St Paul's Chapel

George Washington worshipped here after his inauguration in 1789, and that was the biggest claim to fame for this colonial-era chapel (affiliated with Trinity Church, which sits further down Broadway) prior to September 11. After that fateful day, when the World Trade Center destruction occurred just a block behind this classic revival brownstone, the mighty structure became a spiritual support center for all who needed it. Volunteers worked round the clock, serving meals, setting up beds, doling out massages and counseling rescue workers. Today a moving interactive exhibit, ‘Unwavering Spirit: Hope & Healing at Ground Zero,’ sits beneath the elegant cut-glass chandeliers, bringing streams of people who are still searching for healing and understanding. The chapel, which functions more as a spiritual community center, also hosts workshops, special events and a popular classical-music series.