There are many churches in Europe to visit. Basically churches and Cathedrals are an inevitable segment of the Europe itineraries. The churches in Europe are too amazing and even picturesque. I am sure you are gonna fall in love with the architectural styles, patterns and high standing domes and towers of some of the most prominent churches in the world.
If you are looking for Catholic tours to Europe then you should certainly keep reading. Europe is one of the most famous continents in the world when it comes to spectacular monuments and historically significant churches.
This article is gonna share with you the top 25 churches to visit in Europe. If you are gonna get to Europe along with your friends and family then the experience is gonna be one of the best in your life. Europe has some of the best churches in the world like St.Peter’s Basilica which is the most important church to the Roman Catholic Christian denomination.
Churches to Visit in Europe
Here is the list Top 25 churches to visit in Europe:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Sagrada Familia
- Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
- Westminster Abbey
- Milan Cathedral
- Notre Dame
- Florence Cathedral
- Cologne Cathedral
- Siena Cathedral
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Matthias Church
- Tsminda Sameba Church
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Kolner Dom
- Basilica San Marco
- St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
- Cathedral de Leon
- Meteora
- Le Mont Saint-Michel
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Church of Our Lady
- Salisbury Cathedral
- St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Durham Cathedral, England
- Aarhus Cathedral
Table of Contents
St. Peter’s Basilica
The very first church that is quite naturally put here is the St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy. This is the martyr site of St Peter who is the most prominent disciple of Lord Jesus Christ. This is certainly the most important Roman Catholic church all around the world. St Peter’s Basilica is probably the best church in Europe. Your tour begins with escalating to the highest end of St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome guided by an expert local trip guide.
As you are at the top, observe out and have some amazing glimpses of Rome, its iconic landmarks and the nearby hills.
You should check out for interesting details and facts pertaining to the Papal Tombs and dome of Michaelangelo provided by your guide.
Discover the stunning interiors of Papal Sarcophagi and St. Peter’s Basilica once you are at the superb top of the dome. You should applaud the artistic magnificence of Michelangelo and Bernini while at this picturesque Basilica.
Sagrada Familia
Next in the list of books prominent churches in Europe is the Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most frequented churches in the European region. I am sure you would not afford to miss such an amazing architectural and spiritual marvel. Though the Sagrada Familia is still not completed, it is an amazing temple filled with religious representation. Here are some of its most stunning segments. This is listed among the top 5 churches in Europe.
Let us talk about the towers first. At the present, eight of the eighteen towers are wholly finished. Gaudí had anticipated for 12 of them to be constructed in the memory of the 12 Disciples of Jesus Christ, four to commemorate the Evangelists, one to commemorate Mary and the most important one dedicated to the living lord Jesus. Every tower’s elevation will rely on the religious prominence they have.
You can easily get to the top out of the two church’s towers, on both the sides of the temple and receive alluring sites over two components of this city and gaze at the monument’s external architecture to the closest.
This stunning Basilica has three prominent façades, Nativity Facade, Passion Facade and Glory Facade.
The Nativity Façade is the façade that symbolizes Christ’s birth. It’s wonderfully designed and is lively.
Next is the Passion Façade. This component of the Basilica is smaller and more convenient than the rest of the present façades. It symbolizes the great agony and suffering of Jesus during his Crucifixion.
Last is the Glory Façade. The Glory Facade is the prominent façade, which is bigger and even more picturesque. It represents Jesus’ death and resurrection and his current and future Glory. As Gaudi was aware that he would not be able to complete it, he left numerous sketches so that his successors could complete the task perfectly.
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
Now we have another prominent European church in the list. Basilica di Santa Maria del at the Fiore is a famous church in Europe. The Santa Maria del at the Fiore is one of the most majestic churches all over the world. The plan includes a triple-nave basilica with the presbytery zone standing within, overtaken by the big octagon of the stunning dome, near which are three picturesque radial apses or ‘tribunes’ . Each of these consists of five superb chapels.
This cathedral is measured 153 meters in length, 90 meters in width at the transept and another 90 meters higher from floor to the bottom of the lantern. The name ‘Santa Maria del Fiore’ or our Lady of the flower is in respect of the name of this city, ‘Florentia’, or the city of flowers, ‘fortunate to bloom’ and to its rich emblem which is the Florentine lily.
The cornerstone of this new and picturesque cathedral was laid on the 8th of September 1296 and the mission of building it was given to Arnolfo di Cambio. His project was the same in plan but tinier than the current building, which is actually corresponding to the spread created by Francesco Talenti, started in the middle of the 14th century. This church underwent a consecration at the grand completion of the dome by Pope Eugenio IV on the 25th of March 1436.
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Westminster Abbey
The Westminster Abbey, London church which is the historical landmark of coronations and other prominent royal ceremonies of national importance is one of the most visited places. It lies a bit west of the Houses of Parliament in the Greater London borough of Westminster. Located on the land of an earlier Benedictine monastery, it was rebuilt as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster by Queen Elizabeth I in the year 1560. In the year 1987 Westminster Abbey,Houses of Parliament and St. Margaret’s Church were all together regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. This is also ranked among the top 5 churches in Europe.
It is said that Saberht, the very first Christian king of the East Saxons, initiated a church on a tiny island in the River Thames, then called Thorney but after that known the Westminster or monastery and this church was magically consecrated by St. Peter. It is sure that around 785 CE there prevailed a tiny community of monks on the island and that this monument was expanded and remodelled by the popular St. Dunstan of Canterbury around 960. St. Edward the Confessor constructed an all new church on this site that was consecrated on the 28th of December, 1065.
It had a large size and cruciform in its plan. In the year 1245 the famous Henry III took down and destroyed the entire of Edward’s popular church and left only the nave and built it with the today’s amazing abbey church in the awesomely pointed Gothic pattern of that age.
The plan and design were greatly influenced by the existing French cathedral architecture. The Abbey is filled with statues, tablets and inscriptions in the memory of kings, knights, queens, actors, writers, scientists, statesmen and musicians not everyone of whom have their graves in the Abbey. Some popular people buried over here are the poets Tennyson, Browning, Chaucer, also the writers Rudyard Kipling and Charles Dickens. The Abbey also houses the tomb of an unknown Soldier. It is said that there are about 3,300 people buried in the Cloisters and the Church.
A person buried in Westminster Abbey is Thomas Parr. He lived for 152 years and 9 months along the rules of ten monarchs. King Charles I had ordered his burial over here.
Milan Cathedral
There are some amazing Cathedrals in Europe. Let us know about a little history of this popular Milan Cathedral first.
The building of the Duomo of Milan started in the year 1386 and completed in the year 1965, it occurred in the same place where the St. Ambrose basilica was situated in the 5th century. In the year 836 the amazing Basilica of St. Tecla was put up and destroyed by a great fire in the year 1075. The building of the Cathedral Visconti with the goal of recreating the zone and marking the celebration of the policy of frontal expansion of the Visconti. This picturesque project resulted in an extraordinary architectural work, which blends the global Gothic style with the ancient Lombard architecture. Let us know how the Milan Cathedral is today.
Opposite to what one may feel, in spite of its vast dimensions, the interior part of the Milan Duomo is stunningly welcoming. The colourful, wonderful stained-glass windows displaying the historical scenes from the Bible are seen refracting an ethereal light on the great floor of the church. It is now even possible to get down from the marble staircase to the Cathedral Treasure to gaze at and applaud the Romanesque and paleo-Christian objects. It is even possible to get to the ceiling of the cathedral to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
The Duomo of Milan by its 45 m of amazing height is scarcely exceeded in its size by the Cathedral of Beauvais of Paris by its amazing 48 metres of height. The cathedral of Milan, which is better popular as Duomo of Milan, is an alluring church having five naves, four lateral, one central, approximately forty pillars. It is even crossed by a transept that is followed by the apse and choir.
The central placed nave has a stunning height of 45 metres and its erection was done in brick packed with marble. Were you aware of the fact that the Milan Cathedral is counted among some of the biggest Catholic cathedrals all around the world? This Cathedral of Milan is basically 157 metres in length at 11,700 square metres and operates with a magnificent capacity for more than 40,000 people there.
The Cathedral of Milan is a spectacular church of majestic dimensions framed in its stunning interior by large dark marbles where one can admire sculpted statues that reach the ceiling and its spacious style with lengthy columns of marble. Among these stunning columns hang vast images symbolising various religious incidents. Additionally it is possible to gaze at the skeletons of various saints dressed with their clothes. The statue of the Apostle Bartholomew and the wonderful stained glass windows are among the most stunning elements here.
Notre Dame
Sixth prominent church to visit in Europe is the Notre Dame church. You will find interesting and amazing churches all around this superb continent and this is among those prominent churches in Europe. The Notre-Dame Cathedral often called as as Notre Dame de Paris that is “Our Lady of Paris” or just Notre Dame, is seen as a prominent witness to faith and history on the eastern half of Île de la Cité that is an island in the Seine River within the frontiers of Paris.
This is even the country’s 4th arrondissement. This well known Catholic cathedral is famous for its amazing French Gothic architecture and has a distinct place in the hearts of the tourists and Parisians attributed to the Virgin Mary. You should certainly get to this amazing church along with your family to have some of the best experiences in life. You should not miss this place from the list of itinerary to visit in Europe.
There is an ancient drawing of Notre Dame Cathedral in the Paris zone, even popular as Notre Dame de Paris or only Notre Dame. Erected anytime around the 1200 and 1400 AD, the Notre Dame of the Paris is actually a testament to numerous historical wars, revolutions and events. The cathedral’s picturesque stained glass windows, stunning stone carvings, and elevated spires reaching heights of over 100 which have attracted millions of visitors all around the world.
This popular cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris has several prominent historical and religious artefacts like the Crown of Thorns. This Crown of Thorns was worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. Millions of tourists from across the get to this stunning architectural structure on an annual basis.
Florence Cathedral
The Florence Cathedral is among the most significant Cathedrals all over the world. People flock to this eminent place to enjoy the soothing and marvellous environment of this pivotal structure. Very few Cathedral churches in the world are as amazing and cool as this one located in Florence. You will find yourself in awe while you observe the architectural wonders of this Cathedral.
The amazing Italian Gothic structure, the Cathedral of Florence, is attributed to “Santa Maria del Fiore”. This church was planned by Arnolfo di Cambio during 1245-1302 AD who largely expanded the prevailing religious building. Completed around the year 1367, the Cathedral was wholly covered by colourful marbles resembling the former Baptistery, leaving the façade that stayed uncompleted and was stopped only during the 19th century AD.
One of the most amazing features of the external part of the structure is the popular “Porta della Mandorla” in the north, della mandorla or almond. It was provided this name because of the vast areola near the figure of the Virgin carved even by Nanni di Banco amidst others.
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Cologne Cathedral
The cathedral is the biggest Gothic church in the Northern section of Europe and the informal symbol of Cologne. Currently its wonder, prominence, and stunning size allure a mean of 20,000 tourists and guests on a daily basis making it Germany’s most frequented landmark site. However, this monument itself is not the only thing attracting guests and visitors.
I think you should not miss this prominent church from the list of top churches in Europe. You will certainly enjoy the royal richness and architectural marvel of this historically significant landmark. You should include this church in your itinerary and just pack your bog to get to some of the best experiences in the world.
The jewels of the cathedral are varied and vast. The cathedral’s most regarded spot is the Shrine of the Three Kings. Situated around the high altar, this vast gold relic that dates from about 1220 AD is regarded to house some bones from the Magi who visited infant Jesus on his birth. Another alluring jewel can be observed in the Lady Chapel. The chapel’s prominent altarpiece is the triptych, The Adoration of the Magi which was painted in the year 1445 by the popular Gothic painter from the iconic Cologne School called Stefan Lochner.
Siena Cathedral
Next prominent church in Europe is the Siena Cathedral. This superb architectural marvel is always ranked among some of the best churches in the world. If you want to engross in some of the best spiritually rich experiences in the world then this is a must visit church in Europe. The Siena Cathedral that rises majestically in the breathtaking city square, is among Italy’s most amazing Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals.
As per the tradition, the current Cathedral takes the place of a former church attributed to the Virgin Mary constructed in the 9th century or some spots on the site of a temple that cuts the segment of Minerva. Similarly unconfirmed news say that this monument was consecrated in the year 1179 AD in the witness of Sienese Pope Alexander III Bandinelli when the papacy had been in peace with the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
A pay of six soldi known as having been done to ‘Magistro Nichole de Opere Sancte Marie’ in April of year 1259 is most probably the very first mention of Nicola Pisano who was one of the 13th century’s most stunning and modern artists who sculpted the popular pulpit which is in the northern transept of the Cathedral.
St. Mark’s Basilica
The Basilica of St. Mark is the most prominent religious place in the popular city of Venice. It is placed in the St. Mark square or Piazza San Marco, around the Doge’s Palace, and has every time been the core of the religious and public life in the city.
This Basilica is one of the most wonderful cathedrals in Europe and all around the planet. This prominent basilica is the result of various styles, however over time and its reconstruction still conserves oriental angles that leave guests surprised by their splendour and specialty.
St. Mark Basilica is basically an interesting combination of art and architectural styles. It is a witness to the power and wealth of the Serene Republic of Venice and also the thrilling adventures of its people in the Mediterranean as conquerors and merchants.
Matthias Church
The Matthias Church in Budapest is another destination that you should not miss out at all. You will be a fortunate person if you are gonna get this significant church in Europe. You will be amazed to gaze at some of the most intricate designs and awesome architectural works by well known architects in Europe. The Matthias Church is one of the most magnificent churches in Budapest and the most extort churches in Europe too. Situated atop the Buda Castle hill, it has always been in the service of the citizens of Buda Castle Hill since the year 1015. This church’s foundation was done by the first Hungarian king.
Packed with mysteries, treasures and surprises, the church has a picturesque interior with colors motivated by romantic historicism and orientalism. Its magically exotic surroundings paired with its Neo-Gothic characters separate it from any other church.
Tsminda Sameba Church
This amazingly weathered Tsmimda Sameba stone church is designed with interesting carvings, one on the bell tower that appears to display two dinosaurs. You should certainly get this church in Europe to experience the great glory of some of the most breathtaking architecture in the world. Europe was always a land of architectural marvels and hence you just cannot afford to miss some of the best churches over here.
There are numerous ways of strolling up from Stepantsminda. For the most amazing distance-true adjustment, walk up by Gergeti village to a T-junction 1.25km from the prominent street that is 80m after signs that refer to the car lane to the right. You should go left at the T-junction, enjoy the last village structures and up near a stream. The new road over here means that the church is packed these days by tour buses coming here on a regular basis. Arrive early or after 5pm to experience the joy of the church at its calmest.
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St. Vitus Cathedral
Tourists can enter the Cathedral by the popular and stunning portal in the western facing facade that is against the passage-route amidst the great second and third courtyard of this spectacular Prague Castle. The bronze door here is decorated with some alluring scenes taken from the impressive history of the famous Cathedral also and from tales about St. Adalbert and St. Wenceslas.
The Neo-Gothic section of the Cathedral includes the narrow side aisles and the prominent nave aligned with chapels and the picturesque northern wing of the popular transverse nave. These chapels possess stained glass windows. Placed on the cross nave, the stunning ceremonial entrance into the grand Cathedral can be viewed, even the Golden Gate that leads you to the Third Courtyard. Located in the chancel of the Cathedral opposite the high altar, is the Royal Mausoleum under which is the magnificent royal crypt. This chancel is placed in a ring of Gothic chapels. You can even find the graves of some patron saints and Czech sovereigns.
Kolner Dom
The Kolner Dom is Germany’s most frequented landmark, that brings in a mean of 6 million people annually. At 157 metres, this cathedral is the highest twin-spired church on the planet, the second highest church in Europe after Ulm Minster and the third highest church of any sort in the entire world.
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Basilica San Marco
Basically this structure was to be an extended segment of the Doge’s Palace, but the construction of this Basilica of St. Mark, which started in 828 and finished in 832, was built to keep the body of St. Mark the Apostle taken back from Alexandria to whom they referred as protector of their city. This was a basic reality for Venice to be prescribed as an emancipated episcopal seat.
The structuring of the current basilica started in 1063 AD in the Byzantine pattern to symbolize the power of the strong Venetian Republic. This popular basilica was constructed referring the model of two basilicas of the age-old imperial city of Byzantium with a core plant in the stunning shape of a Greek cross, with five big domes and a specific blend of oriental and ancient art.
As time passed the Basilica saw numerous modifications, particularly in respect of pointed Gothic arches, decoration, the 17th and 18th century sculptures, Sant Alipio arch, the horses of St. Mark, mosaics of the prominent façade, bas-reliefs symbolising the professions, the porphyry figures of the Tetrarchs and the marbles brought from the East. All this has resulted in an amazing and wonderful mix of various patterns.
St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
Built from 1137 to 1160 Stephansdom or as popularly known, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the fundamental seat of the Archdiocese of Vienna. This church was attributed in 1147 to St. Stephen in the eminent presence of Bishop Otto of Freising, Conrad III of Germany, and other prominent German noble people who were about to begin their Second Crusade.
This church has organised nuptials and funerals of some of the most popular names in the history of Europe and tradition like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ferdinand I, Antonio Vivaldi and the Holy Roman Emperor. The St Stephen’s Cathedral is even featured on the popular Euro 10-cent coin.
Cathedral de Leon
This popular Cathedral of Leon was constructed on the site of Roman Baths that date back to the second century. King Ordono II of Leon destroyed the baths and constructed a palace in its region. When he gained victory over Arabs in 917, he presented this palace to the Living Lord as a symbol of thanksgiving for his victory and constructed the very first cathedral. This popular cathedral got ravaged and was later replaced twice.
Meteora
The Meteora monastery is the magic of Greece. Some kilometer’s northwest to the town of Kalambaka, the amazing rocks of Meteora that rise from the land of Thessaly have been one of the most picturesque places located in Greece. Some centuries ago, on these majestic rocks with the picturesque landscape going to heights of more than 600 metros, it created one of the most significant monastic communities in the country. The Greek word ‘Meteora’ refers to ‘suspended in the air’ and this stunning phrase rightly describes the magnificent Greek Orthodox monasteries.
The Meteora Monasteries are among the most visited monuments all around Europe. You should certainly not miss this place from your itinerary. If you are gonna get to this amazing place to enjoy the royal wonder of the architecturally rich environment then you cannot afford to miss this place. There are many things that you will get to enjoy at this destination in Europe.
Meteora is a large place to explore, a breathtaking terrain and byzantine monasteries located on top of steep stones housing invaluable wall paintings and artefacts. Currently just six monasteries are alive with a tiny number of monks or nuns who stay on Meteora. During 1988, the Meteora monasteries were listed in the UNESCO World Heritage records. The Meteora-Antichassia zone is a segment of the Natura 2000 network that hosts some umpteen species of flowers and birds.
As you reach the town of Kalambaka, the most accessible large town around Meteora , and the breathtaking village of Kastraki you will get to gaze at a complex of vast sandstone rock pillars climbing up to the heavens. You will find the popular Meteora monasteries above.
Le Mont Saint-Michel
The Le Mont Saint-Michel was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site during 1979 and gathers more than three and a half million visitors and pilgrims on an annual basis.
Many times regarded as “The wonder of the Western world”, the Le Mont Saint-Michel certainly is a must visit French geographical, historical and cultural attraction.
Frontiered by the sea, during high tide, Le Mont is impacted by the highest tide in Europe with up to 15m height variation between high and low tide. In spring tides the sea goes back by 15 km and gets high too swiftly.
The Bishop of Avranches constructed and blessed a church here in 709 A.D. Stories say that the earlier year, the Archangel Michel visited the Bishop and he was told to erect a church. The Romanesque abbey church on an island was constructed around 1000 AD and different monuments and extensions were brought in over the past centuries.
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Hallgrimskirkja
Situated in the center of Reykjavík, are the awe-inspiring Hallgrímskirkja towers above Iceland’s colourful capital city. They are not just visible from nearly every nook of the city, it’s even the highest church in Iceland.
This memorial monument was decorated by architect Guðjón Samúelsson attributing the saint and poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, popular for his great and majestic work Hymns of the Passion. Samúelsson was captivated by the shapes that took from cooled lava and imagination motivated by basalt rocks. As he first put forth the blueprint, his modern concept was opposed by many. But after a long 40 years in the erection, this is now one of the most iconic landmark symbols and a must visit place for the visitors in the city.
Commenced during 1945 and accomplished in 1986, Hallgrímskirkja’s facade represents Samúelsson’s nature-based imagination. Getting 245 feet tall, its lengthy, core tower and steep sides match a majestic stalagmite of a lava precipitation. In spite of its stunning and majestic exterior, the interior is comparatively simpler.
Church of Our Lady
This dual church in Trier was the very first constructed in the 4th century under the emperorship of Constantine, and was the biggest church in the Roman region. However, it was ravaged by attacking armies and was rebuilt numerous times. The southern region of the Roman dual church was broken down at about 1200 and totally replaced by the former Gothic Church of Our Lady or Liebfrauen. You will not find anything above the surface that is Roman any more, however there are some extensive and impressive excavations that are not open to the general public below the church and numerous of the Gothic pillars are erected on top of Roman column bases.
The mediaeval church was no more three-aisled structure and a long one but only a church-in-the-round to which cross-shaped vaulting with four adjacent portals in tiny encircled areas was accomplished by eight round altars so that the floor plan existing there would perfectly resemble a representation of the twelve-petaled rose, Virgin Mary, the remnants of all the twelve tribes of Jacob and the also Twelve Apostles of the Lord Jesus and the rosa mystica.
The twelve articles of the Apostle’s Creed and the twelve apostles are created on twelve aiding columns, fully seen only from one highlight signed by a black stone. This is an awe-inspiring place.
Salisbury Cathedral
There are a number of superlatives connected to the popular Cathedral Church of the revered and Blessed Virgin Mary located in Salisbury. This has the highest spire in Britain at a height of 404 feet, it also has the best conserved of the four prevailing authentic copies of the Magna Carta. This has the oldest operating clock in the entire Europe right from 1386. This has the biggest cathedral and cathedral cloisters near Britain.
The choir or as they say quire stalls are the biggest and the oldest entire set in Britain. The vault over here is the highest in Britain. It was built in a mere 38 years. Approximately from the year 1220 to 1258, which is a beautiful small construction spot for a big stone building created without any electronic equipment.
One of the most prominent factors that enabled Salisbury Cathedral to make itself so unique is that it was the very first large cathedral to be erected on a stunning site. The clerics and architects were able to prepare a design and execute it perfectly as they needed. Building was done in a campaign, rendering the complex an amazing touch. The cloisters began as an impressive and decorative character just five years when the cathedral erection was finished, with patterns, materials and shapes copying those in the interiors of the cathedral.
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This authentic project was prepared by the Russian architect Bogomolov, and the last one was prepared by popular architect A. Pomerantsev. The next project is different from the earlier one, not just by size but even as an architectural pattern.
Pomerantsev amazingly changes the concept of Byzantine art without again repeating it actually. The interior place is blended but it prepares the illusion that it is segmented into four floors. The meticulous details of the several arches, facades and friezes are designed with stone carvings like lace. They are decorated with Old Bulgarian motifs, parts of braids but not for the wooden doors in the entry. You can find 11 doors externally and three of them are brought together in the prominent entrance leading to the narthex. The entire cubic space power of the structure is around 86 000 cubic meters and the construction zone measures 3170 square meters.
According its decoration and size and by its monumentality and monumentality this temple St. Alexander Nevsky can finish with the most popular monuments of this kind all over the planet. When observed from the external zone, the length of this monument is 72 meters. Its width is 55 meters. The height of the monument is 50.52 meters and the terrace link is 28 meters over the prominent entrance with a bell tower ending with a dome and three decors. It is aided by three columns, amidst which there are broad openings and from which you view all the 12 bells.
Their entire weight is about 25 tons. The biggest one weighs 11,758 kg. The tongue weighs 374 kg. The diameter is counted at 2,70 m and its height is 2,80 m. The second one is 6002 kg and the tiniest weighs about 10 kg. In warm and nice weather the ringing of the large bell can be heard till a huge 30 km from Sofia. The biggest bells are designed with embossed pictures and icons of Jesus Christ, St. Sofia, the Virgin Mary, St. Alexander Nevski, Methodius and St. Cyril. It even has commemorative inscriptions covered by Old Bulgarian signs.
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Durham Cathedral, England
The Cathedral Church of Christ, St Cuthbert of Durham and Blessed Mary the Virgin, largely popular as Durham Cathedral, is basically an Anglican cathedral situated in Durham region of England. This stunning site is actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best known epitomes of Norman architectural designs. This amazing church was constructed from 1093 to 1133 and this church was even featured in the Harry Potter movies as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Aarhus Cathedral
The construction of Aarhus Cathedral was initiated in the final decades of the 12th Century AD. The perfect year is not that known for sure. Peter Vognsen of a popular aristocratic family, Hviderne hailing from the popular Zeeland, was the actual person who truly got the construction on. He was appointed as a prominent Bishop here in 1191. The Cathedral is an excellent Romanesque basilica
It was basically a majestic project that was not completed by the year 1350. Red bricks were implemented, a type of material not used otherwise in Denmark . The external walls of this Cathedral and the wonderful chapels by the stunning eastern wall of the transept are the current Romanesque components existing today.
This Cathedral, as it actually stands currently, is the result of radical restructuring in the Gothic style that began from 1449 by 1500. It changed the sombre and heavy monument into a Gothic cathedral, motivated by the majestic contemporary churches in the Hanseatic regions near the Baltic Sea. A huge amount of height finished with star and cross vaulting was put to the nave and also to the transept and the aisles. It resulted in the collection of enlarged and reconstructed chancel that is now with three naves of the exact height, an ambulatory and pointed windows that throw cascades of light into this shining place.
With a superb length of around 93 meters Aarhus Cathedral is the lengthiest church in the Denmark province and this has the capacity to seat around. 1200 people. Right from the commencement it was attributed to St Clement who is the patron saint of the sailors there.
Bottom line
In this article I have shared with you the top 25 churches and historically important landmarks to visit when on a Europe trip. I recommend you to go through this blog and get a fundamental idea of preparing an itinerary for your Europe tour. This article contains some of the best churches to visit in Europe. Aren’t you excited for the stunning experience with the churches and Cathedrals in Europe ?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous church in Europe?
Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, may be the world’s most renowned cathedral. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most renowned churches. The history of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris spans approximately 900 years.
What is the most holy place in Europe?
The Vatican and the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica are essential stops on every European pilgrimage itinerary.
What is the oldest pilgrimage in Europe?
The Via Francigena (Italian: [ˈviːa franˈtʃiːdʒena]) is an old road and pilgrimage route that runs from the cathedral city of Canterbury in England, via France and Switzerland, to Rome and finally to Apulia, Italy, where there were ports of embarkation for the Holy Land.
What are the 3 most popular religions in Europe?
Catholics are the biggest Christian denomination in the EU, accounting for 41% of the total population, followed by Eastern Orthodox (10%), Protestants (9%), and other Christians (4%). The EU population is made up of 17% non-believers/agnostics, 10% atheists, and 2% Muslims.
Where is the holiest church in the world?
The Old City of Jerusalem
The Edicule, often known as the Tomb of Christ, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most sacred place for many major Christian groups.