The 7 Most Beautiful Churches In The World You Must Visit

Churches have traditionally possessed the resources and influence necessary to protect the past and support innovative, frequently ostentatious works of art. There are some churches that stand head and shoulders above the rest, even if frequenting churches can get monotonous. The Most Beautiful Churches In The World are frequently those that not only have a rich history or legend associated with them but are also among the most stunning structures on earth. Let’s explore our list of the top 7 Most Beautiful Churches In The World.

Top 7 Most Beautiful Churches In The World

1. Mont St. Michel Abbey

One of the most striking vistas imaginable is the Mont St. Michel Abbey, perched atop a tidal island close outside Normandy in northwest France. Overlooking the crowded old town halls and buildings that slide down the hillside is the enormous abbey with its lovely chapels and cloisters.

The reason for this is that medieval society prioritized the abbey and, by extension, God. While visitors have been welcomed by monks and a monastery on the mount at least since the ninth century, much of the abbey and its gorgeous Romanesque church wasn’t finished until 1523. Today, however, Mont St. Michel’s breathtaking scenery and impressive historical landmarks are primarily what drive tourists to the monastery.

2. Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy

This magnificent structure, which is more often known as the Florence Duomo, dominates Florence’s skyline. The Santa Maria del Fiore, along with the nearby Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile, took 140 years to complete and is a significant piece of Florence’s Renaissance history. The huge brick dome on top starkly contrasts with the multicolored marble that adorns its exterior. The immense interior of the cathedral immediately establishes its significance, while Giotto’s Campanile and the vistas from its dome complete the overall experience.

3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel

Regardless of your religious beliefs, the scenes within Jerusalem’s Most Beautiful Churches In The World of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the Most Beautiful Churches In The World, will profoundly touch you. For the past 1,600 years, visitors have traveled to this location, which is thought to have been constructed over the place of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.

The majority travel down the poignant Via Dolorosa, which consists of 14 Stations of the Cross that trace Jesus’ last journey and death, with the final five located inside the church.

The current structure of the Most Beautiful Churches In The World, which is largely from the 12th century, is made up of five different churches, including Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian. There is always a service going on, which contributes to the deep spiritual mood by filling the air with incense and chanting.

4. St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is home to several impressive landmarks, but one of the most striking is St. Stephen’s Basilica in the city’s heart. Due to the presence of St. Stephen’s hand, Hungary’s patron saint, in this basilica, it has close ties to both its history and culture. Having been finished in 1905, it may not be the oldest structure, but it more than makes up for that with its regal beauty both inside and out. The structure’s neoclassical front gives it a real air of power and presence, while the gilded altar and magnificent dome above add to the interior’s opulence.

5. Valencia Cathedral, Valencia, Spain

Valencia’s cathedral has an exciting and dramatic history that dates back to the 13th century when the Moors were expelled from the city and it was built atop a mosque. The elaborate Capella del Santo Calz is home to a jewel-encrusted cup made of oriental agate stone that is thought to be the Holy Grail. The chalice, which draws tourists and Christians from all over the world, is visible as you pass by the chapel.

With some priceless artwork on exhibit, the cathedral itself is a beautiful mash-up of Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque styles. When you get to the magnificent, gilded altar in the Capilla de San Francisco de Borja, glance up at the ceiling to see angels looking down from a brilliant blue, star-studded sky. Then, examine the Goya. Climb El Miguelete, the bell tower, to get a bird’s-eye view of Valencia.

6. Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris, France

In April 2019, a fire partially destroyed Notre-Dame, one of Paris’ most recognizable sites, as the world watched in disbelief. The roof and spire are currently being rebuilt, and the restoration effort for one of the Most Beautiful Churches In The World is already well underway.

Ile de la Cité’s Seine bank is dominated by the spectacular façade of this French Gothic masterpiece, which is thankfully still standing. Its square towers and ribbed flying buttresses are still easily recognizable.

After seeing one of Europe’s most recognizable structures from the exterior, cross the Pont au Double to the Left Bank and visit the enchanted Shakespeare & Company bookstore, the city’s renowned bohemian English-language bookstore. There are readings, aspiring writers, book signings, new and rare books, and a lovely café with views of Notre Dame across the river.

7. Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy

The Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore commands the Florence skyline. The Duomo is a complex marble jigsaw puzzle that features pink, white, and green marble. Filippo Brunelleschi created the unique red-roofed Renaissance dome in the 15th century.

The cathedral’s interior is very plain, but spend some time admiring the exquisite mosaic flooring, which is best seen from above. Look at the clock over the entryway; it was built in 1443 and is still in functioning order.

Vasari’s brilliant fresco of the Last Judgement, which dominates the interior of the cupola and is one of the best works of art in Florence, is one feature of the Duomo’s interior that is far from plain. Both the point of view and the flashy manner of the piece are brilliant.

Climb the cupola’s interior 463 steep, narrow stone steps, then walk the balustrade around its inner curve to get the greatest view of the fresco. You’ll have breathtaking views of the medieval city from the top floor outside.

Conclusion:

The Most Beautiful Churches In The World are much more than just places of worship. As well as magnificent mosaics, sculptures, and paintings, they contain priceless pieces of art. In addition, they serve as emblems of the places they call home, shaping the skyline and hiding historical mysteries.

The history of The Most Beautiful Churches In The World is extensive, and many opulent structures in the capital cities of Europe and elsewhere have survived fires, revolutions, and wars. If you’re ready to struggle your way up arduous, cramped steps designed for medieval workers rather than modern tourists, a city’s cathedral frequently affords the most breathtaking views of the rooftops.