It doesn’t take a religious person to appreciate the beauty of a cathedral and its stunning architecture. Take a look at our top 10 list of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals.
10. Hagia Sophia Cathedral (Istanbul, Turkey)
This former Orthodox was turned into a mosque in they year 1453 following the conquering of Constantinople by the Turks.
Until the construction of Sevilla Cathedral in the year 1520, Hagia Sophia Cathedral was the largest in the world. It now serves as a beautiful museum.
9. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain)
Santiago de Compostela is a stunning Romanesque structure. The Gothic and Baroque details were added later in its lifetime.
It’s a particularly important site for Christians as it is where Saint James the Great is buried. Even today it is a world famous place of pilgrimage.
8. Winchester Cathedral (Winchester, England)
One of the very biggest cathedrals in England, Winchester Cathedral is quite the architectural masterpiece. It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and has the biggest overall length of any European Gothic cathedral.
This cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester.
7. Saint Basil’s Cathedral (Moscow, Russia)
Built between 1555-1561, Saint Basil’s Cathedral can be found on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia. It’s a Russian Orthodox Church that is incomparable to any other Russian architecture.
The unique shape and colours are highly original and it’s regarded worldwide as a masterpiece.
6. Washington National Cathedral (Washington DC, USA)
It is the sixth biggest cathedral on earth and indeed, the second largest in the USA. Washington National Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic structure that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
In 2009, it set a record of receiving more than 400,000 visitors.
5. Chartres Cathedral (Chartres, France)
It’s little wonder that Chartres Cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. After all, it is a UNESCO world heritage site.
It has been very well looked after over the years with only minor changes since its construction early in the 13th century.
4. Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence, Italy)
Santa Maria del Fiore is a Gothic style cathedral complex. Work first began on the building in 1296 and it was completed quite some time later in 1436.
Situated in Piazza del Duomo, it comprises of three buildings and is a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular tourist destination.
3. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)
Located in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia is a huge Roman Catholic Church which was designed by Antoni Gaudi – the world renowned architect. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and was consecrated and named a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.
It is still currently under construction and not due to be finished until 2030.
2. St. Paul’s Cathedral (London, England)
St. Paul’s Cathedral is a major tourist attraction in London. Its English Baroque style was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was part of the extensive rebuilding of the capital following the Great Fire of London.
It is the seat of the Bishop of London and dedicated to Paul the Apostle.
1. Notre Dame de Paris (Paris, France)
Arguably the most popular cathedral in the world, Notre Dame de Paris is surely one of the very best examples of French Gothic architecture. Its current style contrasts with its earlier Romanesque architecture, creating a cathedral with unparalleled beauty.
This cathedral attracts thousands of visitors every day.
