Most famous religious destinations in North America
Most famous religious destinations in North America
Historic mission structures and notable sacred shrines in North America
North America is not the most obvious choice for religious travel, but it has a lot more to offer than most people expect, with old Spanish missions, grand basilicas and sites that are sacred to Native American communities.
In Mexico City, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe gets millions of pilgrims every year, especially around December 12. Some travelers prefer the quieter adobe missions of the American Southwest, which are often still in use, while others are more interested in the old stone churches of Quebec City. Places like Salt Lake City and Montreal also have major religious buildings that are easy to include in a regular city trip, even if you only have an afternoon.
Many of these places are active churches, so it is good to check service times before you go and to keep your voice down when people are praying. Some also have small museums about their history.
Lists by region
City in Canada
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
The parish of Notre-Dame de Québec dates from 1664, more than a century older than the United States. Its basilica-cathedral is inside the walled Old Town. About 30 minutes east by car, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica draws around a million pilgrims a year. Pilgrims have visited the site since the 1650s.
State/Prefecture in United States
New Mexico
Land of Enchantment’s Rich Heritage
Each Good Friday, thousands of pilgrims walk to the Santuario de Chimayó, some from as far as Albuquerque. The adobe chapel was finished in 1816. Inside, a small pit holds soil that people take home as a blessing. In Santa Fe, the Loretto Chapel has a spiral staircase with no centre support.
City in Mexico
Mexico City
Vibrant Culture, History and Street Food
A high valley at about 2,240 metres holds the capital, built over the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. The Metropolitan Cathedral, begun in 1573, rises beside the Templo Mayor ruins. Builders used stones from Aztec temples for its base. Both are steps from the Zócalo, the main square.
City in Canada
Montreal
A city of festivals, food and culture
After dark, a light show called Aura fills Notre-Dame Basilica with colour. The church has a deep blue ceiling dotted with gold stars. Saint Joseph's Oratory is on Mount Royal. Some pilgrims climb its 99 wooden steps on their knees. The oratory is the largest church in Canada.
Basilica in Mexico City
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Spiritual Heart of Mexican Faith
The New Basilica of Guadalupe was built in 1976 beside an older church that is slowly sinking. A moving walkway carries pilgrims past the cloak of Juan Diego. It bears an image of the Virgin Mary. Millions arrive each year with the biggest crowds around 12 December.
City in United States
Salt Lake City
Mountains, Mormons and outdoor adventure
Temple Square has the Salt Lake Temple, which took 40 years to build and opened in 1893. The temple is closed to non-members, but the grounds are open to all. The Tabernacle next door has an oval wooden roof built with pegs and rawhide. Free organ recitals run there most days at noon.
Archaeological Site in Mexico
Chichen Itza
Unravel the Mysteries of the Maya
A single clap at the foot of El Castillo bounces back like the chirp of a quetzal bird. The pyramid has 91 steps on each side. On the spring and autumn equinoxes a shadow shaped like a snake crawls down the north stairway. The Sacred Cenote nearby was used for offerings.
State/Prefecture in United States
Arizona
Desert Wonders and Scenic Adventures
Father Kino founded Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson in 1692. The white church seen today was built from 1783 to 1797 and is called the White Dove of the Desert. Farther north, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is built into the red rocks of Sedona.
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