6 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Colorado

From the towering Rocky Mountains to the vast plains, Colorado is a spectacularly beautiful area of the country and features a long history of Native Americans, cowboys, and Spanish settlers. While the state has its own mountain rustic architectural style, and some churches reflect its tradition, others take on a style unique to the Western side of the country. Check out these picks for the top six most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals in Colorado and learn about their histories, locations, and architectural designs.

1. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

This Roman Catholic church is the Archdiocese of Denver, located on the corner of Colfax and Logan in North Capitol Hill. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was finished in 1911 and took half a million dollars to complete. Leon Coquard, a Detroit architect, designed the cathedral in the shape of a Latin cross and the style of French Gothic, influenced by the Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church in France. The building consists of granite and limestone from Gunnison, while many of the interiors are crafted in marble. Also notable are the dozens of stained glass windows from the Royal Bavarian Art Institute in Munich, Germany. Along with serving meals to the poor, this cathedral is open for regular Sunday mass and other sacraments.

2. Trinity United Methodist Church

The iconic Trinity United Methodist Church sits on E 18th Ave and Broadway in Denver, where its towering spire sticks out among modern high-rises. Built-in 1887 and registered as a national historic place in the United States, this church is a constant reminder of the city’s long history. Robert Sawers Roeschlaub, a notable Colorado architect during the late 1800s, designed the Methodist church in a Gothic style, lending to its unique look within the Western city. While there is no doubt that the church is beautiful to look at, it is also functional and open for Sunday services.

3. Chapel on the Rock

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Park in Northern Colorado, Chapel on the Rock is a unique and functional piece of history. This Catholic chapel draws many visitors each year due to its stunning architecture and scenery. The chapel is in Allenspark on the grounds of the Saint Malo Retreat, where it is open to the public. It’s part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver and was completed in 1936. In the early 1900s, Monsignor Joseph Bosetti became inspired by the rock formation, which put him in remembrance of Jesus’ saying, “On this rock I will build my church.” A Denver-based architect, Jacques Benedict, designed Chapel on the Rock in a unique style using natural elements for inspiration.

4. Central Presbyterian Church

Another historic and iconic church in Downtown Denver, the Central Presbyterian Church is known for its architecture. This church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was completed in 1892. This enormous building is almost perfectly square and features massive windows and towers. Frank E. Edbrooke, a notable Colorado-based architect, designed the building in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It incorporates 11th and 12th-century Southern French, Spanish, and Italian design characteristics. While the sandstone-laid church is great in size, it is also simple in style and color – its towers and arches steal the show.

5. St. John’s Cathedral

Saint John’s Cathedral is the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. Located in Denver on the corner of 14th and Washington Streets, this church held its first service in 1911. It is on the registry of historic places in Colorado and the United States. The architectural firm, Tracy and Swartwout, designed the cathedral in the Late Gothic Revival style and began work in 1908. Some controversy appeared during construction due to unexpected costs and design flaws. It resulted in leaving many things off, such as the flying buttresses and the great tower.

6. Denver Colorado Temple

The Denver Colorado Temple is an operational temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This stunning temple sits on a hilltop in Centennial, Colorado, where it was completed in 1986. The building features a modern, single-spire design, with an all-white exterior. The interior containing hand-carved woodwork, hand-painted designs, and stained-glass windows.

A Recap of the Top 6 Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Colorado