Massachusetts is filled with some absolutely stunning example of churches, chapels and other places of worship. Whether it’s the architecture, the surroundings or simply the sense of peace and calm that’s found these places offer much more than religion. One of our favorites is located in Cambridge and in addition to a beautiful inside, the nature surrounding it will impress you.
The incredible Bigelow Chapel in Cambridge is astounding to see. And it’s more impressive when you realize that most people don’t even know it’s here!
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The huge Gothic-style chapel was built in the mid-1840s and the surroundings are just as incredible as the architecture.
billdamon / Flickr
To see it, head to Mount Auburn Cemetery. This might seem like an odd location for a chapel that’s often used for weddings and other happy ceremonies, but as you walk through the landscaped gardens you might just forget where you are.
Sean / Flickr
Established in 1830, Mount Auburn Cemetery is considered one of the first garden cemeteries in America. The land here is elevated, which makes for some of the best views in the area. And in the fall there might be no better place to see the changing colors of the leaves.
cdevers / Flickr
Just as magnificent is a winter visit - snow makes the entire area feel like a storybook.
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And, of course, you can’t go wrong with any garden in the spring. Lush greens and pops of brightly colored flowers make this place joyful.
Sean / Flickr
Whether you enter the chapel or not, visiting is a great day trip. There are a number of trails that make their way through the grounds. And the ponds offer moments of peace and quiet.
mountauburn.org
Surrounding the chapel are huge European weeping beech trees. Just in case you didn’t already feel like a character in a book these will certainly make it so!
mountauburn.org
In the Victorian-style garden, you’ll find a large sphinx monument.
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Constructed by Martin Milmore in 1872, it offers that extra bit of splendor to the chapel area.
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You can book Bigelow Chapel for private events like weddings and other important celebrations that need a dose of beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur.
cdevers / Flickr
Bigelow Chapel is a beautiful destination and you can learn more about it here. Explore it and then make plans to visit some of the others in the state. A great option is one of the most unique chapels in the world which is hiding on a Massachusetts college campus.
mountauburn.org
billdamon / Flickr
Sean / Flickr
cdevers / Flickr
ironypoisoning / Flickr
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
zenmama / Flickr
Have any other beauties you recommend? Let us know in the Facebook comments so we can get out and start exploring more!
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Address: Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
