Among the most fascinating sites throughout Europe are the continent’s many beautiful churches. These buildings, fueled by deep devotion, are where art met architecture and astonishing craftsmanship. They just don’t make buildings like these any more. Here are our top picks for the most picturesque churches in Europe.
Duomo: Milan
It’s no wonder the fashion capital of the world would also have one of the most beautiful churches, too. Bright, white Milan Cathedral, a.k.a. il Duomo, is a gem among European churches. It took about 600 years to build and remains the largest church in Italy.
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St. Peter’s Basilica: Vatican City
In addition to being the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s in Vatican City, is gorgeous inside and out. You might recognize this Renaissance-style gem from the Pope’s Christmas and Easter masses, said here and broadcast throughout the world. The church is also the burial site of the first Pope, Apostle St. Peter (among other popes), and it’s considered the center Roman Catholic world
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Notre-Dame Cathedral: Paris
One of the most famous churches in all of the world calls Paris home. Dating back to medieval times (construction began in 1163), this medieval beauty lost much of its religious iconography during the French Revolution, though efforts restore the art and artifacts began as early as 1845, with another phase beginning in 1991. From tales of hunchback bell operators to the beautiful Gothic architecture, it’s hard not to love Notre-Dame.
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Sagrada Familia: Barcelona, Spain
This 135-year work in progress is the only incomplete church on the list, but its already incredibly impressive. The Barcelona church was the vision of artist Antoni Gaudí, but he died in 1926 with the project far from complete. The Sagrada Familia expected to be finished in about 10 years, roughly 100 years after Gaudí’s death.
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Church on the Lake: Lake Bled, Slovenia
The official name of this church is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, however, most just call it the Church on the Lake. The weathered white steeple of this church is what Lake Bled owes most of its popularity to. Without this church, it might just be another lake in Slovenia.
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St. Peter’s Church: Riga, Latvia
The belle of this northeaster European city, is the high steeple of St. Peter’s Church near the center of the town. The 403-foot-tall weathered copper peak towers over the city; it’s also possible to climb to the top for a great photo op.
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Kölner Dom: Cologne, Germany
One of Europe’s great Gothic cathedrals, the Dom in Cologne towers over the city and keeps watch along the Rhine River. Feeling ambitious? Take the 533 steps climb all the way to the top of the church for some killer views.
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Hagia Sophia: Istanbul, Turkey
Although no longer a church, the Hagia Sophia was originally a place of worship for the Greek Orthodox population of Istanbul. The church was later converted into a mosque, and now a museum.
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Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore: Florence, Italy
Another beautiful renaissance church can be found in the beloved Italian city of Florence. The builders of this church were not afraid to use a bit of color when constructing this grand church.
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Cathedral de Santa Eulàlia: Barcelona, Spain
Often overshadowed by the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral de Santa Eulàlia in Barcelona is another of Europe’s most beautiful churches.
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St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Vienna, Austria
A church dedicated to the favorite saint of Central Europe, St. Stephen’s tower in Vienna cast a long shadow over the streets below. A closer look reveals a mesmerizing colored tile roof and many intricate details.
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Hallgrimskirkja: Reykjavik, Iceland
Borgund Stavkirke: Borgund, Norway
Reminiscent of an Asian temple, this Norwegian stave church in Borgund is far from the ornate stone wonders you see in Europe’s capitals. Instead, it is made from vertical wooden boards (staves) and has more than six stepped roofs culminating into a cross at the top. It’s considered one of Norway’s best remaining examples of traditional stave-style churches.