11 Most Beautiful Churches in Arizona Worth Visiting, No Matter Your Faith

Arizona’s Most Beautiful Historic Churches

Arizona has some seriously impressive churches tucked away all over the state.

Whether you’re into architecture or just looking for a place to reflect, these churches definitely deserve a spot on your Arizona bucket list.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Address: 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746

People call it the “White Dove of the Desert,” and Mission San Xavier del Bac represents Spanish colonial architecture at its finest. In 1692, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino established the mission.

In 1692, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino established the mission. Workers later built the current building between 1783 and 1797 – it’s now the oldest European building in Arizona.

What will catch your eye inside?

Wall paintings by unknown artists, some only discovered later. Look up to see a beautifully painted curved ceiling, then notice the carefully carved altar screen covered in gold leaf.

The front has detailed carvings with twisting Solomonic columns and fancy statue niches. The nearby graveyard dates back to when the mission began, a glimpse into local history.

Want to experience more? Join daily church services or take a guided tour to learn about ongoing preservation work.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Address: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Perched dramatically among Sedona’s famous red rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern marvel. Local sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude envisioned this unique building, completed in 1956.

A massive 90-foot-tall iron cross dominates the structure, serving dual purposes as both decoration and support.

The building emerges from the red cliff face with a distinctive triangle shape that appears almost natural against the landscape.

Step inside to discover an intentionally simple space. Plain wooden benches and a spare altar direct your attention to the chapel’s most impressive feature:

The floor-to-ceiling window behind the altar offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona’s desert landscape. Though there are formal Catholic services, the chapel welcomes everyone for prayer and quiet reflection.

Before you leave, browse the small gift shop for unique religious items.

St. Augustine Cathedral

Address: 192 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

Arizona’s Catholic heritage shines through the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.

Workers constructed the original cathedral between 1793 and 1797, though it underwent several renovations after a major fire in 1897.

When you approach, you’ll notice the blended architectural styles – Spanish Colonial meets Renaissance Revival – featuring a striking round window and twin bell towers.

Step inside to find detailed plasterwork, colorful wall paintings, and stained glass windows depicting St. Augustine’s life.

The main prayer area features a marble altar crowned by an ornate canopy.

A pipe organ with over 1,000 pipes, installed in 1929, still fills the space with music today. You can experience this historic place by attending daily church services in English or Spanish.

For a special treat, visit in December when the cathedral hosts the popular Las Posadas parade, recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.

The cathedral also offers guided tours that highlight its unique architectural elements, just ask at the main entrance.

First Christian Church

Address: 6750 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural genius comes alive at the First Christian Church in Phoenix.

Though Wright designed it in 1949, construction didn’t happen until the early 1970s. A triangle shape dominates the building, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

The church rises dramatically with a 120-foot-tall bell tower constructed from over 300 tons of concrete. Desert sand-colored concrete and angular forms echo the surrounding landscape throughout the exterior.

As you enter, experience Wright’s “compression and release” technique. First, you move through a low-ceilinged entrance before the space opens into a worship area.

Inside, notice how the sloping floor naturally draws your eyes to the speaking platform, while triangle-shaped high windows filter in natural light.

Come for Sunday services or join one of the twice-monthly architectural tours. Before leaving, visit the small museum showcasing Wright’s Arizona work through original drawings and models.

St. Mary’s Basilica

Address: 231 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phoenix’s oldest Catholic parish, St. Mary’s Basilica (officially the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary), began in 1881.

Construction of the current building started in 1902 and proceeded in phases.

German craftsmen created the stunning stained glass windows in the early 1900s, depicting scenes from Mary’s life.

Outside, you’ll recognize classic Mission Revival architecture with its distinctive red-tiled roof and twin towers framing the entrance.

Look up when you enter to see a beautifully painted curved ceiling. Notice the fancy plasterwork throughout and the marble altar imported from Italy.

Whisper from one side of the dome to the other – the “whispering gallery” effect carries sound perfectly across the space. History buffs will appreciate seeing the papal throne left by Pope John Paul II after his 1987 visit.

Join daily services anytime, or come in December for the yearly novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe that draws thousands of visitors.

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

Address: (Former location) North Elm and Princeton Streets, Westfield, AZ

Resilience defines the story of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Westfield, Arizona.

The parish began in 1910 with an impressive Gothic-style church featuring five large Tiffany-stained glass windows on each side.

Gothic architecture characterized the original building – pointed arched windows, tall doors, and inside, a high curved ceiling supported by exposed wooden beams.

In 2000, a bridge project required the demolition of the original structure, but the parish rescued the original altar and some irreplaceable stained glass windows.

Today, you’ll find these historical pieces incorporated into the new church building.

Modern in construction, it honors its heritage and continues to serve the community with regular services and special events celebrating its rich history.

St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery

Address: 4784 N St Joseph’s Way, Florence, AZ 85132

Hidden in the Sonoran Desert near Florence, St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery transports you to another world.

Elder Ephraim founded it in 1995, bringing ancient Mount Athos traditions forward.

Multiple small churches dot the monastery grounds, each dedicated to different saints and decorated with Byzantine-style wall paintings created by the monks themselves.

The main church (katholikon) follows traditional Byzantine cross-in-square design principles, with a central dome representing Christ as head of the Church.

Vibrant religious artwork covers the interior walls, all following strict Orthodox Christian art traditions. As you explore, you’ll discover beautiful gardens with Spanish-style fountains creating an oasis feeling in the desert.

Simple monk living quarters (kellia) persist throughout the property.

Make an appointment for a guided tour, or attend Orthodox services for a unique glimpse into monastic life. Don’t miss the small vineyard and olive groves.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church

Address: 1545 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

In Boston’s Mission Hill neighborhood, the Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (locally called “Mission Church”) began in 1869 when Redemptorist Fathers established it as a spiritual center.

Romanesque Revival architecture defines the building, evident in its rounded arches, sturdy stone construction, and paired bell towers.

Local craftsmen used Roxbury puddingstone quarried nearby, giving the exterior its distinctive reddish-brown color. Inside, you’ll find a famous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help linked to numerous reported miracles.

Look around at intricate stained glass windows created by F.X. Zettler of Munich depicting Christ and Mary. Listen for the historic Hutchings organ from 1897 featuring 62 stops and nearly 3,200 pipes.

Daily services welcome all, with special weekly Novena prayers every Wednesday.

Come on the last Sunday monthly for the unique “Blessing of the Sick” service that draws people seeking healing from across New England.

St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church

Address: 4440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718

Spanish Colonial Revival architecture flourishes at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, established in 1936.

Architect Josias Joesler designed this with thick adobe walls and positioned a dramatic 12-foot-high arched window to frame the Santa Catalina Mountains perfectly.

White stucco walls, a red tile roof, and a prominent bell tower immediately identify the building’s style. Inside the main worship space, exposed wooden beams cross overhead while wrought iron chandeliers cast a warm, rustic glow throughout.

Look for the hand-carved altar screen (reredos) created by local artisans. Outside, a peaceful courtyard with a traditional Spanish colonial fountain invites quiet reflection.

Music lovers appreciate St. Philip’s renowned program featuring professional singers and a magnificent 51-rank Aeolian-Skinner organ, among the Southwest’s finest instruments.

Beyond regular Sunday services, try the weekly “Jazz and Jambalaya” event that pairs live jazz with New Orleans-style food in the church courtyard.

Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Address: 101 S LeSueur, Mesa, AZ 85204

Mesa’s Arizona Temple exemplifies early 20th-century Mormon architecture. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints completed it in 1927.

Detailed friezes depicting Arizona’s diverse landscapes wrap around the building, showcasing desert scenes and native plants.

Brilliant white concrete covers the exterior, creating dramatic contrast against Arizona’s blue sky. Unlike most LDS temples, this one faces southeast, specifically oriented to display its beauty to highway travelers.

Extensive gardens surround the building with palm trees, reflection pools, and a welcoming visitors’ center.

During Easter and Christmas, large-scale pageants attract thousands.

While only Church members may enter the temple, you can freely explore the beautiful grounds and visit the center with interactive exhibits about Church history in Arizona.

Brophy Chapel

Address: 4701 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Tucked away on Brophy College Preparatory’s Phoenix campus, the chapel reveals itself as an architectural gem. Renowned Arizona architect Lescher & Mahoney designed it, and construction finished in 1928.

Red-tiled roofing, white stucco walls, and a proud bell tower showcase Spanish Renaissance Revival styling.

Step inside to discover detailed wall paintings depicting St. Francis Xavier (the school’s patron saint). Hand-painted wooden beams cross the ceiling, while ornate plasterwork adorns the halls of the church.

The chapel treasures several remarkable features:

Stained glass windows imported from Germany showing saints, a piece of St. Francis Xavier’s arm bone (gifted in the 1950s), an Italian marble altar, and a wooden crucifix.