St Mary's Cathedral, Colorado Springs (must see)

Saint Mary's Cathedral stands as a prominent landmark in Colorado Springs, serving as the seat of the Diocese of Colorado Springs and holding a distinguished place in the city's architectural and religious heritage. Designed by architects Pease and Barber in the Gothic Revival style, the cathedral's construction began in 1891, with the lower level completed that same year. Over the following years, the cathedral underwent successive phases of expansion and embellishment, culminating in its dedication on December 19, 1998.

One of the notable features of Saint Mary's Cathedral is its bell towers, which were added in 1902, followed by the completion of the spires in 1907. During a redecorating project from 1902 to 1904, Gothic arched ceilings, six side-aisle windows, and electric lights were installed, enhancing the cathedral's grandeur and architectural splendor. Subsequent renovations in 1916 saw the installation of a new pipe organ, further enriching the cathedral's musical heritage and worship experience.

In 1983, Blessed John Paul II established the Diocese of Colorado Springs, with Saint Mary's chosen as its cathedral. This decision affirmed the cathedral's significance as a spiritual and administrative center for the Catholic community in the region.