CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, located atop the red rocks of Sedona, dates back to 1956. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the area, known not only for its architecture but also for being located on one of Sedona's vortexes.

It is the work of Marguerite Brunswig Staude (1899-1988), who was inspired by a trip to New York in 1930 and the vision of a cross in the Empire State Building for such a realization. After an abortive attempt in Los Angeles (with the help of Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) and a construction project in Hungary, she was finally able to finalize her project in Sedona, where she bought a ranch with her husband. This chapel is intended as a memorial to her parents. The architectural firm of Ashen & Allen was commissioned to officially design the building in 1955.

It took some time to properly assess in all the difficulties involved in constructing a 76 m high structure jutting out from a red rock face of over 300 m, but after about 20 months of work, the building was completed. In 1957, the American Institute of Architects praised the achievement for its beauty and mastery of the harmony achieved between nature and architecture.

Parking is limited to 45 spaces. A turnaround is possible at the top of the hill where a drop-off area has been provided. Golf carts are available to take people up the hill to the chapel.