Seattle's range of religious landmarks reflect the variety and uniqueness of its subjects. There's actually plenty to entertain throughout the town, but do not miss out on the gorgeous and historic locations that are the religious sites in Seattle.
Seattle Betsiun Buddhist Temple
This temple was dedicated in 1941 and is part of the Chinatown Important District. The temple hosts a Buddhist festival called Bon Odori every July. The building itself features sophisticated Asian architectural features such as curled roof edges and ornate doors.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius
As among the religious landmarks in Seattle, this little Catholic chapel has won 1 or 2 awards for it's striking modern design. The straightforward light colored steel exterior is supposed to echo the outward appearance of historic Roman structures. The inside has angles and windows which play with the contrast of light and dark, or what St. Ignatius called "consolations and desolations". The building's architectural designer was Steven Holl who designed different parts of the chapel to glow in colored light at various times of the day.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
The temple has some of the most unusual history of Seattle religious landmarks. In 1971 the Temple De Hirsch and the Church Sinai were merged. A weird fact about the church is that its basement was the site of Jimi Hendrix's first pro gig. The building itself has a 1960's advanced look to its design. The building today holds a massive store of Jewish books and films.
St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral
The congregation that attended the first service at this cathedral in 1895 was a mixture of Russian, Greek and Serbian immigrants. The religious and spiritual site later helped Russian refugees fleeing the Bolshevik revolution. The building itself has striking bright blue domes in the iconic onion-shape that stand bold against Seattle's wet, grey skies. The regular services are held in English but with liturgy done constantly in Slavonic languages also. Today the cathedral is home to a Russian Orthodox church.
The Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism
This is likely one of the brightest religious landmarks in Seattle. The exterior of the Monastery is painted in reds and yellows and inside are a few meditation rooms and statues. The priory is open to the public for meditation occasionally. They also offer free classes and lectures, such as simple Tibetan language courses.
Seattle Betsiun Buddhist Temple
This temple was dedicated in 1941 and is part of the Chinatown Important District. The temple hosts a Buddhist festival called Bon Odori every July. The building itself features sophisticated Asian architectural features such as curled roof edges and ornate doors.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius
As among the religious landmarks in Seattle, this little Catholic chapel has won 1 or 2 awards for it's striking modern design. The straightforward light colored steel exterior is supposed to echo the outward appearance of historic Roman structures. The inside has angles and windows which play with the contrast of light and dark, or what St. Ignatius called "consolations and desolations". The building's architectural designer was Steven Holl who designed different parts of the chapel to glow in colored light at various times of the day.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
The temple has some of the most unusual history of Seattle religious landmarks. In 1971 the Temple De Hirsch and the Church Sinai were merged. A weird fact about the church is that its basement was the site of Jimi Hendrix's first pro gig. The building itself has a 1960's advanced look to its design. The building today holds a massive store of Jewish books and films.
St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral
The congregation that attended the first service at this cathedral in 1895 was a mixture of Russian, Greek and Serbian immigrants. The religious and spiritual site later helped Russian refugees fleeing the Bolshevik revolution. The building itself has striking bright blue domes in the iconic onion-shape that stand bold against Seattle's wet, grey skies. The regular services are held in English but with liturgy done constantly in Slavonic languages also. Today the cathedral is home to a Russian Orthodox church.
The Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism
This is likely one of the brightest religious landmarks in Seattle. The exterior of the Monastery is painted in reds and yellows and inside are a few meditation rooms and statues. The priory is open to the public for meditation occasionally. They also offer free classes and lectures, such as simple Tibetan language courses.
About the Author:
Marie Clemmons has been interested in Seattle religious landmarks for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For full information about religious sites in Seattle, please visit her site.
