st. mary in the mountains catholic church

Steve1362

Located on E Street and Taylor, this magnificent church can be seen rising high from many locations around Virginia City. The current structure was built in 1876 replacing the original church that was built in 1868 and destroyed in the Great Fire of 1875. Arriving at the church during our walking tour of the city just before 4pm, we found the museum, with its entrance on the right hand side, just about to close so we did not get the opportunity to see it. However, the church was still open and we were able to tour the beautiful interior with intricate woodwork and many large stained glass windows. Also inside was a small gift shop, with mostly Catholic oriented selections, where we were able purchased a lovely handmade rosary to give as a Confirmation gift to our God Daughter and support the preservation of the church at the same time.

OregonLogger

Impossible not to notice from so many vatage points of Virginia City. And the wooden beams and ceiling inside are amazing truly.I cannot imagine even a completley non religious person not feeling extreme peace in this sanctuary. Truly a place to contemplate and ponder how many believers and non believers sat here and prayed or wondered about those in danger, missing, departed, or even seeking guidance. I am not Catholic. But this place is for all indeed. Most there are travelers and safe return to home and loved ones is always present. Even when you are really at ease and without cares stop by and undulge yourself in this peaceful sanctuary.

chrislioo

The church itself is beautiful but what really takes the cake is the museum around the corner from the front entrance of the church and the knowledgable guides. The two ladies have lived in the area for a long time and know a lot of history about the church and the town.

doglover49

This is an incredibly restored and preserved piece of Virginia City history. The church is open for reflection and to tour. The museum is in the back basement and has a number of items salvaged from the original church prior to the great fire. Beautifully organized and complimented with friendly, knowledgeable docents. Our family is not even Catholic, but we enjoy visiting churches and enjoying the spiritual energy and the rich history. Highly recommend! No entrance fee, donations accepted.

Melodycthomas

This church was rebuilt in 1876 after burning down. The stained glass windows are very beautiful. The woodwork on the ceiling is intricate. It is a lovely church in the mountains.

mini

We enjoyed seeing this historic church built in 1876. We have visited Virginia City a few times and this is always one of the most impressive buildings in the town (at least it is for me).There is a nice museum here.It is an active congregation.There is also a small but nice gift shop.

tkc99

We stopped by this church and museum as we were on our way to Carson City. This is a pretty church and the museum was very informative.

angiebetan

I was visiting Virginia City because the hotel recommended. When I was there are I cannot imagine that I could found the beautiful church St Mary's in the Mountain , what a beautiful church and the history around it. I will come back again in a near future to expend more time at the museum.

usroadrats

Unfortunately the weekend we drove to Virginia City, there was a HUGE motorcycle rally, thousands. And absolutely no place to park a car anywhere. The church parking lot was packed full of motorcycles as was everyplace in town. After a hour of "TRYING" to drive around to find a place to park we left. The desk clerk at our hotel that night in Carson City said weekends are just not a good time to go to Virginia City, they have so much going on. They do have a lot of motorcycle rallies. The day we drove to Virginia City the road was taken over with motorcycles. It is a very curvy two lane road, so that was a little nerve racking.Before you plan on going be sure and check ahead to see what events are happening. Would love to go back.

DebW536

This is a very old fashioned feeling church. There is a free museum downstairs. The volunteer was super knowledgeable. I think his name was Pat. He made the experience a memorable one.

738dougb

What a beautiful church. Built in the 1860's, burned to the ground and re-built in the 1870's. Really beautiful inside and even non-Catholics like me were welcome.

OliverS934

Noticing the success which this place enjoys with on Trip Advisor, I mark it as one of my first stops in Virginia City. Surprised, I find an interesting museum adjacent to the church featuring abundance of historical photographs and clippings, in addition to a very knowledgeable docent, who would spend hours with you, discussing history, distant and more recent and answering questions. Delightful!

SifusWoman

We went while there was mass. After mass, the church goers were very friendly. What we saw was gorgeous. The wood work of the church was detailed. It's a great place to photograph. I would like to go back again.

ambrulio

Beautiful old catholic church. They have a museum downstairs to view the old historic relics and artifacts and pics of the past bishops. The entire place is free to view and definitely a place you should stop by and see.

771marilynm

Loved the architecture of this old Catholic church. Only stopped to take a photo. Next visit to Virginia City, we will spend more time and visit this church and other places in the city.