron cross dominates the front facade, serving both as a major structural support and a magnificent frame for the massive floor-to-ceiling windows inside. Visitors flock here to admire how the sleek concrete structure seamlessly integrates into the jagged canyon terrain, offering a deeply contemplative, serene environment with panoramic views of the spectacular desert landscape.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeYear-round. It's highly recommended to go around 4 p.m. daily, when the sun slants right onto the red-rock cliff in front of the church, all the candles inside are lit, and the atmosphere is extremely sacred and serene
Getting ThereLocated in the southern part of Sedona's core area. The winding drive up is very narrow, and parking on both sides of the steep mountain road is extremely tight. It's advisable to park in the backup lot at the foot of the mountain and take the free on-site golf-cart shuttle up
Travel Tips
- This is a Roman Catholic church that can be called a modern architectural marvel; built in 1956, its most stunning feature is that it was designed by a top pupil of Wright and perfectly embedded directly into a 200-foot-high two-tier red-brown cliff
- The church's core is a giant cross up to 90 feet (about 27 m) tall, serving both as the hardcore main frame supporting the building and perfectly integrated with the huge panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass window; looking out from inside, the giant cross frames the red-rock scenery right within it
- This is a sacred religious and artistic monument; admission is completely free, but the church strictly forbids any visitor from bringing pets or wearing overly revealing clothing inside
- Because the space is extremely limited, loud noise and flash photography are strictly forbidden inside
Reviews
Positive
- The ultimate fusion of modern architecture and nature! When you see that giant cross rise straight up from the red cliff crevice, it really gives you a soul-hitting power of faith. The view of the red rock through the panoramic glass inside is unbeatable
- Completely free admission—truly so generous. Although there are many visitors, the instant you walk into the church hall, ethereal hymns echo inside, everyone spontaneously stays quiet, and your soul is instantly healed
- There are free golf cart shuttles running between the steep hillside parking lots and the chapel entrance, very thoughtful for those with mobility issues.
Heads up
- There are simply too few parking spots on the hill and they're too hard to get! The winding road is often jammed to a standstill; to find a spot you have to circle several times on the steep slope, which is quite a test of hill-start skill for novice drivers
- The interior space is tiny. Because it's so famous, it's always packed with pushing tourists taking photos, making quiet prayer impossible.
- The basement gift shop feels a bit too commercialized; the souvenirs are overpriced, making a holy site feel slightly like a marketplace.
- The operating hours are relatively short, usually closing at 5 PM, making it nearly impossible to watch a full sunset from here.