Perched among the red rocks of Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona (AZ), and stands as a testament to both architectural marvel and natural beauty. This stunning chapel and holy places is nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Coconino National Forest, just south of Sedona, surrounded by towering rock formations and the red rock buttes of Sedona that leave visitors in awe. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross on your next trip to Sedona or Cottonwood.  

What is the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Cruciform-influenced structure and working Roman Catholic Church built upon the red rock buttes near Sedona.  The Chapel is under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix and its ministry is conducted by St. John Vianney Parish, Sedona. 

In 2011, this historic chapel was made part of the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the History Behind the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built from 1954 to 1956 (18 months) for $300,000. It came about through the efforts of a local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude.  Staude had the vision for a cruciform-shaped church in 1932 while viewing the newly constructed Empire State Building.  

California-Bound

Staude’s vision was to initially build this Chapel in Los Angeles, CA, on Catholic Church land.  Unfortunately, the archbishop canceled the building as he felt the design was too futuristic for one of his churches.  

Plans for Danube River

The next attempt saw Mrs. Staude make plans to use Lloyd Wright, son and student of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design and build this chapel overlooking the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary.  She gave up on that idea due to the outbreak of World War II. 

Final Plans for Sedona

Finally, as an alternative,  she decided to build the church in her native home, Arizona. The location Staude selected was secluded at the time and part of the U.S. Forest Service land.  The late Senator Barry Goldwater helped Staude obtain a special-use permit to build the Chapel on U.S. Forest Service land.  Near the location are two big rocks called “The Nuns” and “The Madonna”.  

Word has it that Staude saw some graffiti while exploring the red buttes of the Coconino National Forest land as an alternative location.  The graffiti included the “Rx” symbol.  At that point, she decided that the “Rx” marked the spot for her so she chose the chapel’s current location.  The site, at the time, was secluded with no homes in the area.  AZ Highway 179 was not there as a major highway at the time.  

The Project Architect Richard Hein was chosen as the Sedona red butte site project architect, and the design was performed by architect August K Strotz, both from the firm of Anshen and Allen. The construction supervisor was Fred Courkos.  Sedona’s Chapel stands amongst the butte drawing visitors both far and wide.

Marguerite Brunswig Staude said it best herself: “Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the Chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality.”  There’s no doubt that Staude truly created a timeless landmark and spirituality for all to enjoy here in Sedona.  3 million visitors come to the Chapel of the Holy Cross each year to marvel and worship.

The Cross Sculpture

The beautiful and striking giant cross bronze sculpture was fabricated by James Muir.

Surrounding Landscape

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is located in a beautiful red rock area so the surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views as you can see below. It’s truly beautiful in this red rock butte area.

Where is the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

The Chapel is south of Sedona and north of Oak Hills and to the east of AZ Hwy. 179.  It is located right off the Red Rock Scenic Byway, State Route 179, in-between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona proper.

What to Expect at the Chapel?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open daily from 9AM to 5PM, except on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and Easter.  Therefore, check the Chapel’s website at https://chapeloftheholycross.com/ to see if there may be other restrictions on times the facility is open.  Religious services are active at the Chapel so we advise to exhibit descrition during those services.  Note early morning hours are the best time to visit as the parking and visitors gets busier in the afternoon.

Free parking is available. However, prepare yourself for a bit of a climb to reach the chapel.  There are often golf carts being operated to assist people needing a hand getting up the hill.

Crowds tend to increase after lunch so visit the site in the morning time.

No public restrooms are available in the Chapel or Gift Shop so plan accordingly.

Closing

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is truly a marvel of engineering and beauty to see. Although not on some lists, the Chapel should be on everyone’s list of the seven man-made wonders of Arizona.  If driving anywhere near Sedona or Cottonwood area, we highly recommend you stop by the Chapel and explore the building and the gift shop down below. 

Check out other posts from nearby Sedona and Cottonwood at Tuzigoot National Monument, Jerome Historic State Park and Mining History, the Verde Canyon Train, the Jerome Mining Museum,  Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde, AZ), Montezuma Well National Monument , and Fort Verde State Park Arizona.

If you like this content, I know you’re going to enjoy the Bell Rock post, the Verde Canyon Railroad post, and all the other posts on our epic Arizona trip, along with other destination videos we have to help inspire you and plan your next epic trip with your significant other(s).