Chapel of the Holy Cross – A Sedona Landmark

The Chapel of the Holy Cross has become an iconic Sedona Landmark and is certainly worth a stop. More than half a century after its construction, the Chapel of the Holy Cross continues to be a place of wonder, spiritual renewal, and sublime vistas for all to witness.

The Chapel is one of Sedona’s earliest landmarks and one of its most endearing.  People from around the world visit this structural marvel built into the rugged red rock, which provides distinctive architecture and unparalleled panoramic vistas.

The chapel’s most prominent feature is the cross that that was integrated into the construction of the chapel. It is an unforgettable sight from all angles. Looking at it directly, it seems the rocks parted to embrace the structure.  Looking at it from the side, you can see how it protrudes beyond the Chapel edifice, almost as if it were embossed.

You will find that the Inside of the Chapel is intimate and unadorned with modest benches and angular walls. Wherever one sits, the eye is drawn to the cross in the center and to the floor-to-ceiling windows behind it, which provide a magnificent backdrop.

Photographic opportunities present themselves at ever turn. On the sides and in the front, Sedona sprawls out majestically, a sweeping landscape of red rocks, trees, nestled houses and landmark formations.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was a gift from Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a sculptress, philanthropist, and devout Catholic, who believed the arts should be in service of spirit and indeed, considered the Chapel of the Holy Cross to be her greatest artistic achievement and the fulfillment of her life’s mission.

Info if you go:

• From “uptown” Sedona, take 179 south toward the Village of Oak Creek. Turn left on Chapel Road. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is at the end of Chapel Road. From the parking area there is a steep climb up the ramp to the Chapel.
• The parking lot can get very congested…there are about a dozen spots below the chapel, I recommend parking there and walking up if you can.
• There is a gift shop below with an abundance of touristy things to choose from.
• Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday and Easter.

Historic Trivia:

Built on a twin pinnacled spur about 250 feet high above Highway 179, jutting out of a thousand foot red rock wall, “solid as the Rock of Peter” the building of the Chapel was completed in April 1956. the Artist Marguerite Brunswig was said to have been inspired by the Empire State Building and she developed plans with the son of famous Frank Lloyd Wright, Lloyd Wright.

Contact Info:

• Address: 780 Chapel Road l Sedona, AZ 86336
• Phone: (928) 282-4069
• Website: www.ChapeloftheHolyCross.com

If you’ve been to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, please post a comment below and share your experience.