Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona

Built into the red sandstone cliffs of the Sonoran Desert, Chapel of the Holy Cross offers panoramic views of the region's rugged landscape. Commissioned by a local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, the chapel took nearly two years to complete, with the final touches added in 1956. Considered a wonder of modern architecture, the structure sits on a twin-pinnacled ridge, towering over the landscape from a height of about 75 m (250 ft). Sparsely adorned inside, the building contains a few benches hugging the angular walls, two rows of pews in the center, and floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb from the parking lot. Add Chapel of the Holy Cross to your Sedona travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Sedona day trip planning website.