Cleveland and the surrounding community are full of surprises. You may expect that our area is a modern rust belt community, full of sleepy people and old, rotting factories. On the contrary, there’s actually a rich variety of cultures in Greater Cleveland, especially when it comes to religion and religious architecture. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the most beautiful churches in Greater Cleveland… this one is tucked away in Parma, and you’d never guess at its immense beauty from its simple exterior. Take a look:

Located off of Broadview Road in Parma is a building that’s vaguely reminiscent of Byzantine architecture.

Tony Pazo/Google Images The local congregation at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral can trace its roots back to 1909, though their history dates back centuries. The church actually faced the stressors of a modern schism, something that was only recently repaired in the last few decades.

Inside, the building is absolutely breathtaking - something you’d never suspect from its mundane architecture.

Srdjan Bjelanovich/Google Images This building was constructed fairly recently, circa the early 1960s. While it may be younger than many of Greater Cleveland’s churches, it is overflowing with beauty that few local landmarks can rival.

Every inch of available space is decorated in some way; an undertaking that took years to complete.

George Ciobotaru/Google Images Fresco, of course, is a word of Italian origin. Frescoes have long been part of Italian culture, enjoying a particularly elevated status during the Renaissance. Some of the most famous examples of frescoes can be found in the Sistine Chapel, shaped by the hands of Michelangelo himself.

The fresco project, which was originally conceived in 2008, was done in phases due to the sheer size of the church.

George Ciobotaru/Google Images According to their website, the St. Sava Cathedral team brought in experts from the School of Iconography and Preservation in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The project, which began in 2008, took until 2014 to complete. Phase one focused on the eastern wall, phase two on the north and south walls, and when the sun finally set on this project, phase three focused on the western wall.

It was well worth the wait, as this church is overflowing with beauty that’s truly heavenly.

Slavica Milosavljevic/Google Images You’ll spot all sorts of familiar figures and scenes amidst the colorful designs of this cathedral. Look for Saint Archangel Michael, Saint Peter in Chains, Moses and the Burning Bush, and The Last Supper amidst the designs.

Many members of the church and community sponsored these beautiful designs, a respectable feat that has led to a work of art that the whole community can appreciate.

George Ciobotaru/Google Images Visitors of all ages can learn about Biblical stories by exploring these lovely images. There’s so much to see that it could take you several trips to take it all in!

If you’d like to visit the church, be sure to connect with them online and on Facebook.

George Ciobotaru/Google Images The church is particularly active on Facebook, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events like SerbFest.

This unsuspecting church is a true local gem.

Jim Hendershot/Google Images

Saint Sava is one of the most beautiful churches in Greater Cleveland. Have you ever visited this colorful spot? Are there any other local churches that you find to be striking? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Tony Pazo/Google Images

The local congregation at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral can trace its roots back to 1909, though their history dates back centuries. The church actually faced the stressors of a modern schism, something that was only recently repaired in the last few decades.

Srdjan Bjelanovich/Google Images

This building was constructed fairly recently, circa the early 1960s. While it may be younger than many of Greater Cleveland’s churches, it is overflowing with beauty that few local landmarks can rival.

George Ciobotaru/Google Images

Fresco, of course, is a word of Italian origin. Frescoes have long been part of Italian culture, enjoying a particularly elevated status during the Renaissance. Some of the most famous examples of frescoes can be found in the Sistine Chapel, shaped by the hands of Michelangelo himself.

According to their website, the St. Sava Cathedral team brought in experts from the School of Iconography and Preservation in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The project, which began in 2008, took until 2014 to complete. Phase one focused on the eastern wall, phase two on the north and south walls, and when the sun finally set on this project, phase three focused on the western wall.

Slavica Milosavljevic/Google Images

You’ll spot all sorts of familiar figures and scenes amidst the colorful designs of this cathedral. Look for Saint Archangel Michael, Saint Peter in Chains, Moses and the Burning Bush, and The Last Supper amidst the designs.

Visitors of all ages can learn about Biblical stories by exploring these lovely images. There’s so much to see that it could take you several trips to take it all in!

The church is particularly active on Facebook, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events like SerbFest.

Jim Hendershot/Google Images

Want to check out another stunning church? Visit St. Theodosius in Tremont for more exquisite architecture.

Discover Cleveland’s hidden gems and top-rated attractions with this list.

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