Photo By ((-:Jerry:-))
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If it were being proposed today, the Chapel of the Hoy Cross could not be built.There would be furious controversy. Can a building enhance a mountain? No way! At least that is what they said.

From inside, an awesome view

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern Catholic chapel. It rises 200 feet from the ground and is set in between two large red rock formations.

A view of the Chapel

As visitors approach the chapel, the 90-foot white cross on the front of the structure can be spotted easily. The best time to make your visit to the chapel is at sunrise. You will see the sunlight traveling through the large stain glass window at the front of the chapel. It is a glorious sight to behold.

Another view from the Chapel

There are no regular services at the chapel. However, it does provide a relaxing spot for reflection.The Chapel of the Holy Cross is the braincihld of Marguerite Brunswig Staude. (1899-1988)

A view from The Chapel

  It took more than twenty years from her early sketches of a Catholic cathedral, which she wanted built in Hungary, to the smaller Catholic cathedral in Sedona.  She originally presented her idea for a 500-foot block-wide cathedral to Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son, in the 1930's.

Yet another view picture

  Although the design was finally accepted by nuns in Hungary, World War II prevented construction.  In 1950, Staude contacted Wright again with plans for a much smaller chapel, but the architect refused to proceed with any but the original design.It wasn't until 1953 that Staude finally commissioned modernist architects Bob Anshen and Steve Allen in San Francisco to take her sketches and build her dream. 

Yet another view picture

Instead of a cathedral in Budapest, a chapel in Sedona's red rocks would be the new creation.  Staude lived in Sedona with her husband, and she played a very active role in helping the architects pick the perfect location for the chapel. Her "monument to God" was finally completed in 1956 as a memorial to her parents.

The view really is spectaculer

   Since it was built, the Chapel of the Holy Cross has continued to welcome thousands of visitors each year.  Whether they visit the chapel for religious reasons, to enjoy the magnificent views, to marvel at the architectural design, or just out of curiosity, it is a place that makes almost everyone reflective, peaceful, and filled with awe.

A rest on the way up is a good idea, as well as plenty of fluids!

This page is dedicated to all the people who died on September 11, 2001 in the "Attack On America"