Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
About
Founded in 1892, Holy Trinity Cathedral is home to the oldest Orthodox parish in Chicago. This beautiful church was designed by the famous American architect, Louis Sullivan. It was consecrated by St. Tikhon of Moscow in 1903 and built under the leadership of St. John Kochurov of Chicago, who was martyred in the Bolshevik Revolution.
Located in Chicago’s historic Ukrainian Village-Wicker Park neighborhood, Holy Trinity has been a vital part of the community for more than a century. The cathedral is an official City of Chicago Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it’s the center of religious life for many Orthodox faithful and their families. We are dedicated to serving the people of God in the spirit of Christian love, and we invite you to come and worship with us whenever you are in the Ukrainian Village-Wicker Park area. Tour dates are on the website or email CathedralToursChicago@gmail.com for private & group tours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: West Town
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3,385 within 3 miles
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1,145 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Logan Le DucSuwon, South Korea15 contributionsDon't hesitate, just take the tour!This church was incredible. Not only was it beautifully ornate within, but the unlikely story of how this immigrant community's church came to be designed by the legendary Louis Sullivan makes it even more inspiring. Grace was a fantastic tour guide and was just as knowledgeable as she was passionate about this unique little cathedral in Ukranian Village.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 14, 2023
- SLM1962Chicago, Illinois62 contributionsBeautiful Historic TourI highly recommend taking the tour of this magnificent Cathedral. The docent truly shows her passion and interest and shares so much knowledge. She has done a great deal of research and brings up many interesting facts about the history of the Cathedral and the architect, Louis Sullivan.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 14, 2023
- Linda J4 contributionsWonderful TourThis historic church offers guided tours every Saturday. It is very interesting. It has great historical and architectural significance, and the docent was very knowledgeable and gave a fascinating presentation. It is also refreshing to step out of the busy, noisy world outside and experience such quiet beauty.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 18, 2023
- christine sChicago, Illinois21 contributionsAn impressive building inside and out tucked in the Ukrainian Village neighborhoodThis is a little gem of a cathedral with a fascinating history. Our guide was a member of this congregation and was able to speak in detail about the history of the community which had the church built and how Louis Sullivan became the architect. He answered all our questions about the building, the rituals and traditions. Beautiful iconography in, I believe, a Russian revival style church. Street parking was easy.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 17, 2023
- plevin2024Chicago, Illinois1 contributionHoly Trinity Orthodox CathedralAs the only remaining church designed by Louis Sullivan, this is a ‘must see’ structure in Chicago. The tour was informative: the guide was very knowledgeable. The cathedral is located in one of Chicago’s fun and vibrant neighborhoods, Ukrainian Village, where there’s lots to do and enjoy.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 31, 2024
- Deanna V2 contributionsNeighborhood GemCame for the architecture and left with a rich understanding of the intersection between historical religious figures and Chicago industrialists. Couldn’t stop Googling to learn more when I got home. Grace is a passionately authentic tour guide.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
88 reviews
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Gabby J
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Business
During my trip here with my classmates, I was personally so astounded by the architecture of the cathedral itself. Thanks to our tour guide, Grace, she explained everything to us with great detail; thus, making the whole tour very interesting. What truly caught my eye was when Grace would go further into the descriptions of what certain materials were used in the structures. I would 100% recommend for those who are interested in learning the culture and traditions of the Orthodox religion.
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY4,631 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Although I knew of a number of Louis Sullivan’s work I was unaware of this one until a friend of mine who grew up in Bucktown shared it with me on Facebook. Since we were in Chicago a few days after he shared it with me and we were only a mile away at Lottie’s Pub we went to see it. Unfortunately it was closed that day but we were able to see the outside and snap a few pictures of this beautiful church. Parking was extremely limited, however, there was a small lot behind the church that we were able idle there for the short time it took to take pictures and admire the craftsmanship of a great architect.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clayton
1 contribution
Nov 2022
While the Cathedral is somewhat small, the experience is anything but. Ornate icons, stunning frescoes and precursor forms/features of the Prairie School surround you throughout the tour experience. Grace was a phenomenal tour guide. Her experience as a guide and personal connection to the Cathedral really elevates the religious and architectural significance of The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. 10/10 would recommend & do again.
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen G
3 contributions
Sep 2021
I have been on many architectural tours in Chicago and elsewhere. What made this special was that our guide is a member of the church and is also very interested in architecture, particularly Louis Sullivan. I highly recommend taking the tour if you're a local or from out of town. You will learn a lot.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MollieMM
Chicago, IL5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
What a delightful afternoon getting an intimate tour of this gem of a church. John was a delightful docent and explained the history and exquisite interior of the cathedral. He described it as a spiritual marketplace where you can find a saint, space or icon that resonates with you and offer your prayer. The beauty of the iconic paintings portraying Christ, Mother Mary, angels, saints and prophets were visually stunning. So is Louis Sullivan’s architecture and the beautiful chandelier he donated to the church.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin LeBlanc
Chicago, IL5 contributions
Oct 2022
I saw an email address on the site offering to do tours and didn't really have any formal expectations. The woman doing the tour (Grace) was very thorough, had a lot of information on a lot of things specifically related to the construction of the building and history of the Kievan Rus', the architect (Louis Sullivan), and a lot of details on how it all related to the Orthodox faith. Everything from old relics, old photos, etc. This was a very nice tour and it wasn't so rigid where you felt like you were being led around "on rails" so-to-speak. It was easy to tell that the tour guide planned out the experience and was very organized. This would be a pleasant stop for anyone that appreciates architecture, history, or religion.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathy p
Michigan City, IN8 contributions
May 2022
Awe inspiring, intmate church designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, free to tour monthly. Bones of the Sullivan design are embellished with intricate painted detailing and awe-inspiring Icons and religious symbols. Docent explained the background behind various elements and religious significance. A moving experience in a setting that rivals anything seen in Europe.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Logan Le Duc
Suwon, South Korea15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This church was incredible. Not only was it beautifully ornate within, but the unlikely story of how this immigrant community's church came to be designed by the legendary Louis Sullivan makes it even more inspiring. Grace was a fantastic tour guide and was just as knowledgeable as she was passionate about this unique little cathedral in Ukranian Village.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLM1962
Chicago, IL62 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I highly recommend taking the tour of this magnificent Cathedral. The docent truly shows her passion and interest and shares so much knowledge. She has done a great deal of research and brings up many interesting facts about the history of the Cathedral and the architect, Louis Sullivan.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karolina S
Chicago, IL2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
I recently visited this cathedral with a college course studying Eastern European communities in Chicago and I was blown away by the embellished interior! Our guide, Grace, was very well-spoken and knowledgeable on the topic of the history of the cathedral, and I could tell that she was very passionate. It is no wonder that such a place with an extensive history in Chicago has been recognized by some of the most influential figures in Russian/European history!
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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