27 of the Most Beautiful Cathedrals in the World

One of the most unique cathedrals in the world, Cathedral of Brasília resembles a hyperbolic crown in the middle of Brasília's Monumental Axis. Renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer worked closely with urban planner Lúcio Costa to design the 16 boomerang-shaped columns to curve towards the sky as a gesture of communication. The impressive stained glass by French-Brazilian artist Marianne Peretti adds subtle color to the cathedral while allowing for natural light to flood the sanctuary.

The Acropolium of Carthage may be considered a gem leftover from the Colonial era, but its role as a cultural and community landmark shines even brighter today. Hussein Bey II granted permission to France to build the cathedral on top of Byrsa Hill in 1830, but construction of the Byzantine- and Gothic-style site did not begin until the late 1880s. The cathedral is no longer used today for as a place of worship but rather, a cultural center where Tunisians can attend live musical performances.

It took nearly 30 years and visits from two popes for the vision of a grand basilica in the heart of Quito, Ecuador to come to life. The largest neo-Gothic church in South America boasts an interesting series of gargoyles that resemble animals native to Ecuador, such as tortoises and iguanas. Even though Basílica del Voto Nacional was officially consecrated in 1988, construction has never been fully completed. Local lore suggests that if the basilica is were ever to be completed the world will come to an end instantly.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral, commonly known as Tsminda Sameba, sits high on St. Elijah hill as a symbol of Georgian independence and workmanship. Completed in 2004, the concrete and marble structure's carved towers and arches can been seen from nearly every corner of the city. Inside, richly decorated mosaics and miniatures depict icons of Georgian history and faith.

Construction of Duomo di Milano spanned six centuries, beginning in 1386, when Gothic architecture was in its heyday. Its construction site became a center of innovation and exchange of ideas for Europe's most talented engineers, architects, stone workers, and sculptors who worked on this masterpiece. Even Leonardo da Vinci had a hand in designing the cathedral's lantern tower in the 15th century. Napoleon had the facade completed during the 19th century and initiated the final stages of construction, which are still happening today.

Notre-Dame is not only one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe, but in all the world. Situated in the heart of Paris right off the Seine, construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163, and it was consecrated 26 years later.

While it's an impressive feat that the cathedral is still standing nearly 1,000 years after its construction, it has seen much damage and deterioration over the years. Its restoration can be attributed to Emperor Napoleon for making Notre-Dame his passion project after the French Revolution, as well as Victor Hugo's eponymous book. A fire broke out in 2019 during another restoration, destroying most of the roof and Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century spire.

St. Paul's is an Anglican cathedral located in London's city center. The site used to house a Roman temple to Diana and was dedicated to Paul in 604 A.D. The cathedral has gone through five iterations, the final in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, built by Christopher Wren (known as the greatest English architect of his time) after it was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Wren combined Baroque, neoclassical, and Gothic elements, paying homage to both the English Restoration and 17th-century scientific philosophy. Some decorative changes were made to its interior in the 19th century to be more aligned with the Victorian style that dominated the period.

This stunning Romanesque Cathedral was first constructed beginning in 1075 and consecrated in 1211. While its original Medieval structure has been preserved, the cathedral has experienced much expansion and development throughout the Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical periods, making this cathedral a historic and architectural wonder. Its museum offers insight into the history, culture, and art of these movements, making it a must-see for those visiting the area.

Construction on the Burgos Cathedral began in the 13th century, at the same time as the famous cathedrals in Paris's city center. Located in Burgos's historic city center in the northern Iberian peninsula, the cathedral is designed in the French High Gothic style and has influenced art and architecture since its construction.

One of its most notable influences was housing a Cathedral workshop in the 15th and 16th centuries, where artists from other parts of western Europe trained Spanish architects and sculptors. It became known as one of the most respectable schools of its time.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world and is one of Bulgaria's most popular tourist attractions. The cathedral was named after a Russian prince and honors Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, after which Bulgaria was freed from Ottoman rule. The cathedral was complete in 1912, with its name being temporarily changed shortly after, due to Russia and Bulgaria belonging to opposing alliances during WWI, but its original name was reinstated in 1920.

What makes this structure so unique is that it's comprised of pieces from across Europe. Its marble parts and light fixtures were made in Munich, metal elements in Berlin, and its gates and mosaics in Venice.

The Metropolitan Cathedral is Latin America's oldest and largest cathedral, and its unique design was inspired by Mexico's indigenous and colonial influences. Its famous Altar of the Kings is the oldest-known example of Churrigueresque—Mexican Gothic—and its exterior was built by stones taken from Aztec temples. It houses the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico today and is one of the capital city's most popular landmarks.

Montreal's Notre-Dame is best known for its breathtaking, vibrant interiors and is a jewel of Quebec's religious history. The Gothic Revival structure was built in the 1820s and features dual towers reminiscent of Paris's eponymous cathedral.

Notre-Dame's striking interior design can be attributed to local artist, Jean-Baptiste Lagacé, who was supervised by architect Victor Bourgeau. Alongside being a place of Catholic worship, prayer, and teaching, the cathedral houses state funerals, celebrity weddings, and year-round musical performances featuring a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ.

Also called the Cathedral of Notre Dame at Reims, the French High Gothic style structure is a historical landmark for many reasons. It was the sight of 25 coronations of the kings of France, from the 13th to 19th centuries, most notably of Louis VIII in 1223 and Charles VII in 1429 in the presence of Joan of Arc.

Construction of Reims Cathedral began in 1211, and while it was modeled on the Chartes Cathedreal, Reims incorporated several new architectural techniques of its time, such as bar tracery, which later became a signature element of French High Gothic architecture.

La Sagrada Familia has famously been under construction since it was first designed in 1882. Its original design was of the neo-Gothic style but was reimagined when legendary architect Antoni Gaudí took over the project a year later, shifting toward his signature Catalan-Modernist style. Seven architects have been on the project since Gaudí's death, most recently, Jordi Fauli in 2012, who has carried out the project according to Gaudí's plans.

Canterbury Cathedral is both an icon of British and church history. Its first archbishop, St. Augustine, arrived to the area as a missionary in 597 A.D.. It is the oldest church in England still in use. It's also likely the oldest organization in the English-speaking world.

The Bourges Cathedral honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and was built in the late 12th and 13th centuries. The cathedral is considered important in strengthening the popularity of Gothic architecture as well as symbolizing Christianity's popularity in Medieval France. The structure remains unaltered since its construction and its plan, unlike many other buildings of its time, and is still revered for its architecture, proportions, and decoration.