Historic Churches In Denver
(credit: CBS)
Denver was founded in 1858 and has since grown to be the 23rd most populous city in the country. With such an historic city, there are a lot of great architectural gems throughout the area and one of the best ways to enjoy beautiful architecture is to check out some of the many historic churches in town. In fact, one of the historic churches on this list was built just one year after Denver was founded as a city, making it the oldest church in the state. If you are a fan of history and architecture, you will want to check out these beautiful historic churches in Denver.
Trinity United Methodist Church
1820 Broadway
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 839-1493
www.trinityumc.org
The Trinity United Methodist Church is the oldest congregation in Denver. It is still in operation and has been since 1859. You have probably seen this iconic building as you've driven down Broadway, and the structure is truly stunning. It was designed by Colorado's first licensed architect, Robert Roeschlaub, and is the perfect example of the Gothic Revival architectural style. It is built completely out of rhyolite brought in from Castle Rock and includes a huge stained glass window by the renowned Tiffany Company.
Related: Top Architecture In Denver
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
401 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 831-7010
www.denvercathedral.org
This stunning church towers over the Colfax neighborhood and is an icon which can be seen for miles. Construction on this church started in 1902 and was completed in 1911. There has been a lot of renovation and construction on this beautiful building, including the two times it has been struck by lightening in 1912 and 1997. The iconic style of this church is the French Gothic style and was designed by Leon Coquard from Detroit, Michigan. It features two 210-foot spires and is constructed from limestone and granite. Inside the church, the altar, statuary and bishops chair are all made of marble from Italy. Pope John Paul II held mass at the cathedral during World Youth Day in 1993, a rare honor for American cathedrals. This is another exceptionally stunning example of amazing churches in the Denver area.
1660 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 839-5500
www.centraldenver.com
The Central Presbyterian Church was built in 1892 and has served downtown Denver for 150 years. This beautiful church was built in the Romanesque style, designed by F. E. Edbrooke and is a stunning anchor in the community. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and remains a beautiful neighborhood icon in Denver. The first cornerstone of the building was laid in 1891 and construction was completed in 1892.
Related: Coolest Architecture In Denver
St. John's Cathedral
1350 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 831-7115
www.sjcathedral.org
Built in 1911, St. John's Cathedral is a great example of the late Gothic Revival style of architecture, common in churches of this time period. The New York architectural firm of Tracy and Swartwout was selected for the church's design, which originally included flying buttresses, but the weight of the roof wouldn't allow both the buttresses and the large glass area that was requested. Through a lot of construction problems, the church survived and is still an icon of beautiful architecture in Denver.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
2015 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 296-1712
www.standrewdenver.org
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is another beautiful Gothic-style church in Denver, built in 1907 with the name Trinity Memorial Chapel. The familiar Gothic style was influenced by Boston Architect Ralph Adams Cram. The newly expanded church also has a lot of stunning art from local artists Marion Buchan and Albert Byron Olson but it is the magnificent architecture that really makes this building an icon in the community. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and has one of the older congregations in the state.
