Sacred and Profane Tour

Virginia City – The Sacred Side

Tour behind the scenes of Virginia City’s most famous churches and landmarks. Experience a unique perspective on religion that most visitors to Virginia City never see.

This itinerary begins in Virginia City, Nevada.
From Reno, take I-580 to Highway 341, also known as Geiger Grade, and head east. Virginia City is about a 35-minute drive from downtown Reno. From Carson City, take Highway 50 east to Highway 341. The drive is about 30 minutes from downtown Carson City.

Virginia City Visitors Center
Stop in the Virginia City Visitors Center to purchase discounted attraction tickets, get maps of the town and ask any questions you may have. Located at 86 South C Street.
775-847-7500

Historic Fourth Ward School & Museum
Guided or unguided. The last standing multi-story wooden school building of its kind in the United States. Sit in original wooden school desks, and learn a brief overview and history of the school. Various exhibits educate on the discovery and development of the Comstock Lode. (45 minutes – elevator available)
775-847-0975
www.fourthwardschool.org

*available May-October

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Guided or unguided. Step inside Virginia City’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in 1876 after the great fire of 1875. All the wood inside and out is original to the building. It is said that Mark Twain spoke to the congregation from the original lectern as he was good friends with St. Paul’s first Bishop, Ozzie Whitiker. (35 minutes -if guided. Church hours vary, call ahead)
775-847-9700

St. Mary’s in the Mountains Catholic Church & Museum
Guided or unguided. St. Mary’s in the Mountains is one of the most celebrated and historic churches in Nevada. The church and museum boasts more than 1,700 precious artifacts. Learn the history of the ‘Mad Monks’ and visit the Mad Monk’s Wine Cellar. (40 minutes – if guided. Church hours vary, call ahead)
775-847-9099