A bold silhouette seems to rise from the red rocks themselves—a chapel that feels as though it was made not to blend in, but to stand as a quiet statement of faith and design. Conceived in 1932 by artist Marguerite Brunswig Staude after being inspired by the Empire State Building, the vision finally came to life in Sedona by 1956, carefully melded into the cliffs with architectural finesse.
Key Highlights
This chapel is more than a spiritual retreat—it’s architectural poetry. Reinforced concrete walls and a 90-foot iron cross rise against the rust-colored cliffs, forging both structure and silhouette in a single stroke.
Step inside, and the world fades away. Massive glass windows fill the minimalist interior with desert light and frame Sedona’s red rock vistas, creating a contemplative atmosphere as grounding as it is breathtaking.
Its backstory is as remarkable as the structure. Staude first envisioned the chapel in the 1930s, explored a location in Budapest with Lloyd Wright’s involvement, but pivoted to Sedona post–World War II. Senator Barry Goldwater helped secure the permit needed to build in Coconino National Forest.
The chapel’s execution was equally daring: completed in 18 months at a cost of $300,000, the project moved 25 tons of rock without using dynamite and earned national architectural honors soon after.
Atmosphere & Décor
Approach the chapel via a gently curving ramp that seems to float around the rock face—a design choice that preserves the cliff’s natural form while inviting reflection.
Inside, simplicity reigns. Sparse pews, warm stone textures, and minimal ornamentation echo the desert’s quiet strength. Yet the cross, altar, and light interplay give the space a spiritual lift without distraction.
Other Considerations
So how’s the price? Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. The gift shop is a thoughtful way to support the site and take home a memory.
Best time to visit?Sunrise or late afternoon brings soft, golden light and lighter crowds—perfect for quiet reflection or photography.
What’s unique? Not just the chapel’s integration into the landscape or its modernist aesthetic—but its artistic genesis and perseverance through war, permitting, and terrain to become Sedona’s crown jewel.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
📍 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
📍 https://chapeloftheholycross.com
