Cathedrals and churches serve not only as spiritual hubs for campuses and surrounding communities, but they also foster theology-centered learning environments for students and faculty, according to College Rank, which recently released its list of the 35 Most Beautiful College Cathedrals.
To compile this list, the College Rank team examined hundreds of college churches and cathedrals across the country. “As we researched and evaluated hundreds of remarkable chapels and cathedrals from around the country, we were drawn to a common theme in our final selection of 35. These cathedrals preserve traditions, values, and doctrines that have endured for decades and generations,” says College Rank contributor Rachel Romonosky. “The dedication of these colleges and universities is evident in their commitment to faith, acceptance, and education within their cathedrals. We are proud to showcase these 35 beautiful cathedrals in our latest ranking.”
Here are the top five on the list:
5. Battell Chapel – Yale University
Originally constructed as a monument to those who died in the Civil War, the Battell Chapel was heavily inspired by Victorian-era Gothic cathedrals. It was funded by Joseph Battell and designed by Russel Sturgis Jr. The original building was constructed in 1874 but an apse was added in 1947 as a memorial to those who died in World War II. This makes it an attractive location for Yale University students and alumni, especially those who have lost loved ones who were serving the country in the military. When it was constructed, Yale students used the church daily as chapel was mandatory in the late 1800s.
4. Princeton University Chapel – Princeton Chapel
Princeton University Chapel incorporates Collegiate Gothic architecture with a modern outlook. The campus chapel cost $2.3 million to construct in 1928 and was designed by Ralph Adams Cram. There is a depiction of Christian stories engraved into windows with four stained glass windows extending toward each other. The chapel evokes feelings of a small cathedral during the English Middle Ages, and there are those who believe it may have been patterned after King’s College Chapel located at the University of England as it was the only university chapel of its size at the time Princeton’s Chapel was completed.
3. Immaculata Parish – University of San Diego
The Immaculata Parish was originally only used by the University of San Diego and the Immaculate Heart Seminary. Today, the church is open to all in the community. The red Cordova tile roof is visible throughout the campus and demonstrates the Spanish influence on the chapel’s design. A 300-pound cross sits atop the bell tower and there is an 8500 pound, sculpture of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The exterior has a solid bronze door adding to the stunning look of the building from the outside. The interior contains statues and paintings that add to the rich feel of the sanctuary. Stained glass windows spread diffused light throughout the building.
2. Duke Chapel – Duke University
An ecumenical Christian church located on the Duke University Campus, Duke Chapel’s pointed arches embody the Collegiate Gothic style traditionally found on older college campuses. It is Durham’s tallest building and seats over 1,800 people. The tower stands over 200 feet and the chapel cost $2.5 million to construct in 1932. Ten figures are carved on the entrance to the chapel representing those important to Methodism, Protestantism and the American South. Inside, there are 77 stained glass windows depicting the artistry of 15 artists and craftsmen. The chancel includes religious figures carved in limewood and oak. One of the most unique features of the Duke Chapel is the dedication to music in spiritual worship. There is a 50-bell carillion as well as three organs. One of the organs is comprised of 6,000 pipes and another more than 5,000. The campus chapel is used extensively for worship and events today.
1. Basilica of the Sacred Heart – The University of Notre Dame
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart reflects many neo-Gothic elements with high towers rising over 215 feet high. The campus cathedral was completed in 1888 and has over 40 windows, permitting natural light to fill the sanctuary. Housed on the campus of Notre Dame, it is the most identifiable church in North America. The bell tower is over 218 feet making it the largest university chapel in the United States. There is a mural that took Luigi Gregori, a Vatican painter, more than 17 years to complete. There are seven side chapels, including the Lady Chapel, a common feature in medieval cathedrals. Mass is held at the Basilica twice each day and it serves as the mother church of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Seminarians are ordained, and deceased religious leaders laid to rest at the Basilica.
The full list can be viewed here.
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