Beauty and spiritual significance embodied in 10 of the world's breathtaking churches
In every corner of the globe, beauty meets divine devotion in the form of churches.
These stunning creations are a representation of the faith and creativity humans can bring to the table.
From Italy to Turkey, read on for a list of 10 beautiful churches around the world.
- St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
- Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
- St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
- Westminster Abbey, London
- Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
- Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany
- Duomo di Milano, Milan
- Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, Aiguilhe, France
- Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland
1. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Located in the heart of Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Michelangelo and other eminent architects.
St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (Joshua Comins/Fox News Digital)
"The church we know today was not actually the original St. Peter’s Basilica. The original was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, who was the first Christian emperor in Rome. However, the building slowly deteriorated and by the Renaissance period was a crumbling landmark," reads Vatican City Tours.
Beyond the art and a majestic dome, the basilica offers a profound spiritual journey, inviting pilgrims and visitors to experience the splendor where faith and art converge in perfect harmony.
2. Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, Spain, the Sagrada Família was crafted by Antoni Gaudí in 1882.
Construction began in 1882, and as of now, Sagrada Família remains unfinished. (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Inside, visitors will find vibrant stained-glass suffuses the interior with a celestial radiance. Gaudí's genius, evident in forms and nature-inspired motifs.
Located at the end of a vibrant city street adorned with cafés and shops, the towering cathedral seems plucked from an animated fantasy.
Its intricate design, featuring gargoyles, monsters and unconventional columns deviate from the typical right-angle-to-the-floor norm.
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The Sagrada Família stands not only as a structure but also embodies Barcelona's cultural and spiritual richness.
Today, more than 140 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues on the Basilica, reads the Sagrada Família website.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral, commonly known as Notre Dame, stands as a profound symbol of history and faith on the eastern side of Île de la Cité, an island nestled in the Seine River within the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France.
A symbol of French Gothic architecture, The Notre-Dame Cathedral enchants with its majestic façade and breathtaking stained-glass windows.
"Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, Notre Dame de Paris has borne witness to countless historical events, wars, and revolutions," reported by friendsofnotredamedeparis.org.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is expected to reopen in December 2024 following the devastating fire in April 2019. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
The cathedral's history, spanning from its medieval origins to the tragic fire and the ongoing restoration efforts, adds layers to its enduring allure.
Each chapter in its story contributes to the cathedral's rich history, making it a symbol of resilience, cultural heritage and a testament to the collective efforts dedicated to its preservation and renewal.
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The Notre Dame Cathedral is expected to reopen in December 2024 following the devastating fire in April 2019, as Fox News Digital reported previously.
4. St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
The colorful and whimsical St. Basil's Cathedral on Moscow's Red Square is a visual feast.
The full moon lights up the sky over the Moscow Kremlin waterfront, Spasskaya Tower and St. Basil's Cathedral. (Marina Lystseva/TASS via Getty Images)
Built in the 16th century, this iconic Russian Orthodox cathedral features colorful onion domes, intricate patterns and a unique design that is a part of the rich history and culture of the region.
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Each dome is adorned with vivid hues, creating a visually striking and harmonious ensemble. St. Basil's Cathedral is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of Russia's cultural identity, drawing visitors from around the world.
5. Westminster Abbey, London
Westminster Abbey in London, with its Gothic architecture and impressive spires, has been the site of numerous royal coronations, weddings and burials, making it a central part of the country's monarchy.
Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, almost every English and British monarch has been crowned at Westminster Abbey. (Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images)
The interior of Westminster Abbey boasts stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings and the famous Poets' Corner, honoring literary figures.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey stands as a testament to centuries of British culture, spirituality and monarchy, according to the Westminster Abbey website.
6. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Originally a Byzantine cathedral, then an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia showcases a unique blend of Christian and Islamic architectural elements from its grand dome, mosaics and majestic interior.
Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, was originally built as a cathedral during the Byzantine Empire. Construction began in 532 AD under the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. (Cemal Yurttas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The structure's significance lies not only in its architectural brilliance, but also in its role as a reflection of Istanbul's cultural and religious evolution.
7. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany
Cologne Cathedral, situated in the heart of Cologne, Germany, is a great example of Gothic architecture.
The imposing structure, adorned with intricate details and towering spires, captivates visitors.
The construction of Cologne Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, commenced in 1248 and was completed in 1880. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
Its interior houses stained-glass windows, ornate chapels and sacred relics, creating a sense of reverence.
The cathedral's history, dating back to the 13th century, adds to its mystique, making it a must-visit landmark for those exploring the cultural and religious heritage of Cologne, says the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
8. Duomo di Milano, Milan
Italy's largest cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, is a masterpiece adorned with sculptures and spires.
"The construction of the Duomo of Milan began in 1386 and ended in 1965. It took place in the same location where St. Ambrose basilica was located since the 5th century," reads the Milan Museum website.
The pinnacles of the Duomo gothic cathedral are illuminated by the afternoon sun and backdropped by the new business district in Milan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
In the authentic Gothic style, the interior emerges with a subdued atmosphere with its stained-glass windows and substantial stone columns.
Don't miss the climb up the stairs (or take the elevator) to access the rooftop terraces.
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Enveloped by the eerie marble towers of the cathedral, the panoramic vista unfolds, stretching from Milan to the distant peaks of the Alps.
9. Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, Aiguilhe, France
The journey to the celestial Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe Chapel is nothing short of inspiring, mirroring the breathtaking vistas awaiting atop a 269-foot volcanic pinnacle near Le Puy-en-Velay in Auvergne, France.
Ascending 268 stone steps carved into the rocky mount, visitors embark on a pilgrimage through geological wonders, a basalt volcanic plug formed by ancient lava.
Chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, a remarkable monument erected on a rocky peak. Located on the route called Via Podiensis, on the Way of St James, starting at Le Puy. (Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Long revered for its sacred aura, the chapel, constructed in 962 A.D., showcases a Medieval masterpiece adorned in multicolored stonework and Islamic-inspired tiled mosaics.
Inside, the uneven rocky foundation adds intrigue to frescoes and a cave-like ambiance.
10. Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland
Wherever you find yourself in Reykjavík, Iceland, it's likely you'll catch sight of the distinctive spire of this remarkably unique concrete edifice.
Soaring to a height of 244 feet, the Church of Hallgrímur, locally known as Hallgrímskirkja, stands as Reykjavík's tallest structure and Iceland's largest church.
The Church of Hallgrímur in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Jorge Mantilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
When facing it, Hallgrímur takes on the appearance of a jagged arrowhead or a spaceship emerging from the ground.
The architectural concept aims to evoke the untamed beauty of Iceland's natural wonders, such as rugged mountains, volcanic basalt formations and glacial landscapes, according to the Visit Reykjavik website.
"The church is both a parish church and a national sanctuary in Iceland. Its stepped concrete facade is an ode to modernism and a reminder of the Icelandic landscape. The church is named after the 17th-century clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of Hymns of the Passion," reads the Visit Reykjavik website.
Constructed over a span of 30 years, Hallgrímur was finally completed in 1974, sparking considerable debate due to its avant-garde design.
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