Top 10 Magnificent & Beautiful Churches in Europe

Beautiful churches in Europe. Photo: KnowInsiders

Christian churches, fueled by deep devotion, are where art met architecture and astonishing craftsmanship. For centuries, kingdoms, cities and rulers have done their best to outdo each other with the construction of imposing places of worship. Churches and cathedrals were built because of divine appearances, in thanksgiving for salvation and assistance, as a request for successful war campaigns or as a demonstration of power and wealth - in every place across the continent.

It's hard to select among them the 10 most beautiful churches in Europe, however, KnowInsiders will list below 10 churches that are likely the most famous and gorgeous of Europe.

List of 10 Most Beautiful Churches in Europe

1. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

2. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

3. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

4. Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, France

5. Duomo Di Siena, Tuscany, Italy

6. St Paul’s Cathedral, London, England

7. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

8. Kölner Dom, Cologne, Germany

9. St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

10. Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly, Greece

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What Are The Most Beautiful Churches in Europe?

1. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

Photo: Ancient Origins

St. Basil’s Cathedral adorns the edge of Moscow’s iconic Red Square. It is famed for its glorious set of onion domes and technicolor rooftops, all of which were built to resemble the flickering flames of a bonfire.

The building itself was commissioned way back in the mid-16th century, intended as a trophy piece of Ivan the Terrible following successful conquests against the Khanates of middle Asia. Today, it’s a veritable symbol of the Russian state, though curiously unlike any other piece of religious architecture found anywhere else in the country, or in the former USSR for that matter.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Photo: WallpaperAccess

Considered to be the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed from 1506 to 1626 and is believed to be built on the burial site of St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first Catholic Pope.

This incarnation of St. Paul’s replaced previous churches built on the same spot dating back to the Roman Emperor Constantine. Designed by Michelangelo and several other prominent Renaissance architects, it attracts Catholic pilgrims from all over the world as well as lovers of Renaissance art and architecture.

3. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

Photo: CNN

Yet to be finished, the Sagrada Familia already flaunts its Dadaist panache, UNESCO title and otherworldly majesty better than any other building in Barcelona. It soars more than 160 meters above the plains of the Costa Brava.

It’s such a veritable symphony of styles that visitors to its colossal interior are kept busy as soon as they enter. In nooks and crannies, macabre gargoyles peer out devilishly, while monoliths of turtles in their carapaces cling to the steles. A multi-colored mishmash of towering tree-like columns dominates inside. Art Nouveau, gothic, surrealist, romantic – it has it all.

4. Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, France

Photo: GoodFon

The stunning Nôtre Dame Cathedral was built on the Ile de la Cité in the Seine and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in France today.

The Nôtre Dame ("Our Lady") Cathedral rises in the centre of Paris on an island in the middle of the Seine, the Ile de la Cité (Island of the City), and is one of the most important buildings in France. It is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, and was once the scene of numerous coronations of various kings and queens, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

The elaborate architecture of the King's Gallery above the three large portals provides space for 28 sculptures representing the biblical kings. These statues were destroyed during the French Revolution, however, as they had been mistaken for statues of French kings by the enraged citizens. Some of the heads of these statues still reappeared towards the end of the 20th century. Today they have their place among the treasures of a medieval museum.

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5. Duomo Di Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Photo: Lonely Planet

Siena is one of Tuscany’s most famous cities, and many of thousands of tourists who come each year come primarily to see the Cathedral. If you’ve been to Florence’s Duomo, the one in Siena provides a stark contrast. Where the Florence Cathedral’s interior is drab, in Siena, it’s hard to decide what to look at first. The walls, floors, and ceiling are all completely covered in paintings and mosaics. Sculptures by Michelangleo, Donatello, Bernini all reside in the cathedral. The columns are decorated with an unusual black and white striped pattern, as is the belltower.

The Cathedral’s marble façade is one of the most impressive in Italy. There is a small fee to enter the cathedral, but it’s 100% worth it. If you don’t have time to tour the inside of the Cathedral, it’s worth visiting just to the church’s stunning exterior.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral, London, England

Photo: klook

St. Paul’s Church, the Anglican Cathedral and Seat of the Bishop of London, sits at Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. It was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962. Construction of the church began in 1675 after the Great Fire of London gutted the previous St. Paul’s and the church was first consecrated for use in 1708.

St. Paul’s, dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle, has housed Royal English ceremonies such as Prince Edward and Lady Diana’s wedding, Winston Churchill’s Funeral Services, peace services marking the end of the first and second world wars, and the Gold and Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The church is also a working church with hourly prayer and daily services.

7. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

Photo: iStock

Constructed from 1137 to 1160 Stephansdom or St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Vienna. The church was dedicated in 1147 to Saint Stephen in the presence of Conrad III of Germany, Bishop Otto of Freising, and other German nobles who were about to embark on the Second Crusade.

The church has hosted weddings and funerals of some of the most notable names in European history and culture including Ferdinand I Holy Roman Emperor, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi. The Cathedral is also featured on the Euro 10-cent coin.

8. Kölner Dom, Cologne, Germany

Photo: Flickr

Set on the Rhine river, Cologne has a beautiful old town that is dominated by churches and museums. The most imposing one is the 13th century Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – the third-largest church in the world and second-largest structure in Cologne.

This Gothic cathedral’s architecture is just amazing with its twin towers that dominate the city skyline, stone façade, and beautiful stained-glass stories. Once you’re there you simply must climb its 500 steps to get to its top and enjoy the views and explore the hidden treasury located in the medieval crypt of the cathedral.

9. St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

Photo: Big Bus Tours

This neoclassical Roman Catholic church is relatively new compared to many other European churches, since it was completed in 1905. However, St. Stephen's Basilica's symmetrical architecture and beautiful dome make the building blend in seamlessly with the rest of the historic city of Budapest.

Relics are an important aspect of many Catholic churches, and St. Stephen's is no different. The reliquary at this basilica holds the right hand of Saint Stephen, for whom the church is named.

10. Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly, Greece

Photo: Hotels of Greece

There's nothing more serene than a monastery located on a giant rock pillar overlooking the town of Kalambaka, like the Meteora Monasteries, which are located in Thessaly in central Greece.

Despite their isolated location, it is possible for tourists to visit this group of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, many of which still house monks and nuns to this day

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