Churches and religious buildings have been among the most important places in the world forever.
Monumental buildings with beautiful, thoughtful decorations, vaults, and magnificent facades still amaze millions of believers and tourists. Come and see the most beautiful churches in the world.
Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)
It is the most spectacular site and a masterpiece of Barcelona. The most famous Roman Catholic basilica in Spain, Sagrada Familia, is breathtaking. The Sagrada Familia means Holy Family, and the temple is considered a unique architectural gem thanks to its elaborate decoration. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is still in progress. It is built in the style of medieval cathedrals, with signature elements and a unique design by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí. During the basilica’s construction, he sought inspiration from nature and tried to preserve the most natural shape of the church. Columns decorating the cathedral symbolize trees in the forest, the entrance pillars of the church adorn animal motifs, and brightly colored stained glass windows shine with all the colors of the rainbow in the church’s interior. Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is unique and cannot be overlooked when visiting Barcelona.
Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris, France)
Paris possesses countless historical monuments, but only one is a true icon of Paris. Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Paris, is a Roman Catholic building built in the Gothic style. It is located on the island of La Cité. Despite the devastating fire in 2019, when the roof of the entire ship was destroyed, some of the medieval stained glass windows of the cathedral hold the position of the most impressive in the world. The church is built of wood, iron, limestone, and lead. It is a majestic work of Gothic architecture, and the most elaborate part of the cathedral is mainly the western facade. It is decorated with apostles statues, the Madonna with the child, but also with the angel of the resurrection. The character of the cathedral is also embellished by typical gargoyles, which in the past served to expel evil forces from the temple.
St. Patric’s Cathedral (New York, United States)
North America’s largest neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral is near the world’s most famous Rockefeller Center complex in Manhattan. St.Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is now the archbishop’s seat. It offers a quiet shelter from the hustle and bustle of the city. The church was built in 1858 and is 100 meters high. Outside, two tall towers and a bronze entrance door to the temple are majestic tourist attractions. Equally stunning is the church’s interior, which hides several gems. Twenty-one altars, nineteen bells, colorful stained glass windows, and a modern statue in honor of the first American saint, Ann Seton, will surely amaze visitors upon entering New York’s most famous cathedral.
St. Basil’s Cathedral (Moscow, Russia)
The most iconic building in Moscow is undoubtedly St. Basil’s Cathedral. Its colorful facade makes it recognizable from other sacred structures located in Red Square. The monumental Moscow Cathedral is characterized by onion-shaped domes covered with gold, and its architecture reflects the symbolic connection of Russia with Europe and Asia. The church is rightfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to its uniqueness.
Text: Michaela Miňová, photo: unsplash.com
