Two magnificent churches designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray

Easter Sunday made me think about two magnificent churches designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, one in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul. Both opened in 1915, and both are recognized among the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the country. It’s hard enough to imagine designing and building one of these remarkable churches… even harder to envision building them both in the same timeframe!

The Basilica of St. Mary is near Loring Park and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis. It is not only architecturally significant… the term ‘basilica‘ refers to large and important churches given ceremonial rites by the pope. The Basilica of St. Mary was the first basilica established in the United States, honored by Pope Pius XI in 1926. That is the significance of the umbrella by the altar.

Equally a part of this neighborhood’s sense of place is the juxtaposition of the bustling and the serene…a unique blend of quiet sanctuary in the churches, museum and parks…and the busy streets and freeway running through the middle of it.

Siah Armajani’s iconic Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge connecting the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Loring Park is one of my favorite Twin Cities sites. I love bridge design, being on the bridge and experiencing the confluence of the city skyline, three historic churches, two parks, the modern Walker Art Center and the 17 lanes of busy traffic which the bridge spans. I can think of no other single location which so well captures the essence of the art, architecture and living vitality of the city of Minneapolis.

On the other side of the river, one of the most distinctive cathedrals in the United States, the Cathedral of Saint Paul sits perched on Cathedral Hill, dominating the skyline of downtown St. Paul. It was designated as the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul in 2009.

Inspired by French Renaissance architecture, the magnificent dome is 76 feet is diameter and 186 feet high. Its open design gives unobstructed views of the altar and pulpit, and the interior is illuminated by 24 stained glass windows. Guided group tours are held Monday through Friday at 1 p.m.

Located on the highest point overlooking downtown St. Paul and the State Capitol, the cathedral sits on the eastern end of Summit Avenue, home of some of the most impressive residences in the Twin Cities including the governor’s mansion. You can see the impressive James J. Hill house from the cathedral parking lot. Just one block south of Summit is Grand Avenue, a popular commercial district rich in history and lined with unique shops and restaurants.