Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is an iconic landmark & one of the most popular things to do when visiting Sedona.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most beloved landmarks as well as a spiritual and architectural masterpiece that draws visitors from all over the world. The Chapel itself is nestled into the Sedona red rocks and offers a serene and contemplative experience, blending Sedona’s grandeur with human creativity. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the feelings you will get when you visit the Chapel are calming, yet energizing.

Overview of the Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is perched high on the Sedona red rocks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona’s stunning landscape. The structure itself rises 200 feet into the air from its base, with its 90-foot cross embedded into the church’s facade creating a very dramatic and awe-inspiring sight.

Location of the Chapel of the Holy Cross:
780 Chapel Road, Sedona, AZ 86336

Chapel of the Holy Cross – Design & Purpose

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a testament to modernist architecture. It is beautifully designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings of Sedona while making it feel as though it is a natural extension of Sedona’s red rocks. It was originally built as a Catholic chapel, but now serves as a non-denominational place of spiritual worship and holistic meditation that is open to everyone no matter the faith. All who visit will feel the energy and purity of this place.

History of the Chapel of the Holy Cross

The idea for the Chapel of the Holy Cross originated with Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local Sedona rancher and artist who envisioned the structure to be a spiritual haven for all walks of life. She was inspired by the Empire State Building during a visit to New York City in 1932 and she sought to create a monument in Sedona to focus on faith. The overall construction of the Chapel of the Holy Cross was completed in 1956. The overall project took four years of planning and construction to complete. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed by architects Richard Hein and August K. Strotz from Anshen & Allen, under the guidance of Marguerite Brunswig Staude. The Chapel of the Holy Cross has received numerous awards for its architectural brilliance and was voted one of Arizona’s Seven Man-Made Wonders.

Key Features

Spectacular Views: From the Chapel of the Holy Cross’ patio, you can see Sedona’s most famous landmarks, including, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte.
Sunset and Sunrise: The Chapel of the Holy Cross offers particularly magical lighting and ambience for photographs and quiet reflection.
Interior of the Chapel of the Holy Cross: The interior of the Chapel is modest but deeply spiritual. It features simple pews, stained glass, and a statue of the crucified Christ. Be sure to light a candle for your silent prayer to your loved ones.
Accessibility: The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a short short drive from most locations in Sedona. A paved pathway leads visitors from the parking lot to the Chapel entrance. There is no charge to park or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. But the crowds can be very heavy at times and parking spaces are limited and there is not much room to maneuver. For older visitors or those with disabilities, there is a significant incline from the parking lot to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. So if you or your loved ones have issues walking, please drive to the top of the hill, and drop off your passengers. There is a small round-a-bout to drop passengers and you can then come back down the hill to park. There is also a gift shop near the entrance where visitors can purchase souvenirs and religious items.
Spiritual Ambiance: It does not matter whether you are religious or not, the Chapel of the Holy Cross’ atmosphere fosters a sense of internal peace and self reflection. Many visitors report feeling a profound connection to the Sedona landscape and their own internal spirituality.
Interesting Facts: The Chapel was deliberately designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding red rocks of Sedona thus symbolizing harmony between the spiritually divine and Mother Nature’s natural beauty.
Cultural Significance: The Chapel of the Holy Cross is often considered a sacred vortex site, believed by many to emit spiritual energy. There are many Sedona vortex sites in Sedona. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the easiest Sedona Vortex sites to visit.
Visiting Tips:
1. Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and softer lighting.
2. Entry Fee: There is no admission fee, though donations are welcome.
3. Parking: Free but limited; arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons.
4. Quiet Reflection: Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful silence inside the Chapel of the Holy Cross to preserve the spiritual ambiance.

Why Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is more than just a visual marvel; it is a place where Sedona art, Sedona spirituality, and Mother Nature converge. Whether you’re visiting for prayer, quiet personal meditation, photography, or simply to marvel at the ingenuity of its design, the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is a local treasure and is sure to leave a lasting impression on you and everyone who visits.

Insider Tip:

Make sure to take a moment to stand on the Chapel of the Holy Cross’ balcony and gaze out upon the vast Sedona landscape to feel the profound serenity that makes your visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross unforgettable.

If you want to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross we suggest you book a tour. It’s affordable and you bypass all the issues with parking and walking etc. To book a tour of the Chapel of the Holy Cross click: