Chapel of the Holy Cross | Sedona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an iconic architectural and spiritual landmark located in Sedona, Arizona, renowned for its stunning integration with the region’s dramatic red rock landscape. Perched high on a steep, 1,500-foot red sandstone butte, the chapel appears as if it naturally emerges from the earth itself, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and rock formations. It serves as both a place of quiet reflection and worship, as well as a popular destination for visitors drawn by its unique design and serene atmosphere.

Historical Background and Inspiration

The vision for the Chapel of the Holy Cross originated with Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local sculptor and rancher. In 1932, inspired by the construction of the Empire State Building and her deep Catholic faith, she conceived the idea of building a chapel that prominently featured a large cross as its centerpiece. Initially, she planned to build this chapel in her native Budapest, Hungary. However, the outbreak of World War II halted those plans.

Refusing to abandon her vision, Staude decided to construct the chapel in Arizona, her home state. Through determination and the support of notable figures including Senator Barry Goldwater, she obtained the necessary permits from the U.S. Forest Service to build the chapel on Coconino National Forest land. The architectural firm of Anshen & Allen, led by Richard Hein and August K. Strotz, was commissioned to design the chapel. Construction was completed in 1956 at a cost of approximately $300,000, marking the realization of a remarkable fusion of faith, art, and nature.

Architectural Design and Features

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is celebrated as a masterpiece of mid-20th-century modernist architecture. The structure is primarily composed of reinforced concrete, chosen for its durability and ability to be shaped to fit the challenging site. The chapel’s defining feature is a towering 90-foot iron cross that extends from the roofline, serving both as a symbolic spiritual element and as a structural support.

The chapel’s exterior walls are sandblasted, revealing a textured aggregate that complements the surrounding red rock environment, allowing the building to harmonize rather than compete with its natural setting. Large, smoky-gray tinted glass windows line the interior, designed to diffuse harsh sunlight and create a soft, contemplative atmosphere within the chapel space.

Inside, the design is minimalist and clean, emphasizing open space and simplicity to direct attention toward the surrounding landscape visible through the chapel’s panoramic windows. The altar is crafted from black marble, providing a striking contrast to the otherwise neutral tones of the interior. Seating consists of fourteen wooden pews arranged in two rows, with additional low benches along the chapel walls that display the Stations of the Cross.

The entire structure is ingeniously integrated into the rock formation itself, with a serpentine ramp and stairs leading visitors up from the parking area, gradually revealing spectacular views of the valley below and the chapel’s architectural details.

Visitor Experience

The Chapel of the Holy Cross welcomes visitors daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closures on major holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Upon arrival, visitors traverse a winding pathway up the rock to reach the chapel entrance, allowing for moments of reflection amidst the breathtaking scenery.

Once inside, visitors experience an atmosphere of calm and inspiration. The design encourages quiet contemplation, enhanced by the natural light filtering through the tinted windows and the commanding presence of the cross. The views extend beyond the chapel’s walls, offering sweeping vistas of Sedona’s signature red rock formations like Cathedral Rock and the surrounding desert landscape.

The chapel can accommodate around 150 people, making it suitable for both individual visits and small congregations. The modest yet meaningful interior elements foster a spiritual ambiance without distraction.

Religious Services and Spiritual Programs

The chapel continues to function as an active place of worship and spiritual reflection. Regular services are held, including Mass on Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:00 PM. Additionally, the chapel offers a Taizé Prayer Service on Monday evenings, providing a meditative experience centered on contemplative music and prayer.

Special spiritual events such as Eucharistic Adoration and Confession are available periodically, allowing visitors and local parishioners to deepen their faith practice within this unique sacred space.

Additional Amenities

Beneath the chapel, a well-curated gift shop is available to visitors. Open daily except for certain holidays, the shop offers a variety of religious items including rosaries, prayer books, devotional art, and souvenirs that reflect the chapel’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

The shop also serves as an educational resource, providing literature and materials that inform visitors about the chapel’s history, architecture, and the natural environment of the Sedona area.

Location and Accessibility

The chapel is located at 780 Chapel Road in Sedona, easily accessible by car with ample parking facilities. The path leading to the chapel is thoughtfully designed to be manageable for most visitors, though the ascent involves some elevation gain due to the chapel’s position atop the butte.

Its location within the Coconino National Forest places it amid protected wilderness, surrounded by towering red rock formations and desert vegetation. This setting enhances the chapel’s spiritual ambiance, connecting visitors not only to faith but also to the majestic natural world.

Significance

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is more than an architectural marvel; it represents the vision and resilience of its founder, Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who overcame global conflict and logistical challenges to create a lasting spiritual sanctuary. Its design is a harmonious blend of human creativity and nature’s grandeur, symbolizing faith firmly rooted in the landscape.

The chapel has become a symbol of Sedona, drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its innovative design, experience its tranquil atmosphere, and enjoy the unparalleled views. It stands as a testament to the power of inspiration, faith, and the integration of art within the environment.

In summary, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a profoundly moving destination that offers a unique combination of architectural brilliance, spiritual significance, and natural beauty, making it an essential experience for visitors to Sedona and the American Southwest.