Cities in Europe are filled with spectacular architecture. Exploring cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings is truly one of the highlights of European travel. Some of the best examples of exceptional architecture can be seen in Europe’s churches. These churches display fascinating histories, artistic masterpieces and a wide variety of architectural styles.
While there are so many beautiful churches in Europe and around the world, Expat Explore has chosen a few very special cathedrals, basilicas and monasteries for our list the most beautiful churches in Europe!
Tick these churches off your bucket list on your Europe trip:
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, Spain
Spain is home to a number of exquisite churches, mosques and synagogues. With a strong Catholic, Islamic and Jewish history, stunning places of worship can be found in almost every Spanish town. Many churches are UNESCO-protected such as the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the impressively ornate Toledo Cathedral and, of course, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece – the Sagrada Familia.
Barcelona’s most iconic site displays the artistic genius of celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction on the Sagrada Familia began over a century ago in 1882. By the time Gaudí passed away in 1926, less than a quarter of the church was complete. As the world’s largest, unfinished Catholic church, the Sagrada Familia is a sight to behold. Construction is set to be completed in 2026!
Related: Visit all of the above-mentioned churches when you embark on our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour!
Duomo di Milano
Milan, Italy
Long dominated by the Roman Catholic church, Italy is home to some of Europe’s, and the world’s, most exceptional churches. From Florence’s Gothic-style Cathedral to Venice’s breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica, Italy is full of architectural wonders in the form of churches. While it feels almost impossible to choose just one beautiful Italian church, for this list we’ve chosen the iconic Duomo di Milano.
Easily Milan’s most recognisable building, the Duomo (also known as the Milan Cathedral) is the largest church in the Italian Republic and the third largest in the world! Celebrated for its awe-inspiring Gothic and Renaissance facade, the Duomo towers over Milan’s main square. The Cathedral is adorned with 3,400 statues, is covered entirely in marble and houses a nail from the True Cross making it an unforgettable, must-visit attraction in Milan and all of Italy!
Related: Enjoy a free day to explore Milan without the crowds on our Italy in Low Season tour!
Asamkirche
Munich, Germany
If you’re looking for massive churches to rival those of Spain and Italy, Germany has many to offer. There’s the incredible Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the second-tallest church in Europe, which remains standing even after being hit 14 times by aerial bombs during WWII! Germany also happens to be home to Europe’s tallest church – the Ulm Minster. However, for this list, we’re choosing a much smaller church and one that just happens to be a bit of a hidden gem.
The Asamkirche is a stunning Baroque chapel in Munich. What this church lacks in size it makes up for in detail! From its striking exterior, which juts out among a row of houses, to its ornate and dramatic interior featuring fascinating frescoes and statues, the Asamkirche is a feast for the eyes. The church was built as a private chapel for two brothers, sculptor Egid Quirin Asam and painter Cosmas Damian Asam, in 1733. As a result, the design is more unique and creative than many other Baroque structures which follow strict patterns.
Related: Discover the many magical sights of Munich on our Central Europe in Low Season tour!
Borgund Stave Church
Borgund, Norway
Today, Norway is considered a largely secular country. Yet, church building began around the year 1000 when Christianity was introduced. In the middle ages, Vikings began building unique church structures made entirely out of wood. Known as Stave Churches, these structures can only be found in Norway and are completely different from other European churches. While there used to be over 1,000 Stave churches around the country, only 28 remain today.
One of the most famous Stave churches is the Borgund Stave Church located in the small village of the same name. Built around the year 1200, this fascinating architectural wonder is far more distinctively Viking than it is Christian. With an almost-black veneer and dragon heads adorning each of the church’s four gables, it’s unlike any other church on this list. The dragons represent those seen on Viking ships and are meant to ward off evil spirits!
Related: Discover the dark beauty of the Borgund Stave Church on a Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics tour!
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Paris, France
As the capital of France, Paris is renowned for its art and architecture. Cathédrale Notre-Dame is one of the world’s most famous churches. This is due both in part to its exquisite French Gothic architecture and being the setting of Victor Hugo’s beloved novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Unfortunately, due to a devastating fire, the Notre-Dame is currently closed for reconstruction. However, Paris is still home to a number of must-visit churches including the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur!
Located in the vibrant Montmartre district, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (meaning Sacred Heart in English) sits atop the butte of Montmartre, overlooking the entire city. Aside from its size, the Sacré-Cœur stands out due to its white colour and distinctive Roman-Byzantine architectural style. Outside of the “City of Lights”, France boasts a number of other dazzling churches including the Strasbourg Cathedral (nicknamed the “Pink” Cathedral) and the fairytale, hilltop Mont Saint Michel Abbey in Normandy.
Related: Choose to spend an evening in Montmartre on our Classic Europe tour!
The Monasteries of Meteora
Thessaly, Greece
With a distinct Christian Orthodox history, religion is still very important in Greece. Orthodox churches are known for their picturesque domes and colourful interiors. Most notably, the island of Santorini has become synonymous with its whitewashed churches and painted blue domes. Churches on the Greek mainland are quite different as they date back to the Byzantine period.
For our next entry, we’re exploring one of the most otherworldly sites in Greece. Meteora is home to 6 monasteries (there were originally 24) perched atop sheer cliffs. These eroded rocks appear as if from a fantasy film making Meteora one of the world’s dreamiest destinations! The earliest evidence of monks occupying Meteora’s caverns dates back to the 11th century while monasteries were built in the 14th century.
Related: Uncover the Best of Greece from the Monasteries of Meteora and the ancient sites of Athens to the idyllic islands of Mykonos and Santorini!
St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican City
We’re heading back to Italy for our next entry to travel to the world’s smallest country – Vatican City! Located within Rome, the Vatican is a microstate which is best known for being home to the Pope. Vatican City became independent from Italy in 1929 as a way to separate itself from the political power of Mussolini’s Italy. As a country that exists solely for the purpose of Catholicism (and now tourism), you can be assured that one of Europe’s most beautiful churches can be found here!
St. Peter’s Basilica is an Italian High Renaissance church, the construction of which was completed in 1615. Catholic tradition states that St. Peter (one of Jesus’s apostles) is buried here, hence the name and dedication. The interior of St. Peter’s Basilica displays a number of intricate and artistic details. Michelangelo designed its distinct dome and the notable Pieta statue. Bernini’s Baldacchino, a massive bronze structure, is another highlight. For more Michelangelo masterpieces, be sure to visit the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and gaze up in wonder at its Renaissance frescoes.
Related: Along with visiting the Vatican, tick off these bucket-list activities in Europe!
Jerónimos Monastery
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is a country that holds great religious significance for many. This is most notably due to the town of Fátima which became a Catholic pilgrimage site after sightings of the Virgin Mary were reported in 1917. Outside of Fátima, Portugal is home to a number of gorgeous churches. The Cathedral of Évora is famous for its 16th-century Chapel of Bones which is, in fact, made out of the real bones of monks! The Chapel of Souls in Porto is another must-see with its dreamy blue-tiled exterior.
While all of these sites are highly recommended places to visit in Portugal, Jerónimos Monastery holds special significance as it was listed as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal! Built by King Manuel I in the late 15th century, Jerónimos Monastery stands out with its unique Maneline architecture. The monastery was also built to celebrate Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India. Vasco de Gama is actually buried in the church! As a result, maritime details such as knots and maritime motifs can be seen in the building’s facade.
Related: Journey through Lisbon and Porto and choose to visit Fátima on our Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour!
Church of St. Anne
Vilnius, Lithuania
Lithuania has a fascinating religious history with strong Pagan routes that are still evident today. Lithuania was actually the last Pagan country in Europe with Christianity only being adopted in 1387. As a result, some of the country’s churches feature Pagan elements such as suns and moons. Lithuania is also home to one of the quirkiest religious pilgrimage sites – the Hill of Crosses. This mysterious hill in northern Lithuania is home to an estimated 100,000 crosses and Christian sculptures, the origin of which remains unknown!
In Vilnius, the capital, churches can be seen on almost every corner! From the pretty pink Church of St. Casimir to the Gates of Dawn which is famous for its golden Renaissance portrait of Mary. However, the most striking church is likely the Church of St. Anne. This imposing, late Flamboyant-Gothic structure stands out among the Baroque architecture dominant of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Interestingly, it was one of the few religious buildings that was not destroyed during the Soviet occupation and was even renovated between 1960 and 1970!
Related: Spend three days discovering the highlights of Lithuania on our Ultimate Scandinavia & the Baltics tour!
Westminster Abbey
London, United Kingdom
Did you know that the United Kingdom has more churches than pubs? You can travel to pretty much any city or town in England and find churches ranging from massive, decorated cathedrals to quaint countryside chapels. York Minster is one of England’s finest churches with a history dating back to the 7th century and much of its medieval stained glass still intact. Durham Cathedral is another sought-after church due to its distinct Romanesque style. It was also used as a filming location for Harry Potter!
In London, unfortunately, many buildings suffered great damage after a fire in 1666. Of the 86 churches that were destroyed, 51 were rebuilt. Including St. Paul’s Cathedral – famed for being the site of Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince (now King) Charles! One of the few buildings to survive the Great Fire was Westminster Abbey. Along with the abbey, St. Margaret’s church and the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since 1066, the spellbinding Westminster Abbey has hosted every royal coronation and its fair share of royal weddings. Most recently, Prince William and Kate Middleton married at Westminster!
Related: Adventure through England, Scotland and Wales on a tour of Great Britain!
Churchgoers and lovers of architecture are truly spoilt for choice when deciding which churches in Europe to visit! There are so many truly beautiful buildings that, unfortunately, we couldn’t list them all here. Let us know which churches you would add to the list in the comments below!
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