St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy. The Basilica’s roots can be traced back to A.D. 324 during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor. However, it was in 1400 when the Renaissance popes commissioned plans to build the biggest and most impressive cathedral in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica features numerous works of art including the Pieta of Michaelangelo, a small museum containing the Vatican treasures and the underground grottoes where tombs of former popes are located. Visitors can also take an elevator ride to the famous dome which offers breathtaking views of Rome.
The Duomo of Florence in Italy. Construction of this cathedral began in the late 1200s but its consecration came only 140 years later. The Duomo features pink, green and white marble symbolizing the wealth and prestige of Florence. It contains art pieces of world-class quality and is considered one of Italy’s biggest religious buildings.
St. John Divine Cathedral in New York. This cathedral is said to be the focal point of the Episcopal church in New York and considered a real cathedral. It is one of the world’s largest cathedrals being the size of two football fields or 121,000 square feet.
Notre Dame of Paris in France. This cathedral’s name means Our Lady of Paris or the church in Paris dedicated to Virgin Mary. A sculpture of the Virgin Mary is displayed inside the church. It is one of the first Gothic cathedrals having been constructed during the Gothic period. The influence of naturalism is evident in its sculptures and stained glass. Notre Dame also boasts of being among the first buildings in the whole world to use the flying buttress.
St. Paul’s in England. The St. Paul Cathedral located in London is England’s largest and is one of the most visited spots in the city. An Anglican cathedral, St. Paul features a 365-foot dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica. The cathedral was also the site of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It has survived several bomb blasts and bomb threats in 1940 and 1941. St. Paul is Wren’s masterpiece which he built using Portland stone. This religious structure is a famous landmark in London and therefore, should not be missed by visitors.
Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Germany has its Cologne Cathedral to boast of, one of its famous architectural monuments. Completed in the late 19th century, the cathedral is a renowned landmark in Cologne. It boasts of having the biggest façade and continues to be the second tallest Gothic structure in the whole world. Its main façade has two towers measuring 157 meters tall. It is administered by the Roman Catholic Church and is dedicated to Saints Peter and Mary. Germany’s largest cathedral also features the relics of the Magi as well as 12 church bells and took 632 years to build.
The Duomo of Milan, Italy. This Gothic cathedral, the third largest in the world, took five centuries to construct. It features 135 marble spires, a triangular façade and thousands of statues surrounding the exterior.
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. This cathedral with an onion-shaped dome was inspired by Constantinople. This 1,000-year-old church started as a private chapel of the doges and houses the remains of St. Mark, the patron saint of the maritime republic of Venice.
Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. Although dedicated to St. Francis, the patron saint of small animals and birds, construction of this cathedral began long after the death of the saint. It was consecrated in the year 1253. The site of many pilgrimages, the Basilica features the frescoes of Giotto.