World's Smallest Church: world record in Fort Atkinson, Iowa
Academy of World Records
Jun 19, 2023 — "Located southwest of Festina is St. Anthony of Padua Chapel, described at the "world's smallest church". Measuring 12 ft (3.7 m) by 16 ft.
Located a few miles west of Festina, IA off of Hwy 150, the St. Anthony of Padua Chapel or the “World’s Smallest Church” seats 8 people, has a 12 x 16 foot interior, normal sized doorway and pews, and 30-ft. +steeple. Built in 1886 to honor a mother’s vow to build a chapel if her son returned safely from the Napoleonic War.
Privately owned: open during daylight hours.
Free.
Watch for signs off IA 150 and IA 24
Dedicated in 1886, St. Anthony of Padua Chapel claims in old postcards and modern signage to be the "Smallest Church in the World." It was one of our first tiny church investigations, and sits on a property named "Smallest Church Park." Though the claim may have had fleeting validity, later breakthroughs in ministry miniaturization leave this Roman Catholic church among the awkwardly tall.
With its 12 ft. by 16 ft. interior, normal-sized doorway, 40 ft. steeple, and pews for at least eight people, it is nonetheless a charming spot to seek solace. Then you can jump up and screech off in search of a smaller church...