The most beautiful building in every state
Awe-inspiring architecture

Alabama: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile

Alaska: St Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Sitka

Arizona: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona

Blending into the surrounding red rocks, this chapel was built in 1956 by visionary architect and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. It was designed to reflect the spiritual essence of the Sedona landscape. Staude was inspired by the powerful steel frameworks of skyscrapers – a theme that's explored with its central iron cross, which serves both a structural support and aesthetic purpose. The striking design is rounded off with a 210-foot-tall (64m) central nave and windowed altar.
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Arkansas: Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs

California: Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara

Colorado: Colorado State Capitol, Denver

Connecticut: Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford

Delaware: Grand Opera House, Wilmington

A perfect example of why historic preservation matters, this gorgeous Beaux-Arts building was originally finished in 1871 but has recently undergone major renovation and modernisation. The interior is just as impressive, with over 1,200 seats in an auditorium that's reached via a grand staircase through the lobby. It's a beloved institution and has hosted opera, ballet and live music, with Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra among those taking to the stage.
Florida: Stetson Mansion, DeLand

Built for John B. Stetson, the inventor of the Stetson hat, this Florida mansion was finished in 1886 and features 16 distinct rooms across more than 8,000 square feet (743sqm) of living space. Apart from ornate woodwork and stained-glass windows, the mansion has a few surprises up its sleeve. Those who join a tour will be shown to a hidden door, among other unique features. The house was also home to writer and poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and even featured on TV show Ghost Hunters.
Georgia: Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Savannah

This cathedral in Savannah has a striking Gothic facade that's hard to miss. It was built in 1873 and its exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, statues and stained glass. On the inside, soaring vaulted ceilings and a great pipe organ awe most visitors.
Hawaii: Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe

Idaho: Idaho Falls Temple & Visitors Centre, Idaho Falls

One of the oldest operating temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as the Mormon Church), the Idaho Falls Temple was opened in 1945 and is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. The white granite facade appears to glisten in daylight, while its spire, topped by a golden statue of the Angel Moroni, stands 143 feet tall (44m). Although it's an active place of worship, visitors can take a tour of the temple grounds and learn about the history of the fascinating building and the church.
Illinois: Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago

In a city where great architecture abounds, it's quite the accolade to be named the most beautiful building. That honour goes to the 19th-century Holy Name Cathedral, a Gothic Revival marvel. The cathedral's spire stands out at 210 feet (64m) and is a familiar sight in Chicago's skyscraper-punctuated skyline. A Catholic place of worship, the cathedral is just as majestic inside too, with wood carvings and stained glass on almost every wall.
Indiana: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame

Iowa: Capitol Building, Des Moines

Kansas: Kansas State Capitol Building, Topeka

A marvellous building inside and out, the Kansas State Capitol was finished in 1903. Its central dome, topped by a bronze statue, is said to be visible from a mile away, but the building's most impressive feature lies inside. The rotunda is adorned with a mural that depicts key moments in the state's history, including the struggles of the Civil War. Self-guided tours are available to those who want to discover its grand hallways, marble staircases and ceremonial and legislative offices.
Kentucky: New Capitol Building, Frankfort

Built in 1910 to replace the earlier capitol building – which is still standing in downtown Frankfort and now serves as a museum – the new capitol is actually the fourth capitol building since Kentucky achieved statehood in 1792. It's a sprawling Beaux-Arts confection, with decorative lunettes above the chamber doors which depict significant historical moments in Kentucky.
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Louisiana: St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

Maine: Saint Ann's Church, Kennebunkport

Maryland: The Baltimore Basilica, Baltimore

Massachusetts: The House of the Seven Gables, Salem

Michigan: The Guardian Building, Detroit

Minnesota: Cathedral of Saint Paul, St Paul

Mississippi: St Mary Basilica, Natchez

Constructed from unusual red brick, this 1842 church is built in the Gothic Revival style. You'll find lots of flourishes in its interior, from ornate woodwork to carvings and other decorative elements on the altars. Don't forget to cast your eyes upwards at the glorious pastel-blue ceiling. Located in the heart of downtown Natchez, it's an active place of worship, open to visitors daily.
Missouri: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, St Louis

Often referred to as the New Cathedral to distinguish it from the original church that was destroyed by fire in 1849, this dazzling cathedral incorporates elements of both Gothic and Byzantine architecture. One of its most striking features is the two massive bell towers that rise 210 feet (64m) above ground. If that wasn't enough to impress you, the interior is even more awe-inspiring with a grand nave that features more than 40 million pieces of coloured glass in its mosaic ceiling.
Montana: Cathedral of St Helena, Helena

Nebraska: Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln

Nevada: St Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church, Virginia City

Dating back to 1868, this historic church in Virginia City has been a fixture in the community for over 150 years and is one of the oldest continuously-operating churches in the state. A beautiful Gothic Revival building, it's surprisingly simple on the inside, with ornamented altars and understated woodwork.
New Hampshire: Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough

Also known as Lucknow, this historic estate was built in 1913 as the summer home of the millionaire industrialist Thomas Plant and his family. Its nickname draws inspiration from its location atop a mountain, opening up views of the surrounding countryside. Following the homely motifs of the Arts and Crafts movement, the building was also known for hosting parties of the most influential people of the time. Now, it's a popular events venue that's typically open to visitors.
New Jersey: Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May

New Mexico: Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe

Fusing Spanish, Native American and English influences, this unique building incorporates elements of various cultures that have been a part of New Mexico history. A striking Romanesque Revival building, its history dates back to the 16th century, when the Spanish built the first church in this spot. The current structure was finished in the late 19th century and one of its most striking aspects is the stained-glass windows, designed by artist John C. Beyer to depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.
New York: Grand Central Terminal, New York City

Probably the most famous train station in the world, Grand Central Terminal really is grand. Opened in 1913, it features a ceiling fresco in the Main Concourse depicting the constellations of the zodiac and the building itself has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to its magnificent Beaux-Arts facade.
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North Carolina: Biltmore, Asheville

One of the country's most spectacular pieces of architecture, this Gilded Age mansion was constructed in 1889 by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the business magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. The largest residential home in the US, it spans nearly 180,000 square feet (16,722sqm) with more than 250 rooms. It took six years to finish. Visitors can tour the property and even spend the night in one of the historic cottages.
North Dakota: North Dakota State Capitol Building, Bismarck

Ohio: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron

A rare example of a Tudor Revival building in the US, this eye-catching estate was built in the early 20th century by Goodyear Tire and Rubber company co-founder F. A. Seiberling. The estate comprises a 65-room manor house and gardens as well as an impressive art collection. Visitors can take a guided tour that snakes through the house and areas of the garden, as well as the Gate Lodge – the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous. Note that it is temporarily closed until 1 April.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City

Completed in 1917, this building is a stunning example of Greco-Roman architecture. Thanks to a major restoration project, much work was done to modernise the building while maintaining its historic character. A steel-enforced and plaster cast dome tops off the spectacular construction. The building is open to public and visitors shouldn't miss the many artworks, murals and sculptures displayed throughout. The complex is also famous for its oil wells and, outside, you'll find the only state capitol grounds in the US with active oil rigs.
Oregon: Pittock Mansion, Portland

Built by Henry and Georgina Pittock, two prominent Portland residents in the early 1900s, this mansion is a striking vision of French Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by nature, the mansion is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore multiple rooms, the Pittock family's private art collection and venture out into the landscaped gardens.
Pennsylvania: Fallingwater, Mill Run

Rhode Island: The Elms, Newport

South Carolina: Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Charleston

South Dakota: Chapel in the Hills, Colonial Pine Hills

A unique church, reminiscent of fantastical Arendelle in Frozen, this wooden structure is actually based on a traditional Norwegian stave church. The chapel was finished in 1969 and is constructed entirely out of wood, featuring intricate carvings, including a hand-crafted altar and an antique pipe organ. Visitors can not only use it as a place of worship but also learn about the history and traditions of Norwegian stave churches – which they may not expect to do in a place as far away as South Dakota.
Tennessee: Nashville Parthenon, Nashville

Texas: Texas State Capitol, Austin

Utah: Temple Square, Salt Lake City

Vermont: Vermont State House, Montpelier

Virginia: George Washington's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon

The historic plantation home of America's First President George Washington, Mount Vernon is an immaculately-preserved, 21-room estate that draws in thousands of visitors more than two centuries after Washington's death. Museum displays explore the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked on the estate, while tours cover everything from farming techniques to life in 18th-century America.
Washington: Seattle Public Library, Seattle

West Virginia: St Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Harpers Ferry

Wisconsin: Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison

Built in a Neoclassical style we've seen in plenty of state capitol buildings on this list, this one was completed in 1917 and remains one of the state's most recognisable landmarks. The towering dome rises 187 feet (57m) and is made of white granite. At the top sits a statue of a globe-clutching lady known as Wisconsin, which represents the state's motto, 'Forward'. The two interior must-sees are the rotunda, modelled after the Pantheon in Rome, Italy and the Senate chamber, which is reminiscent of the Parthenon in Athens.
Wyoming: Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne

Completed in 1890, the Wyoming State Capitol has been the heart of the state's political life for over a century. Grand and imposing, the exterior is dominated by a soaring dome, while the interior is equally as impressive, with grand staircases, ornate decorations and a rotunda modelled after the US Capitol in DC. If you take a tour, you'll see that the Senate chamber is adorned with paintings of Wyoming's early pioneers and other famous figures.
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