Step Inside These Spectacular Buffalo Churches

By Brian Hayden

Published on | Last Updated

On a clear day, from the top of City Hall’s observation deck, look out in almost any direction. You’ll see a city and its neighborhoods defined by soaring church steeples that have stood the test of time.

Buffalo’s churches were the center of community life at a time when the city was organized in tight-knit, ethnic neighborhoods – Italian parishes in West Buffalo, German & Polish in East Buffalo and Irish in South Buffalo. After a long workweek, parishioners gathered for church suppers and community dances in the parish lyceums and halls – and gave thanks every Sunday at Mass.

Today, these churches continue to be a spectacular component of Buffalo’s world-renowned architectural fabric. At this time of year, we always find it to be a reminder of the beauty and craft that shines through in each of these magnificent houses of worship.

Brian Hayden headshot

Brian Hayden

Brian Hayden served as Visit Buffalo Niagara's Communications Manager from 2014 to 2020 after working as a newspaper reporter and social media manager in Northern New York. Tweet to him @brian_hayden.