October is Halloween month, or “spooky season”! With it comes the desire to embrace all things dark, scary and mystical. What started as an ancient Gaelic festival celebrating summer harvests with bonfires, costumes and merriment has evolved into a global holiday with themed parties, creative makeup and fashion, and even common practices.
Also synonymous with the popular Pagan-rooted holiday is the decidedly “spooky” Gothic architectural aesthetic comprising dark colours, pointed arches and towers, and of course, stained glass windows. This spooky season, Expat Explore is celebrating Halloween with our list of the top Gothic buildings in the world that you simply have to see in this lifetime!
Related: Halloween fans can also visit these horror movie locations in real life!
Here are our top Gothic buildings to visit this Halloween:
Notre Dame, Paris
Our first must-visit Gothic building brings us to France. The Notre Dame Cathedral is nestled in the heart of Paris. It serves as a reminder of the timeless beauty of Gothic architecture. From the outside, the Notre Dame Cathedral has an intricate facade complete with soaring spires and gargantuan Gargoyles keeping watch over the famed city from high above.
Inside, the Gothic opulence continues with a towering nave, stained glass windows and stone walls painted by the light shining through them. Unfortunately, due to a devastating fire in 2019, the Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed for reconstruction. But you can see the epic rebuild in action if you happen to visit Paris before it eventually reopens.
Related: Exclaim your excitement in the local language with these top French travel phrases!
Leuven Town Hall, Leuven
Walking through many of the streets in Belgium will already feel like stepping back in time to an era when Gothic architecture ruled the day. Leuven’s Town Hall, a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic design, sits perched like an ornate centrepiece that commands the attention of passersby. From the intricacy of the spires that almost mimic embroidery to the pattern-like precision of design repetition, this historic landmark speaks to the very fabric of Belgian culture.
Related: Make the most of your trip with bucket-list things to do in Belgium!
Westminster Abbey, London
The next iconic Gothic masterpiece we recommend you visit can be found in London, United Kingdom. Beyond the historic architecture, this site also serves as somewhat of a time capsule. This is where centuries of royal ceremonies, political events and artistic celebrations took place.
As you take in the unmatched splendour of its detailed arches, fan vaulting, stained glass windows and sheer size, you’re sure to gain the same deep appreciation for Gothic architecture that left it inextricably linked to Britain.
Related: There are many more royal places to explore in London!
Cathedral of Barcelona, Barcelona
Spain brings us the next entry on our list of the top Gothic buildings worldwide. While the building bears traces of Baroque and Neo-Gothic influences, its primary architectural style is still Gothic. What makes the architecture of this landmark so special is the unique and harmonious interplay between design styles across centuries. This can be seen in details like the intricate sculptures, towering nave and opulent chapels all coexisting spectacularly.
Related: Check out these events to attend in Spain year-round!
Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon
Up next on our Halloween-inspired tour of the world’s most wowing Gothic buildings is a stop in Portugal for a lesson in Late Gothic architecture and the unique Portuguese interpretation of it. The shores of Lisbon are home to Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Late Gothic style and the pinnacle of Portuguese Manueline architecture.
A true testament to Portugal’s Age of Exploration, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features intricate maritime motifs, breathtaking stone carvings and a stunning fusion of Gothic and Renaissance influences that give visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history.
Related: Do you need more reasons to add Portugal to your bucket list?
St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague
Our next iconic building is nestled in the historic Prague Castle complex and is an enchanting representation of Gothic architecture. A symbol of the Czech Republic’s heritage of faith, St. Vitus Cathedral is decorated with soaring spires, grand chapels and mesmerising stained glass windows that welcome a kaleidoscope of light into the ornate interior.
Taking in the beauty of this building is undoubtedly a bucket list experience. Especially if you consider the unmatched views of Prague that you can experience from the heights of St. Vitus Cathedral.
Related: Visit Prague and these other spooky European cities this Halloween!
Duomo di Milano, Milan
Follow us into the heart of Milan, Italy for an exploration of the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano which serves as the perfect meeting place for Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. Marvel at centuries of architectural mastery which you’ll find in the building’s imposing facade, adorned with countless intricate statues and carvings.
The awe and splendour continue in the vast interior as the light shining through stained glass windows illuminates the intricate sculptures and centuries-old details. The building is simultaneously a beacon of Gothic grandeur and a celebration of Italian opulence.
Related: Find out for yourself what makes Italy delightful when you visit!
That concludes our tour of the top Gothic buildings worldwide for spooky season specialists to explore! Be sure to stock up on film or clean out your smartphone storage for the impressive photo album you’ll curate on a trip to each of these destinations.
What better way to welcome Hallow’s Eve than with a spooky season tour of these Gothic buildings? Luckily for you, Expat Explore offers guided Europe multi-country tours to all the countries on this list! So, you can brave the eerie atmosphere and see these sites for yourself.