Seattle's range of religious landmarks reflect the variety and uniqueness of its citizens. There is definitely lots to amuse across the city, but don't miss out on the gorgeous and historical treasures that are the religious sites in Seattle.
The Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
This temple was dedicated in 1941 and is a part of the Chinatown Historic District. The temple hosts a Buddhist festival called Bon Odori every July. The building itself features refined Asian architectural features such as ornate interiors and curled roof edges.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius
As one of the spiritual landmarks in Seattle, this tiny Catholic chapel has won one or two awards for it's striking modern design. The easy light colored steel exterior is meant to echo the look of historical Roman structures. The interior has windows and interesting architectural angles that manipulate the contrast of light and shadows, or what St. Ignatius called "consolations and desolations". The building's architect 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 weird history of Seattle religious landmarks. In 1971 the Temple De Hirsch and the Temple Sinai were merged. A weird fact about the temple is that its basement was the site of Jimi Hendrix's first professional gig. The building itself has a 1960's futuristic look to its design. The building today holds a huge store of Jewish films and books.
St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral
The congregation that attended the 1st service at this cathedral in 1895 was a mix of Russian, Greek and Serbian immigrants. The religious and spiritual site later aided Russian refugees fleeing the Bolsheviks. The building itself has striking bright blue domes in the iconic onion-shape that stand bold against Seattle's rainy, grey skies. The regular services are held in English but with liturgy done constantly in Slavonic languages too. 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 outside of the Monastery is painted in reds and yellows and within are one or two meditation rooms and statues. The priory is open to the public for meditation sometimes. They also offer free classes and lectures, such as straightforward Tibetan language courses.
The Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
This temple was dedicated in 1941 and is a part of the Chinatown Historic District. The temple hosts a Buddhist festival called Bon Odori every July. The building itself features refined Asian architectural features such as ornate interiors and curled roof edges.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius
As one of the spiritual landmarks in Seattle, this tiny Catholic chapel has won one or two awards for it's striking modern design. The easy light colored steel exterior is meant to echo the look of historical Roman structures. The interior has windows and interesting architectural angles that manipulate the contrast of light and shadows, or what St. Ignatius called "consolations and desolations". The building's architect 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 weird history of Seattle religious landmarks. In 1971 the Temple De Hirsch and the Temple Sinai were merged. A weird fact about the temple is that its basement was the site of Jimi Hendrix's first professional gig. The building itself has a 1960's futuristic look to its design. The building today holds a huge store of Jewish films and books.
St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral
The congregation that attended the 1st service at this cathedral in 1895 was a mix of Russian, Greek and Serbian immigrants. The religious and spiritual site later aided Russian refugees fleeing the Bolsheviks. The building itself has striking bright blue domes in the iconic onion-shape that stand bold against Seattle's rainy, grey skies. The regular services are held in English but with liturgy done constantly in Slavonic languages too. 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 outside of the Monastery is painted in reds and yellows and within are one or two meditation rooms and statues. The priory is open to the public for meditation sometimes. They also offer free classes and lectures, such as straightforward Tibetan language courses.
About the Author:
Marie Clemmons has been fascinated by Seattle religious landmarks for a few years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about religious sites in Seattle, come visit her site.
