Alright, look to your left and you’ll spot the Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral-Reno’s own time machine in stone. Now, on the outside, it’s got that quiet dignity of a building that’s seen a century of Nevada sun... and a few wild nights too.
The story kicks off in 1906, when Catholic leaders snapped up a house on this corner for $10,000-about $330,000 in today’s cash. Not just pocket change. Within two years, they’d replaced the old home with a church big enough to fit Reno’s growing Catholic crowd, and dedicated it in 1908. However, Reno life wasn’t all smooth hymns and gentle prayers-a brutal fire in 1909 took out the ceiling and nearly the entire building. You can still imagine the flames licking upward, right here at Christmas time. But, showing true Reno grit, the community rallied and had it back open in just one year.
By the 1930s, the place was no longer just a parish church. Thanks to Pope Pius XI and a fresh bishop, it became the official cathedral of Reno. As a bonus, they installed the bishop’s chair-still sitting up front, as if waiting for its next occupant.
Step inside, and you’ll see the real showstopper: a wraparound mural painted in the 1950s by the Piczek sisters-a duo famous for their church art. The mural’s a who’s who of saints, Jewish prophets, and even a modern family, all centered around a glowing lamb. It’s considered one of the finest of its kind in the country.
Okay, time to keep moving. When you’re ready, just stroll west for about four minutes to reach the 20th Century Club.
