30 Most Beautiful Cathedrals In The World

30 Most Beautiful Cathedrals In The World

Cathedrals are the most historical buildings in Christianity. They are most common in Anglican or Catholic faiths. Cathedrals serve as the place where other branches meet for parish activities. Normally, cathedrals are built in a major city or town where the population is sustained. In Christianity, a Cathedral serves as the main church where the gospel began but also as the center of many parishes. A cathedral is a church where big services are held, for instance, the ordination of priests or Bishops. In addition, Cathedrals are home to the Bishops or Archbishops. Further, most of these Cathedrals serve as tourist attractions. They hold services every Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday, and Easter Monday to commemorate the most important days in Christianity about Jesus Christ.

Read more about the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world here.

1. The Duomo di Milano Cathedral

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Also known as the Milan Cathedral or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, is a tourist landmark in Milan, Italy. It was completed in 1965 and since then has been noted as the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy. The cathedral is home to the famous bronze altar, marble statues, and stained glass windows. The cathedral is known for its impressive religious relics a fragment of the holy shroud, and pieces of the True Cross. Most tourists like to climb to the top of the cathedral because of its stunning view of the city.

2. St. Basil’s Cathedral

It is a multi-domed cathedral which is located in Moscow, Russia. The construction of the cathedral lasted from 1555 to 1561. The cathedral is known for being a multi-domed and recognizable architectural structure. Scholars note that Ivan the Terrible wanted the architects to be blinded after the cathedral was completed. Today, the cathedral is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a symbol of Russia’s cultural heritage.

3. The Cologne Cathedral

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The cathedral is located in Germany. Cologne is noted as the largest cathedral in Europe. It was completed 600 years after architects began building it in the 13th century. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Peter. However, this version of the cathedral was partially destroyed during the Second World War. The church was restored years after the war ended with a gothic architectural touch. Due to its historical significance, it was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. The Norte-Dame Cathedral

The Norte Dame is a famous medieval cathedral in Paris, France. It is known as the finest example of French Gothic architecture. It was built in 1163 but underwent multiple modifications. Over the years, it has been labeled as the cultural symbol of Paris. A lot of important events took place in the cathedral, the most famous one is the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804.

The cathedral is a tourist attraction and attracts millions of tourists every year. People from around the world go to the cathedral just to admire its magnificent architecture and historically accurate artwork. However, due to a devastating tragedy, the church has been undergoing restoration.

5. St. Peter’s Basilica

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Located in Vatican City, it is among the most important church in the world making it a highly regarded tourist attraction in the city. Scholars note that the church is named after Saint Peter, noted as the first pope of the Catholic church, who was buried on Vatican Hill. It is the center of Catholic worship and the site of most papal ceremonies. The widely admired part of the basilica is the dome which stands at a height of 136 meters. Per year, the church has an average of 10 million people which breaks down to about 50,000 every day.

6. Cathedral of Sevilla

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Located in Sevilla, Spain. The church was built in 1401 and underwent multiple architects and engineers that took on the project. The cathedral is known for its Gothic-style architecture with ribbed vaults that reach a height of 42 meters. The sides of the church have been designed with stained glass windows and sculptures. The church is the religious heritage of the city and has been crowned as the center of worship for the Catholic Community in Sevilla.

7. La Sagrada Familia 

Known for being designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi, the Basilica had been credited for being unique and breathtaking. It combines both goth and Art Nouveau elements that complement the church further. The church has been going through construction for 137 years, which makes it the longest construction project. The basilica is decorated with various religious and symbolic themes some of which are dedicated to the Holy Family. 

Over the years, the church has become a top tourist destination in Spain. Per year, the church receives millions of tourists which can be broken down to about 40,000 to 50,000 visitors per month.

8. The Hagia Sophia Cathedral

Noted as one of Istanbul’s historical buildings, is a big dome designed with Byzantine-style architecture. Throughout the years, the church has faced a lot of controversy for example, in 2020, the Turkish government converted it into a mosque. This was because of its history in the 6th century when into a mosque and then later a museum. Originally, the cathedral was a Greek Orthodox Christian church.

9. The Chartres Cathedral

Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Chartres Cathedral is known as a good blend of French and Gothic architecture. It has a number of pointed arches with ribbed vaults along with a number of designs and additions to the church that add beauty to it. The church also has a treasury that contains religious artifacts and relics. The church has also been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10. Saint Mark’s Cathedral

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It is located in Venice, Italy, and is known for being the most important landmark. Due to its remarkable decoration, it is called the Church of Gold. The architecture has a touch of Venetian, Gothic, and Byzantine styles which are amalgamated with marble columns and works of art. The Pala d’Oro is the most priceless and famous feature of the church. It is an altarpiece that is coated with precious stones. The church is home to the remains of Saint Mark which is also the reason behind the name. Tourists have to adhere to a certain dress code.

11. Hallgrimskirkja

It is located in Reykjavik, Ireland, and was completed in 1986. It is a Lutheran church known for being a remarkable landmark in Ireland. The church was named after clergyman Hallgrimur Petursson. The church’s design was uniquely inspired by lava flow and glaciers. Even though the outside of the church is a beautiful blend of geometric shapes and basalt columns, the inside is minimalist. To add to the almost gothic style, the church has a large pipe organ with over 5,200 pipes.

12. Cathedral of Brasilia

Located in the heart of Brazil’s capital city, the Cathedral of Brasilia is a Roman Catholic church that was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The church is widely known as one of the most impressive modernist structures in the world. It was designed to resemble a crown of thorns supported by large columns that weigh 90 tons. The roof comprises stained glass that creates beautiful colors inside the church. The altar is simple and features polished stone and a large cross making it minimalist.

13. The Borgund Stave Church

Is located in a small village called Borgund in Norway. It was built in the 12th century and was comprised of nothing but wood. The church is known for amazingly accurate carvings that mark the Viking age of the town. All the rooms are joined by narrow passageways which makes the tours seem like an endless puzzle.

The church has been recorded as a good example of Scandinavian architecture had has been studied by medieval art students. Because of its significance and heavily studied architecture, the church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

14. St. Partick’s Cathedral

It is located in Dublin, Ireland, and is remarked for being the largest church in Ireland. St. Partick’s is the national cathedral of the country which is why over the years it has been renovated and expanded. The cathedral features numerous styles that resemble Romanesque styles. It is among the famous tourist attraction in Ireland because of its numerous historical artifacts and priceless works of art.

The cathedral is the host of multiple national ceremonies like Ireland’s Remembrance Day ceremonies and carol service which are celebrated twice in December. There are about 500 people, some of which are notable individuals, that have been buried in the graveyard next to the church.

Read about St. Patricks Cathedral in New York here.

15. Westminister Abbey

Known as a historical church, Westminister is located in London, England. The church has been host to a number of coronations and weddings. It is also the burial place of statesmen, famous British figures, and other notable members of society. The church was built between the 13th and 16th centuries which explains the Gothic style. The abbey still runs daily services and hosts special events every year. Most of the locals refer to the church as A Royal Church because of the royal coronations.

16. The Notre Dame de Reims 

The Reims Cathedral is located in the city of Reims. It is known for its Gothic style and unique history. The cathedral was completed in the 13th century and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is defined as a great example of French Gothic architecture. Visitors from all around the world come to the cathedral to admire its beauty and seek consolation in its peaceful surroundings. Each year the church has an average of one million visitors.

During the church’s 50th anniversary in 2012, there were some major renovations and updates to the design and infrastructure. For example, the exterior stained glass that was designed by Marianne Peretti was replaced by uniform glass that was assembled in Brazil but manufactured in Germany.

17. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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The Stephansdom is located in Vienna, Austria, and is known for being an important landmark of the city. Scholars have noted that the church has witnessed various historic events such as the funeral of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the wedding of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Inside the cathedral, there are seven chapels which are usually the main tourist attraction followed by the carved pulpit.

The church has a height of 136.7 meters and is decorated with stained glass windows and multi-colored roof tiles. Most tourists make it their goal to make it to the top of the cathedral for the breathtaking view of Vienna.

18. National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Las Lajas

It is located in the Narino department near the border. It was built in 1754 and was meant to honor the Virgin Mary. There is a popular belief that in 1754, the Virgin Mary visited a woman at the same place where the church stands. Tourists come from all around the world to see the beautiful stone wall image of the Virgin Mary. Most scholars have crowned the church as the most important religious pilgrimage site in South America. The church has rebuilt between 1916 and 1949 with gorgeous stonework and Goth-like architecture.

19. Sainte Chapelle

Located in Paris, France, the Sainte Chapelle was built in the 13th century. The cathedral was built by King Louis IX and was meant to be part of his collection of religious relics. The cathedral is famous for its stained glass windows that cover almost all of its walls which make it a Gothic cathedral. Over the year, the church has gone through heavy reconstruction but the original designs have been preserved.

20. The Leon Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the city of Leon, Spain. It is known for its French Gothic-style architecture and impressive stained glass windows. The Leon Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Regia. The church was completed in the 18th century with alterations made over the years. The church is home to the Puerta del Perdon which translates to the Door of Forgiveness. The locals believe that one can be granted forgiveness.

21. Winchester Cathedral

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This medieval cathedral is located in Winchester, Hampshire, London. Scholars note it as one of the oldest in the country with a history that goes back to the 7th century. Originally, the church was built in 1079 but has gradually expanded over the centuries. Through careful construction and architecture, the cathedral is a perfect example of a Goth-style building. The church is home to the tomb of St. Swithun who was the bishop of Winchester during the 9th century. 

The cathedral has been recorded as being a must-see destination for people who adore architecture, and culture.

22. The Valencia Cathedral

Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, is a church located in Valencia, Spain. The cathedral was completed in the early 18th century even though construction began in the 13th century. This was because of various interruptions including the Black Plague. 

The church has multiple architectural styles that blend well together. The styles include Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque. There are several priceless works of art that dress the walls like the Holy Chalice. The cathedral is adored for its Giralda which is a bell tower and the Micalet bell tower.

23. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

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It is situated in the historic center of Mexico City. The cathedral was built from 1573 to 1813 making it the oldest in the Americas. With a Baroque-Gothic style, it has 16 chapels and is adorned with multiple works of art like altarpieces and sculptures as well as paintings. The interior of the church has gold leaf designs that add to the immaculate architecture.

The Metropolitan is famous for the Altar of Forgiveness which is located in front of the main altar and is said to be the second-largest piece of silver in the world.  Tourists love to take guided tours and be taught about the history of the cathedral. It still hosts religious events and mass every year.

Read more about the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world here.

24. St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Located in Valletta, Malta, St. John’s is a landmark church that was built between 1573 and 1578. The cathedral was built during the rule of the Knights of St. John which at the time was a Catholic military order. The church is famous for its impressive stone carvings and colorful frescoes that adorn the walls. One of the widely known works is the Caravaggio painting. In 1980, the church was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

25. St. Andrew’s Cathedral

Known as a historic landmark, it is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was built in 1867 and over the year, it has gone through several renovations. The cathedral has a total of 55 stained-glass windows most of which were donated by members of the church. The windows depict scenes from the Bible with various religious figures and saints.

It is also known for having an impressive pipe organ which has over 3,600 pipes. This makes it one of the largest organs in Hawaii and is normally used for musical events. The cathedral has a variety of worship services throughout the week.

26. Salisbury Cathedral

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It is located in  Salisbury, England, and was built in the 13th century. It is an Anglican cathedral with Gothic architectural designs. It is known for being the tallest in Europe. The cathedral is home to the famous Salisbury Cathedral Clock which dates back to the 14th century making it the oldest clock in the world. The cathedral is known for its role in the history of the Magna Carta which was an important legal document in English history.

27. La Seu

It is located in Palma, which is the capital of  Mallorca. It is formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. It was built in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque but the church was officially completed in the 17th century. The cathedral is among the important landmarks in Mallorca and gains numerous visitors per year. The church is famous for its Gothic-style architecture with castle-like features.

28. Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Located in the City of London, England, Saint Paul’s was built in the late 17th century and designed by Sir Christopher. This was after a tragic accident, the Great Fire of London, in 1666 that destroyed the previous cathedral. The cathedral has hosted a lot of important events like the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It is also the burial place of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. The church is open to services and concerts as well as guided tours.

29. Cathedral of Cordoba

 Originally, it was built in the 8th century as a mosque and was known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, it was only much later that was it converted into a cathedral. Even after it was turned into a cathedral, the name still stuck, and most still use it to refer to the mosque-cathedral. It is an important cultural site that was added in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque-cathedral is famous for its unique blend of Byzantine mosaics, geometric patterns, horseshoe arches, and over 800 columns that make the perfect tourist attraction.

30. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Known as the symbol of the city of Florence, Italy, the cathedral is the third largest church in the world. The cathedral is famous for its impressive dome which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The church was completed in 1436 but renovated over the centuries. The exterior is adorned with marble designs and colorful frescoes. Some works belong to some of the greatest Renaissance artists like Giorgio Vasari.

Tourists are given the liberty of climbing to the top of the dome. The cathedral is also home to the Baptistry of St. John which has a bronze door that was designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Additionally, cathedrals are known to be the center of many parishes combined together, hence, a cathedral is their main church. Cathedral houses the Archbishop and a Bishop who is the head of a Diocese in the case of the Anglican Church. They are beautiful and also large enough to accommodate a big congregation, an example of an ordination of a Bishop of priests.

Read more about the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world here.