Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic cathedral in Spokane, United States
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic cathedral in Spokane, Washington, built in red brick with granite accents and two square towers in Romanesque Revival style. The interior follows the same style, with a wide nave, stone detailing, and seating for a large congregation.
The origins of this cathedral go back to 1881, when Father Joseph Cataldo celebrated the first Catholic Mass in Spokane. The current building was completed in 1908, as the city was growing rapidly and the Catholic community needed a permanent home.
The stained glass windows inside were made in Bavaria and show saints and religious scenes in deep, rich colors. On a sunny day, the light passing through them fills the nave with color in a way that immediately catches the eye.
The cathedral is generally open to visitors outside of private religious services, so checking mass times before arriving helps you plan a quieter visit. The building is easy to reach on foot from the center of Spokane, and there is street parking nearby.
The bishop's chair in the sanctuary combines elements from older ceremonial thrones with later additions made to meet practical needs. Looking closely at it gives a sense of how the building has continued to evolve since it first opened in 1908.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
