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Seattle's range of religious landmarks reflect the variety and uniqueness of its subjects. There's certainly lots to entertain across the city, but do not miss out on the gorgeous and historic locations that are the religious sites in Seattle.
Betsiun Buddhist Temple Seattle
This temple was dedicated in 1941 and is part of the Chinatown Significant District. The temple hosts a Buddhist holiday called Bon Odori each July. The building itself features subtle Asian architectural features such as ornate interiors and curled roof edges.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius
As amongst the religious landmarks in Seattle, this tiny Catholic chapel has won 1 or 2 awards for it's striking modern design. The easy light coloured steel exterior is designed to echo the look of historical Roman structures. The inside has windows and angles which play with the contrast of light and dark, or what St. Ignatius called "consolations and desolations". The building's 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 weird history of Seattle religious landmarks. In 1971 the Temple De Hirsch and the Temple Sinai were combined. A peculiar fact about the temple is that its cellar was the site of Jimi Hendrix's first pro gig. The building itself has a 1960's space-age look to its architecture. The building today holds a massive 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 Greek, Russian and Serbian immigrants. The spiritual site later aided Russian refugees fleeing the Bolshevik revolution. The building itself has striking bright blue domes in the classic onion-shape that stand bold against Seattle's wet, grey skies. The regular services are held in English but with liturgy done regularly in Slavonic languages as well. 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 is painted in reds and yellows and within are a few meditation rooms and statues. The monastery is open to the public for meditation on occasion. The Monastery also offer free classes and lectures, for example straightforward Tibetan language courses.
Betsiun Buddhist Temple Seattle
This temple was dedicated in 1941 and is part of the Chinatown Significant District. The temple hosts a Buddhist holiday called Bon Odori each July. The building itself features subtle Asian architectural features such as ornate interiors and curled roof edges.
The Chapel of St. Ignatius
As amongst the religious landmarks in Seattle, this tiny Catholic chapel has won 1 or 2 awards for it's striking modern design. The easy light coloured steel exterior is designed to echo the look of historical Roman structures. The inside has windows and angles which play with the contrast of light and dark, or what St. Ignatius called "consolations and desolations". The building's 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 weird history of Seattle religious landmarks. In 1971 the Temple De Hirsch and the Temple Sinai were combined. A peculiar fact about the temple is that its cellar was the site of Jimi Hendrix's first pro gig. The building itself has a 1960's space-age look to its architecture. The building today holds a massive 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 Greek, Russian and Serbian immigrants. The spiritual site later aided Russian refugees fleeing the Bolshevik revolution. The building itself has striking bright blue domes in the classic onion-shape that stand bold against Seattle's wet, grey skies. The regular services are held in English but with liturgy done regularly in Slavonic languages as well. 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 is painted in reds and yellows and within are a few meditation rooms and statues. The monastery is open to the public for meditation on occasion. The Monastery also offer free classes and lectures, for example straightforward 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.