Most Beautiful Religious Architecture in the U.S.

Even non-spiritual travelers will want to see these beautiful sacred spaces.

Often built with devotion and care, places of worship can be some of the most visit-worthy landmarks in a city. And while the U.S. doesn’t have Notre Dame or Angkor Wat, it does have beautiful and impressive sacred spaces that any architecture lover should add to their list.

Scattered all over the country and representing many different religions, these 10 places of worship are truly awe-inspiring, even if you’re not at all religious.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

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Location: New York, New York

Standing proudly on Fifth Avenue next to skyscrapers and luxury shops, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an important part of the Manhattan landscape. Built in 1878, the Catholic building showcases a Gothic Revival style that adorns it with two spiraling towers, large bronze doors and stone saint sculptures.

The inside is equally impressive, adorned with the light that filters through the stained glass windows.

Baha’i House of Worship

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Location: Wilmette, Illinois

If you’re visiting Chicago, make time to head to Wilmette, a suburb north of the city. Here, you’ll find the Baha’i House of Worship. Created in the 19th century, the Baha’i religion bases itself on the belief that all religions are valid and ultimately lead to the same goal.

This temple was built in 1953 and continues to be the only Baha’i place of worship in the U.S. Visit to walk around the beautiful gardens and admire the imposing white main building.

Islamic Center of America

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Location: Dearborn, Michigan

This 2005 mosque is one of the largest in North America. Although it’s modern, it was designed to incorporate traditional Islamic architectural elements like geographic patterns and minarets.

While the mosque serves the Muslim community in the Detroit Metro Area, visitors can call ahead and ask for a free tour of this astonishing house of worship.

Central Synagogue

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Location: New York, New York

Another spiritual gem in Manhattan, the Central Synagogue was built in 1872 and is one of the oldest in the country. It was built in 1872 and continues to be an important place of congregation for the city’s Jewish community.

Inside, visitors can take in the stained glass windows and intricate tile work.

Lake Shrine Temple

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Location: Los Angeles, California

This non-sectarian temple is affiliated with the Self-Realization Fellowship, a spiritual movement founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. Visitors from all faiths are welcome and will find symbols and statues from all the major world religions.

The temple has a lake, gardens and different shrines. It offers spiritual retreats for people seeking to connect with something bigger.

Drala Mountain Center

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Location: Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Following the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, the Drala Mountain Center offers weekend and weeklong retreats that focus on yoga and meditation. This means that you won’t get to visit as a casual daytripper.

But trust us, you won’t want to leave so soon. Rather, you’ll have a hard time leaving this center nestled within 600 acres of the Colorado Rockies.

Washington National Cathedral

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Location: Washington, D.C.

Despite being the sixth-largest cathedral in the world, the Washington National Cathedral does not get the attention it deserves. In fact, many visitors to the nation’s capital ignore its existence and don’t include it as a must-see during their visit. Don’t make this mistake!

This cathedral’s architecture and art collection — not to mention its extensive grounds — are something to see with your own eyes.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

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Location: Lilburn, Georgia

Located just outside of Atlanta, this Hindu temple is one of the best of its kind in the United States. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to India as you walk around the whitewashed structure, admiring the columns adorned with patterns and carvings of deities.

The gardens that surround the main structure are equally gorgeous and planned to the most minute detail.

Temple Emanu-El

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Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Most people consider Miami Beach a place for partying rather than religious worship. But, yes, people actually live in this iconic city, and they need a place to practice their faith.

As you walk around the city, don’t neglect visiting this 1948 synagogue. While the pastel-colored outside certainly fits with the rest of Miami Beach, its large emerald-green dome makes it stand out.

Islamic Center of Washington, D.C.

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Location: Washington, D.C.

The Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., was finished in 1957 and has become an epicenter for the Muslim community in the U.S. Anyone can visit, no matter their faith, as the center seeks to promote understanding of the Islamic faith. There are guided tours, cultural events and educational programs.

If you love architecture, you’ll be delighted to walk through the interior, which includes adorned tile work in the style of traditional mosques.