Cathedral of the Madeleine

The Cathedral of the Madeleine stands on South Temple Street as one of Salt Lake City’s most recognizable landmarks, a working Catholic parish and cathedral that welcomes visitors as well as worshippers. Step inside and the space opens into a richly decorated interior, with stained glass windows, detailed stonework, and a hushed, contemplative atmosphere that rewards a slow look around. There is no charge to step inside and take in the space outside of scheduled Mass times, which makes it an easy, unhurried stop on a day of downtown sightseeing.

A visit here does not take long, which makes it an easy add on to a day spent exploring downtown. A sensible route is to walk the length of the nave toward the altar, then work back along the side aisles to take in the stained glass and stonework at a slower pace. Because the cathedral is an active parish, Mass is celebrated multiple times during the week and more often on weekends, including a Sunday choral service, so plan a self directed look around outside of posted Mass times, and keep voices low and phones away if a service is already underway when you arrive.

The cathedral stands at 331 East South Temple in the Lower Avenues, on the same broad street that runs past Temple Square and into the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, so it fits naturally into a walking day that also takes in the city’s downtown shops, restaurants, and other landmarks. A parking lot and free street parking are available on site, and the accessible entrance is located on C Street for visitors who need step free access. A wheelchair accessible restroom is also available inside.

Because a visit is short, quiet, and free, the cathedral suits almost any kind of traveler: a family with small children who need a calm break between attractions, an older visitor who wants a place to sit and rest, or anyone filling a solo hour between meetings downtown. It is entirely indoors, so it also works well on a hot summer afternoon or a cold, snowy day when outdoor sightseeing loses its appeal. The building looks much the same throughout the year, though the stained glass reads brightest on a sunny day, when direct light passes through the windows and colors the stone floor and walls.

The cathedral is also known for its choir tradition. Its choristers, drawn from the affiliated Madeleine Choir School, take part in the liturgy at Masses throughout the week, carrying on a tradition of sacred music that is part of what draws visitors and worshippers alike to the building. Combined with its architecture and its position along South Temple, the Cathedral of the Madeleine remains one of the city’s most visited buildings, worth a stop whether you are exploring Salt Lake City for an afternoon or making a special trip to hear the music.