When Tosa’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (9400 W. Congress St.) was completed in 1961, the design challenged convention – some have likened its unique look to a flying saucer. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who was inspired by the famous Hagia Sophia church in Istanbul, said he wanted congregants to feel “cupped in the hands of God,” hence the circular form that dominates the design.
The interior is intentionally intimate, and along with circular forms, it also emphasizes arches and crosses. First-time visitors are often puzzled that this church has no central aisle (known as the nave), says tour guide Perry Michalos. “The reason for that is that [Wright] wanted to design three sections on the lower level to represent the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Well, in order to get three sections inside a circle, you can’t have a central entryway,” Michalos says.
Visiors will dive deeply into Wright’s vision and its connection to the Orthodox Christian faith in a tour, which includes a seated presentation, Q&A with a tour guide, and the chance to explore the church and take photos. Annunciation is handicap accessible except for the upper level. Tour reservations can be made on the website: annunciationwi.org.
