One of the most beautiful cathedrals I have seen in the U.S. We did a tour (you can donate $5 or above per person) for about 1-1.5 hours and learned about the history, architecture and religious beliefs of followers. Our guide was friendly and explained everything well. There are also GORGEOUS gardens to explore right outside. However, please be respectful as this is a religious space. read more

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Came here to shoot some birthday photos during the hour of sunset and these photos came out amazing! Not too crowded and free parking but you must leave after the sun has fully set. This is a quiet and safe area to relax and enjoy the views. read more

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Amazing cathedral and super interesting history behind its construction. If you have the option, ask for tour guide Peter. He's incredible.

Was here with some friends for a function and was completely blown away by the size,scope,detail and innate BEAUTY of the place. And I was only actually INside of two of the buildings. Amazing architecture and grounds- absolutely breathtaking. read more

Bryn Athyn Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania

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This was a sleeper surprise. We were heading to Longwood Gardens from NYC and looked to break up the trip by staying overnight near the Gardens so that we could get in a full day at the Gardens, which was well worth it. While researching where to go along the way, I saw Valley Forge. From the Valley Forge Area Visitors site was a link to Bryn Athyn. We made arrangement for a 2 PM tour of Cairnwood. We arrived in town at noon, walked around the gorgeous grounds until the Cathedral opened at 1pm. We hadnt booked a tour. Will waiting outside, we chatted with one of the congregants who was on her way in. She said, she'd give us a tour. (She was a regular tour guide but she was not scheduled that day) Between the amazing architecture and rich history of the place, along in info on Joseph Pitcairn and his family, the bankrollers of the town, it was a rich experience. We even heard the organist practicing. We then made it up the hill to visit Cairnwood, to be separately reviewed. The Glencairn Museum is closed while undergoing a major renovation until at least Winter 2023. We will probably return en route to Winterthur, to revisit the Cathedral and view Glencairn The townsfolk were the nicest, happiest people. They love being there read more

Extremely beautiful and peaceful, both the outdoor gardens and indoor architecture are works of art. Stained glass, gables, spires, all of it. The people who work here are extremely kind and friendly, as it seems their congregation is too! You are free to either take a guided tour, or walk through on your own. read more

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I costs nothing to go here and if you live nearby , you should.In a way it's a strange place.It's sort of a European style cathedral that doesn't quite follow traditional European design.It is pretty and has beautiful stained glass windows.The reason it exists is that a wealthy man wanted a cathedral and here it is.The church it is affiliated with is apparently Swedenborgian ,which is pretty unique.The Cathedral is part of a complex that includes the Glencairn Museum ( which is well worth going to),a university and a historic mansion that I haven't been to. read more

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I've only walked around the church, however it is such a beautiful, historical place to check out. They have a nice garden and a lot of seats to choose from to speculate on the wonderful views. There is a short hike that leads to the other surrounding museums and college, which are as beautiful. read more

The Bryn Athyn Cathedral with its unique architecture and intricately detailed craftsmanship is a monument to God. Cupped in a beautiful setting of trees, gardens, and lawns, one feels serenity and peace. I was told that it was built by a John Pitcairn who founded Pittsburgh Plate Glass. Apparently he was a kind and generous man. He bestowed most of the land to what is now the Bryn Athyn community. He built the Cathedral during the Great Depression, providing jobs at a critical time for local workers. He also funded the building of the community schools and a coal fired power plant to support them. I bought copies of Emanuel Swedenborg's Heaven & Hell and Divine Providence in the Cathedral bookstore. The store attendant was very friendly and knowledgeable. I read both books cover to cover. I found them to be very thought provoking with some helpful answers. I recommend them to anyone seeking a basic understanding of the Swedenborg church. We live in Florida but I hope to visit again some day. read more