duke university chapel

ThreeRosettes70

Don't miss a visit to Duke's magnificent chapel if you are in the Durham area. The approach down a long avenue toward a double-circular drive is breathtaking any time of year and any time of day or night! You may luck out and be able to park in the circle in front of the chapel, but don't count on doing that during weekdays when the university is in session or on most Saturdays -- the chapel is booked years in advance for weddings. The magnificent stained glass windows rival the cathedrals of Europe and if you time things right, you can be treated to an organ concert, or even just someone practicing on one of the several organs.Be sure to visit the area to the left of the main chancel, where there is a lovely small chapel where several members of the Duke family have their final resting places.

CarolynP812

We were staying in Chapel Hill and took a drive to Durham to visit Duke University. What an amazing addition to our trip to be able to attend a Sunday morning service at this aesthetically perfect University Chapel. With its beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, majestic pipe organ and its Gothic style architecture makes this chapel alluring and breathtakingly peaceful once inside. Even though this was constructed in the early 1930's, the ambience makes you feel as if you are in Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England (one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England). The Chapel is located on the West Campus and is truly a do not miss stop when visiting Duke University. Once you turn off of Towerview Drive...... Duke University Chapel acts like a lighthouse beacon just inviting you to come inside. I highly recommend you park and do just that. You wont be disappointed.

Froomcat

What architecture and great site lines. We listened to a choir practice and it was special,Free easy parking right out front for 30 minutes

tfitz695

It's a beautiful cathedral. Stunning stained glass windows. Welcoming atmosphere and a nice Ash Wednesday service.

ncnorski

It's a taste of Europe in the southeastern US. We bring all our out of town guests here (even though we are Tar Heel fans--we gotta admit Duke Chapel is amazing).

VCKP

It is a beautiful structure that has been around for a while. It does not matter what faith you follow but I would suggest to anyone visiting Durham to check out the church. It is majestic, architecturally rich and very peaceful when one is inside. Great for pictures too. Parking is an issue as there is none right outside the church. However, there is a parking lot pretty close by and there are road signs to direct to it. Overall a great place to visit!

SGreen39

There is nothing like rounding the corner on Towerview Drive and seeing the Duke Chapel loom before you. I'm sure there is a very technical reason why this is called a "chapel" but all I can think when I see it is "cathedral." It's beautiful inside and out. If you have time, go downstairs where the crypt is...very cool space with former Presidents of Duke are buried including Terry Sanford, who, in addition to serving as Duke's president was a U.S. Senator and Governor of NC. Note that the chapel is closed for renovations much of 2015 so check before you go. You can still view from the outside, though.

RachelS111215

This chapel is amazing. The whole campus is beautiful. The inside of the chapel is a must see if you are visiting duke.

OhioRoadtrip

We were unprepared for the detail and beauty of the architecture of this chapel. It is worth walking around and looking up, enjoying the stonework. Inside the chapel is breathtaking.

630jima

Duke university was designed and built to reflect the deep Christian faith of the founders. The main campus is cross shaped with the "chapel" as it's crown jewel at the top of the cross. It is no chapel. It is more of a cathedral with seating capacity for up to 2000. It's soaring ceilings and stained glass call your heart, mind and spirit heavenward. It is more spartan that the great European gothic churches, but enter in and be inspired regardless.

joannel362

Enjoy the quiet beauty of this stately chapel in the middle of Duke campus. It's got a bell tower with carillion music playing sometimes.

DonnaB42

The organ recital every M-F from 12:30-1:30 is unbelievably beautiful only to be surpassed by the beauty of the chapel itself.

katies796

I was blessed to experience church service here, and it was the best of my life. The pastor gave an uplifting, historic, and inspiring sermon. The choir surrounded the congregation at the end, and their voices connected us to the heavens. Highly recommend.

that_magpie

If you're in the area and feel like staring in awe at something, go here. It's a nice 15-30 diversion for visiting family, an hour if you wander around the local campus.

kwhalen13

My husband and I were lucky enough to get married here back on 2007 when I was in grad school at duke. It was the perfect location. All of our family were speechless when they walked in. The architecture is beautiful. We didn't even do any flowers for the chapel because it's so breath taking nobody would have even noticed flowers. If you can go in the spring while the surrounding trees are blooming, it's beautiful.