One of the main attractions in Europe is its many cathedrals. There are massive cathedrals in just about every major center, while just about every village has a historic church worth seeing. They were typically built over a very long period of time in stops and starts.
The great cathedrals in Europe range from St. Peter’s Basilica of the Vatican to the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Here are some of the biggest cathedrals in Europe worth visiting.
10 St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican City
St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Vatican
St. Peter’s Basilica is perhaps the most famous cathedral in the world and the seat of the Pope. It is the largest cathedral in the world by some measures and is a must for anyone visiting Rome (and is quite literally unmissable for anyone visiting the Vatican City).
It is regarded as the most famous Renaissance work in the world.
9 Notre Dame, France
Notre Dame in Paris, France
In 2019 Notre Dame of Paris tragically caught fire. The damage to the Gothic cathedral was extensive, and repairs have been ongoing ever since. It is scheduled to be restored soon and will once again open to the public.
Notre Dame is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris and one of the top attractions.
8 The Seville Cathedral, Spain
The Seville Cathedral (officially Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) is remarkable for a number of reasons. When it was built in the early 16th century, Seville Cathedral overtook the Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world.
It remains the largest Gothic church and has been UNESCO listed since 1987. It is also home to the remains of Christopher Columbus (see his tomb there).
7 Hagia Sophia, Turkey (Byzantine Empire)
Ancient basilica Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
The Hagia Sophia was built by the Eastern Roman Empire after the Western Roman Empire fell. It was built as the Eastern Roman Empire was transitioning into the Medieval Byzantine Empire.
For around a thousand years, it was the largest church in the world, and today is one of the top attractions in modern Istanbul. After the fall of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque, and after being a museum for 100 years, it is once again a mosque.
6 Milan Cathedral, Italy
Duomo Cathedral Square, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
The Milan Cathedral is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in Italy and also one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It took a whopping six centuries to complete (its facade was only completed in 1965).
By some measures, it can be considered larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The Milan Cathedral’s Square is one of the most iconic in Italy and a ubiquitous Instagram spot.
- Built: 1386 to 1965 (last parts of the facade)
5 Westminster Abbey, England
The royal church, Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is not the largest church in England, but it is one of the most famous for its connection with the English and British royalty. It has been the site of 40 English and British coronations since 1066 and has been the burial site for 18 of the monarchs.
It has also hosted 16 royal weddings since 1100, and most recently, King Charles III was coronated there in 2023.
4 Chester Cathedral, England
View Of Chester Cathedral
The Chester Cathedral traces its origins to Norman beginnings and is one of the top attractions to see while exploring the charming small city of Chester. Chester is famous in England for its Roman ruins and its stunning Tutor architecture (and the Chester Cathedral is the cherry on the cake).
In Chester, visitors can walk the length of the longest, oldest, and most complete city walls in England, with parts that date back to Roman times.
- Built: 13th century to 16th century
3 Strasbourg Cathedral, France
Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral In France
The Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the unmissable landmarks in Strasbourg. The cathedral was formerly German and is now found in the border Alsace region of France. It is considered one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.
The cathedral is also distinctive as one of its towers was never fully completed. It has been UNESCO listed since 1988.
2 St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Bulgaria
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral In Bulgaria
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) is the largest and most famous cathedral in the country. It is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral and the seat of the Patriarch of Bulgaria.
It is built in a Neo-Byzantine style and is one of the icons and symbols of the country.
- Built: 1882 to approx 1912
1 Cologne Cathedral, Germany
Waterfront view of Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Cathedral is perhaps the most famous cathedral in Germany today. It is located in the German city of Cologne and is a Catholic Church, and is acclaimed for its Gothic architecture.
It has become the most visited landmark in Germany and is the tallest twin-spired church in the world.
