Churches have long been regarded as some of the most important buildings mankind has built. So much effort and thought go into making these buildings magnificent to behold. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s hard to deny that the architecture of churches can be mesmerizing.
Today, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most beautiful churches you should visit during your travels. Here are our picks.
10. Borgund Stave Church, Norway
We're starting off our top 10 beautiful churches list with a historic one. This church has a timeless beauty that makes it look both modern and ancient at the same time. Originally built around 1180, this church is exceptionally well-preserved (especially considering that it’s mainly made of wood). It was closed as a church in 1868 and serves as a museum today; one we highly recommend you visit if you ever find yourself in Norway.
9. Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland
Hallgrimskirkja is one of the most iconic churches of Iceland, and for good reason; it looks like a jet about to take off into the sky! The church was designed to resemble the basalt lava flows that Iceland is famous for. Constructed in 1986, it remains the tallest church in Iceland. Just be careful it doesn’t take off into the sky when you’re visiting it!
8. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia
Even when it comes to the most beautiful churches in the World, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is unique. Located 200 meters underground in a salt mine, this church started as a small place of worship for the miners. Eventually, it was converted into a full-fledged church. It has beautiful sections depicting the birth, life, and death of Jesus, as well as hand-carved marble sculptures that are absolutely breathtaking.
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7. Basilica Of Our Lady Of Lichen, Poland
If you’re into church architecture and you find yourself in Poland, you’ll be missing out if you don’t visit this one. It’s by far the largest church in Poland, with absolutely magnificent and breathtaking architecture. Due to the size of the grounds and the church, it’s impossible to see everything in just one short visit. So we recommend visiting this multiple times to appreciate it in all its glory.
6. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro. From the outside, this church was designed to replicate the architecture style of the Mayans. From the inside, this church is grand, in every sense of the word. It has an area of 8,000 sq. meters with a seating capacity of 5,000 people and a maximum capacity of 20,000. The huge stained glass windows add a lot of beauty to this church, both from the outside and especially from the inside.
5. St. Mark’s Basilica, Italy
St. Mark’s Basilica has a very unique Italo-Byzantine architecture. Situated in Venice, it is also known as the “Church of Gold.” If you want to be awestruck when you walk into a church, this is the one to walk into. The art on the church’s walls, combined with the gold, is marvelous. When you’re visiting Venice, this is easily a must-visit place.
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4. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
Las Lajas Church was founded as a result of a miraculous sighting of the Virgin Mary in 1754. The site became a place of religious pilgrimage, and eventually, Las Lajas Sanctuary was constructed from 1916 to 1949. There’s also a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary at the end of the church, behind the altar, that nobody knows the origins of. The Gothic, palatial architecture of this church is truly something to behold. It is rich in both its history and the sheer natural beauty surrounding it.
3. Duomo di Milano, Italy
Also featuring Gothic architecture, this church is the largest one in Italy and the fourth largest in the world. The attention to detail in every single part of this church is mind-boggling. And no wonder, almost 6 centuries of work went into the construction of this church! The construction started in 1386 and concluded in 1965. As such, every bit of this church is full of history and art.
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2. Sagrada Familia, Spain
Sagrada Familia can easily make it to top 3 on everyone's top 10 beautiful churches list; it is simply gorgeous. While the construction on this church started in 1882, it’s currently still under construction; with work planned to finish by 2026. The jaw-dropping beauty of this church will make you feel like you’re in some fantasy novel; its architecture style is truly one of a kind. This church is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful examples of architecture in the world.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in all of the world and is the heart of Catholicism. It is said to be the burial site of St. Peter, Christ’s most favored apostle. While the current basilica was constructed in 1626, there have been churches on its site for as long as 17 centuries; dating all the way back to the 4th century AD. Due to the awe-inspiring architecture and the rich history, this is another church we recommend visiting multiple times.
And that’s it for our list of top 10 most beautiful churches on this big beautiful planet. Did we inspire you to go visit these churches? Well, great! Let´s check flight prices!
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