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Chapel of the Holy Cross

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unorthodox traveler
unorthodox traveler
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Editor Pick

Chapel of the Holy Cross

  • August 20, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Cnugent from Tucson, Arizona
Chapel of the Holy Cross

This beautiful chapel is located just south of the city of Sedona and can be seen on the right from state highway 179 as you are driving north toward the city of Sedona from the Sedona exit on Interstate 17.

Built on a bluff, the Chapel both blends in with its environment and enhances it.

The Chapel is the fulfillment of a dream of Marguerite Brunswig Staude (1899 - 1988), a religious artist and sculpture, who in 1932 was inspired to design and build a modern cathedral. The outbreak of World War II forced her to give up the idea of designing a cathedral to be built in Europe and other obstacles thwarted her plans for building it in various large cities in the US. Following her marriage to Anthony Staude in 1938, she and her husband purchased a ranch in Sedona, Arizona in 1941 to use for a vacation home. Living amongst the scenic splendor of the Sedona countryside, her dreams of a majestic cathedral morphed into a plan for a chapel that would celebrate the beauty of God's creation with art. Working with architect Frank Lloyd Wright's son, Lloyd, she conceived a design for the Chapel and plans and a model were created. However, it wasn't until 1955 that work was started on the Chapel. Upon completion of her artistic creation, Marguerite Brunswig Staude presented it to the St. John Vianney parish in Sedona and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix as a gift.

While there is a parking lot at the top of the hill next to the Chapel, my wife and I elected to park in one of the lower lots and walk up the hill absorbing the scenery as we went.

Upon reaching the top, we relaxed for a few moments outside the Chapel enjoying the view of the surrounding red rock mountains and the peace of the garden. Inside, the Chapel is simple and modern. A floor to ceiling window, divided into four panes by the huge cross, dominates the interior of the chapel and provides breathtaking backdrop for the altar. The chapel is not used for regular Sunday or daily Mass but is open daily and welcomes visitors who wish to sit in its pews and indulge in private meditation.

From journal A Sedona Inspiration

Editor Pick

Chapel of the Holy Cross

  • May 18, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by candycorey from Heidelberg, Virginia, Germany
Chapel of the Holy Cross

What it is: The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most interesting sites in Sedona, bearing large cross that seemingly rises out of the surrounding red rock formations. The Chapel was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who studied architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1932 and was completed in 1956. Today, the Chapel belongs to the parish of St. John Vianney in Sedona and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

Why you will want to visit: This is a must-see during your trip to Sedona. Whether you are religious or not, the architecture of this Chapel is incredible. The Chapel appears to simply grow out of the red rock. Also, once you make the short hike up to the Chapel, you are rewarded with some of the best views of the surrounding valley—you can see for miles! I enjoyed taking a few moments to wander inside the Chapel's minimalist interior, which added a serene feeling to my visit.

How to find the Chapel: From Uptown Sedona, take 179 South. Take a left onto Chapel Road and you cannot miss it.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! While the hike is not long, it is a bit steep. The day we visited the parking lot was very crowded and we had to wait a couple of minutes for a spot to become available. There is a special parking lot for visitors that are unable to make the trek to the top, simply ask one of the volunteer parking attendants.

Logistics: The Chapel is open daily from 9am to 5pm (and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday and Easter). Once inside the Chapel, there are stairs on the left that will take you to a small gift shop (although you can find post cards in just about any Sedona gift shop).

From journal Weekend Escape to Scottsdale, Arizona & the Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

  • January 15, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Emily Marie from Bronx, New York
Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel offers great views of the red rocks. It was very spiritual, uplifting, and nonsectarian. There was a great gift shop that had many various religious items from around the world. They played soothing music, great for meditation, throughout the building.

From journal Memories of Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

  • August 20, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Juliecroff02 from Clinton Twp., Michigan
It is a Catholic church that was built by a daughter for her parents. It is built into the rock and is a beautiful place to worship, sitting in the midst of these most amazing sights. It is easy to feel closer to the Lord and all of his works. They hold services there still, so it is a working church.

From journal Sedona, AZ: Red Rock Country

Chapel of the Cross

  • May 16, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Su2 from Madison, New Hampshire
You round the road and look up to find the chapel protruding from the rock. We were drawn to view it from the inside and were utterly amazed at the architect as we stood in the parking lot observing the exterior. Then as we entered the chapel area with a few pew benches and a simple alter -- the sense of awe and peace over took us. We have religious background more traditionally form our childhood -- we don't practice as much today -- but the energy in this small unobtrusive chapel moves everyone who enters.

I spoke with several others from various groups and discovered the diverse beliefs and cultures yet all had a very similar experience as we did. I tell everyone who goes to Sedona to find the Chape of the Cross (it's off the beaten path) and experience the tranquil feeling of peace that washes over you as you enter it.

From journal Sedona Awakening

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