Europe is a continent filled with a rich history and breathtaking architecture, making it one of the top destinations for travelers from all over the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of Europe is its religious monuments and structures that have stood the test of time. From the towering cathedrals to the humble churches, each of them tells a unique story of the region's cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the best churches and cathedrals in Europe. We have carefully curated a list of destinations that showcase the beauty of European architecture and the rich religious history of the continent. Join us on this journey to explore some of the most impressive religious structures that Europe has to offer.
1. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Architect: Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Donato Bramante
Built In: 1626
Highlights: Dome, Bernini's Baldachin, Pietà, Sistine Chapel
Location: Dome, Bernini's Baldachin, Pietà, Sistine Chapel
St. Peter’s Basilica is an iconic church located in the heart of Vatican City. This magnificent structure is one of the largest churches in the world and is considered to be the most important religious site in the Catholic faith. Designed by Michelangelo and other famous architects, St. Peter's Basilica features a stunning interior that boasts of intricate details, frescoes, and marble sculptures. The highlight of the church is the dome, which offers a panoramic view of the city of Rome. A visit to St. Peter's Basilica is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed by anyone visiting Europe.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
Architect: Maurice de Sully
Built In: 1163
Highlights: Gargoyles, Rose Windows, Crown of Thorns
Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Notre-Dame Cathedral is an iconic church located in the heart of Paris, France. This magnificent structure is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and is a symbol of French Gothic architecture. The cathedral is famous for its intricate details, including the gargoyles and the stained glass windows, which are considered to be some of the finest in the world. The cathedral also houses many artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross. Although the cathedral suffered significant damage during a fire in 2019, it remains a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Paris.
3. Westminster Abbey, London
Architect: Henry Yevele, John Islip, Nicholas Hawksmoor
Built In: 1090
Highlights: Poets' Corner, Coronation Chair, Henry VII's Lady Chapel
Location: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Westminster Abbey is a historic church located in the heart of London, England. This magnificent structure is a symbol of English Gothic architecture and is the site of many significant events in British history, including coronations and royal weddings. The cathedral is famous for its intricate details, including the stained glass windows and the gothic architecture. The abbey also houses the tombs of many famous people, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Charles Dickens. A visit to Westminster Abbey is a must for anyone interested in English history and architecture.
4. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Architect: Gerhard von Rile, Master Gerhard
Built In: 1248
Highlights: Gero Cross, Shrine of the Magi, Bell Tower
Location: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne, Germany
Cologne Cathedral is a stunning church located in the heart of Cologne, Germany. This magnificent structure is a symbol of Gothic architecture and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The cathedral is famous for its intricate details, including the stained glass windows, the gothic architecture, and the towering spires that dominate the skyline of the city. The cathedral took over six centuries to complete and is considered to be one of the most impressive religious structures in Europe. The cathedral's interior is just as impressive, with intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. A visit to Cologne Cathedral is a must for anyone interested in European architecture and history.
5. St. Mark's Basilica, Venice
Architect: Greek architects
Built In: 1092
Highlights: Mosaics, Pala d'Oro, Tetrarchs
Location: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
St. Mark's Basilica is a stunning church located in the heart of Venice, Italy. This magnificent structure is a symbol of Byzantine architecture and is famous for its intricate details and stunning mosaics. The basilica is located in the famous St. Mark's Square and is one of the most visited attractions in Venice. The basilica's interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with breathtaking mosaics and intricate stone carvings. A visit to St. Mark's Basilica is a must for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Italy.
6. Duomo di Milano, Milan
Architect: Simone da Orsenigo, Francesco di Giorgio Martini
Built In: 1386
Highlights: Terraces, Stained glass windows, Madonnina
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Duomo di Milano is a stunning cathedral located in the heart of Milan, Italy. This magnificent structure is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Europe and is famous for its intricate details and stunning stained glass windows. The cathedral took over six centuries to complete and is the fifth-largest cathedral in the world. The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as its exterior, with beautiful marble floors and intricate stone carvings. A visit to Duomo di Milano is a must for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Italy.
7. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Architect: Antoni Gaudi
Built In: 19 March 1882
Highlights: Stained glass windows, Towers with panoramic views, Nativity façade and crypt museum.
Location: C/ de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia is one of the most iconic and unique churches in Europe, located in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, this church is a masterpiece of modernist architecture, featuring intricate details, stunning stained glass windows, and soaring towers that reach up to 170 meters. The church is a symbol of Gaudi's dedication to his faith and his innovative approach to design. A visit to Sagrada Familia is an unforgettable experience, where you can marvel at the intricate details of the architecture and contemplate the beauty of the stained glass windows. The church's unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles makes it one of the most impressive religious structures in Europe, and an essential destination for any traveler with an appreciation for art and architecture.
8. St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague
Architect: Peter Parler
Built In: 1344
Highlights: Stained glass windows, Towers with panoramic views, Nativity façade and crypt museum.
Location: III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czech Republic
St. Vitus Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic. This magnificent structure is the largest and most important church in the country and is famous for its intricate details and stunning stained glass windows. The cathedral's interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with beautiful vaulted ceilings and intricate stone carvings. A visit to St. Vitus Cathedral is a must for anyone interested in the history and architecture of the Czech Republic.
9. Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Architect: Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi
Built In: 1296
Highlights: Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, Last Judgment fresco
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Santa Maria del Fiore is a stunning cathedral located in the heart of Florence, Italy. This magnificent structure is a symbol of Italian Gothic architecture and is famous for its stunning dome, which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral's interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with beautiful frescoes and intricate stone carvings. A visit to Santa Maria del Fiore is a must for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Italy.
10. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
Architect: Master Esteban, Fernando de Casas y Novoa
Built In: 1075
Highlights: Botafumeiro, Pórtico de la Gloria, Holy Door
Location: Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a stunning Romanesque cathedral located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This magnificent structure is a symbol of the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage route that has been taken by millions of people for over a thousand years. The cathedral's interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with beautiful stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows. A visit to The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a must for anyone interested in the history and religious significance of the pilgrimage.
