Europe has many stunning buildings throughout its cities and countries.  Many of the most notable buildings are centuries-old churches rich in history, serving as places of worship as well as venues for royal ceremonies and other significant events involving prominent people.  Of the many churches, these nine are some of the most stunning—and absolutely worth visiting.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)

St. Peter’s Basilica is revered for many reasons.  The basilica is considered one of the world’s holiest Christian and Catholic sites, drawing millions of pilgrims annually.  It’s also a beautiful work of architecture designed by the artist and architect Michelangelo.  St. Peter’s took over a hundred years to build, with work beginning in 1506 and ending in 1615. It is considered one of the best examples of the Renaissance style.  The basilica is adorned with frescoes and sculptures and houses religious relics and art.

2. Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (Paris, France)

The Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, often referred to simply as Notre Dame, is a building known worldwide.  It is considered an exemplary building of the Gothic style, and its architectural details, such as its gargoyles and stained-glass windows, are just a few of its alluring features.  The Notre Dame’s construction began in 1163, and it wasn’t until nearly two hundred years later, in 1345, that it opened. In 2019, it was damaged by a devastating fire that destroyed the cathedral’s roof.  The landmark cathedral is under reconstruction, though it remains a stunning building to behold.

3. Westminster Abbey (London, England)

While the website appeals to potential visitors with the statement “Coronations, royal weddings, kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, heroes and villains—history happens here and it’s all waiting to be discovered,” Westminster Abbey is more than a hub of significant history; it’s also a stunning church that can be celebrated for its beauty alone.

The church has served as the official coronation church for the royal family since 1066, though the building we recognize today didn’t begin construction until 1245.  Different elements of the church have been added or updated throughout its long history, though it remains a Gothic-style building with French influences.

4. Cologne Cathedral (Cologne, Germany)

The Cologne Cathedral is not only beautiful but also one of Germany’s best-known tourist sites.  The cathedral is one of the largest in the world, and it impresses visitors with its intricate details, like stained-glass windows and carvings, in the Gothic style.  The cathedral took over six centuries to complete and has welcomed people through its doors since 1880.

However, Cologne is also home to other fascinating tourist attractions, such as the Chocolate Museum, where you can indulge your sweet tooth, and Casino-Eck, where you can play some of the games found on casinos.com in person.

5. Duomo di Milano (Milan, Italy)

In the heart of Milan is a show-stopping church, the Duomo di Milano, that you can’t help but admire and want to learn more about.  The cathedral accommodates 40,000 people.  Like the Cologne Cathedral, the intricate nature of the design resulted in its construction spanning more than six centuries.  Tourists can tour the cathedral and the Duomo Museum to immerse themselves in the history and art of the building.

6. Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Barcelona, Spain)

Designed by Antoni Gaudi, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família is a unique church in Spain and Europe due to Gaudi’s distinct style.  The basilica is a fusion of Art Nouveau and Gothic architectural styles that complement each other with elegant lines and references to nature.  Construction of this stunning basilica began in 1882 and continues today, though it is open for worship and tours.

The building makes an impression on Barcelona tourists, as its 18 magnificent spires tower over the city and are visible long before they reach the entrance—and it has yet to reach its full height.

7. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence, Italy)

Unsurprisingly, Italy is filled with stunning architecture and multiple churches renowned for their beauty, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.  The cathedral is located in Florence, where tourists can take in its iconic dome and marble façade from afar.  While visiting the cathedral is free, it is an active worship space, so it is closed on Sundays and other significant Catholic holidays.

8. St. Mark’s Basilica (Venice, Italy)

Another awe-inspiring Italian church is St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.  The basilica offers a unique beauty and is one of the few churches in the Byzantine style on this list.  The stained-glass windows, rounded arches, painted friezes, and sculptures are notable features, while the Basilica’s square is a huge tourist draw for the city where people can appreciate the building and the vibrancy of Venice.

9. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Vienna, Austria)

Known for its intricately tiled roof, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria, is stunning and a building you’ll want to include in your travel plans to the city.  The church’s interior is just as beautiful as the exterior, with more intricate architectural details and artwork.  Like others on this list, the church was centuries in the making, as it required reconstruction and had additions built throughout its history that goes back to 1147.  More on Christmas in Vienna.

Conclusion

These nine churches are some of the most stunning religious sites in Europe.  Many are known worldwide, and tourists are drawn to their doors to admire their beauty in person.  If you’re planning a European trip, you’ll want to have some, if not all, of these churches on your itinerary.