Princeton University Chapel — Attraction in Princeton

Beautiful chapel inside the university. The soaring arches of the Princeton University Chapel have summoned countless people to come inside to find faith, peace, inspiration, challenge, and courage. It is one of the largest university chapels in the world, a blessing to the University and to its neighbors, a place of beauty, artistry, and faithful proclamation.  The gathering for worship that, in 1746, resulted in the founding of what is now Princeton University is the same community that convenes each Sunday morning to pray for a Spirit and to depart for service to humanity. Visitor parking can be found in the West Garage near the Faculty Road entrance. TigerTransit, a free campus shuttle, operates frequently from this location, or you can enjoy a ten minute walk.  Limited parking (meters and private garages) can also be found across the street from the main campus along Nassau Street.The chapel is open to the public daily from 7AM–11PM during the academic term. Please note the chapel may be occasionally closed to the public during weddings and other...

I stopped by looking for night services and didn't find them, but the chapel was open and I stepped inside for a short visit. It's beautiful, first of all. Heading back in the day to get a better look around. Off to the left of the church (facing the altar) there is a kneeler to pray with the eucharist in the vestibule (for Catholics). I was grateful as I'd missed mass at St Paul earlier. Even if you aren't of the faith (this is an ecumenical Christian chapel by the way) it is still amazing to see for it's architecture. Gothic arches, buttressed walls, and a stunning rose window flank a majestic nave. The pulpit is backed by a gigantic pipe organ and choir area. It's really a...

A beautiful, architecturally exceptional, humbling, solemn and enveloping space… even for someone who isn’t religious. The stained glass is glorious. At a certain time each day the sun shines directly through the windows and the grand sandstone walls on the opposite side become joyously illuminated (see one of the photos I posted here). Every detail inside and out was thoughtfully designed and executed by craftspeople, inspired by European architecture.

A docent shared that the pinecones sculpted into the exterior are a nod to the Pine family who helped pay the $2.5 million for its construction.

This is a treasure surrounded by other architectural treasures you...