Looking for the most beautiful Europe cathedrals and basilicas?
I’m a sucker for visiting churches when I travel! While there are countless gorgeous cathedrals in Europe, I’ve included all of my favorites. (But the list is always growing!)
Each of these is a must-visit for its stunning architecture as well as its history, art, and stained- glass windows.
From Gothic towers to colorful mosaics, there’s so much to explore and admire in these grand structures. Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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1. La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
At the top of my list is La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Spain. It’s not finished yet, but that doesn’t stop millions of people (including me!) from visiting this unique basilica every year.
Antoni Gaudí, a famous Spanish architect, designed this amazing building. He started working on it in 1882 and continued until he died in 1926.
The Basilica of Sagrada Familia looks different from other churches you might have seen. It has tall, skinny towers that remind some people of dripping sand castles.
Inside, you’ll find colorful stained-glass windows that light up the space like a rainbow. The columns look like trees, making you feel like you’re in a stone forest.
While it’s still under construction, you can go up some of the towers for great views of Barcelona. The builders hope to finish the cathedral by 2026, 100 years after Gaudí’s death.
Even though it’s not done, the Sagrada Familia is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s definitely one of the top attractions in Barcelona!
2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta is a spectacular gem you won’t want to miss.
(This magnificent cathedral was added to my travel bucket list after I read Steve Berry’s book ‘The Malta Exchange’ which featured it.)
Built in the 16th century, this church looks plain from the outside but will blow you away once you step inside.
As you enter, you’ll be amazed by the ornate Baroque interior. The floors, walls, and ceiling are covered in intricate decorations. Gold leaf shimmers everywhere you look.
The cathedral is home to famous artwork too. You can see Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” here. It’s the largest painting he ever made and the only one he signed.
Be sure to get a good look at the floor. It’s covered with colorful marble tombstones of knights. Each one tells a story through its images and inscriptions. (This is one of my favorite things about this church!)
The cathedral also has a museum with beautiful tapestries, silver items, and church robes. You’ll learn more about the history of the Knights of Malta who built this amazing place.
Tip: Head upstairs to take in incredible views of this cathedral, as shown in the picture above.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
The Notre Dame Cathedral is a true icon of Paris and one of the most famous landmarks in France.
It was one of the first places I visited on my first trip to Paris, climbing the tower to take a close look at the gargoyles. It was love at first sight!
You’ll find this famous landmark on the Île de la Cité in the heart of the city. Its construction began in 1163 and took nearly 200 years to finish.
The cathedral’s Gothic architecture will take your breath away.
Look up at the towering spires and marvel at the intricate stone carvings. The stunning rose windows are a highlight, with their colorful stained-glass designs.
Inside, you’ll be amazed by the soaring vaulted ceilings and massive columns. Take a moment to admire the beautiful altar and the many religious artworks on display.
In 2019, a devastating fire damaged parts of Notre-Dame. But don’t worry – restoration work has been completed (yay!) and you can once again visit this incredible cathedral.
Notre-Dame’s rich history and timeless beauty continue to captivate visitors from around the world. It’s certainly one of the reasons people love to visit Paris!
4. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Vatican City, is a must-see when you visit Rome.
It’s one of the most famous churches in the world and the heart of the Catholic faith. It’s the center of attention in the majestic Piazza San Pietro, one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome.
You’ll be awed by its huge dome, designed by Michelangelo. It towers over the city and can be seen from miles away.
Inside, you’ll find stunning artwork and sculptures. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà, a beautiful marble statue of Mary holding Jesus.
The basilica is built on the spot where many believe Saint Peter was buried. It’s a special place for pilgrims and tourists alike.
When you enter, you’ll be struck by the sheer size of the interior. The main altar, called the Baldachin, is a massive bronze structure that will take your breath away.
Climb to the top of the dome for a great view of Vatican City and Rome. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally worth it — it’s one of the best photo spots in Rome!
5. St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in London.
You can spot its stately dome from many places in the city. It sits on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in London.
The current cathedral was built after the Great Fire of London in 1666. The famous architect Christopher Wren designed it. It took over 30 years to build and was finished in 1711.
When you visit, take some time to admire the beautiful art and mosaics inside. The Whispering Gallery is a fun spot — if you whisper against the wall, someone on the other side can hear you!
St. Paul’s survived the Blitz in World War II. It became a symbol of British strength during tough times. Today, it’s still an active church and a favorite spot for sightseeing tourists.
Climb to the top of the dome for great views of London. Warning: You’ll have to climb over 500 steps, and there is no elevator!
6. Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica, Lyon
Perched high on a hill overlooking charming Vieux Lyon, the Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica is a stunning sight. You can’t miss its gleaming white facade and ornate towers as you explore the city.
Built in the late 19th century, this basilica honors the Virgin Mary. The locals believe she protected Lyon from a plague in 1643.
Step inside and you’ll be amazed by the colorful gilded mosaics covering the walls and ceilings. These intricate artworks tell biblical stories and depict important religious figures.
Don’t forget to check out the crypt beneath the main church. It’s like a hidden treasure with its own set of beautiful decorations.
For a real treat, take the rooftop tour and visit the observation deck. It’s one of the best photo spots in Lyon, and you’ll love the fantastic views of the city spread out at your feet. On clear days, you might even spot the Alps in the distance.
The basilica hosts concerts and events throughout the year. If you’re lucky, you might catch a performance during your visit.
7. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Brussels
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula stands tall in the heart of Brussels. This Gothic beauty is named after the patron saints of Brussels.
Building started in the 13th century and took about 300 years to finish. You can see different styles as you look at the church. The west towers are in the French Gothic style.
Inside, you’ll be amazed by the high ceilings and colorful stained glass windows. The north and south transepts have huge rose windows. They let in lots of light and create a magical atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Baroque pulpit made of oak and marble. It shows Adam and Eve being kicked out of the Garden of Eden. You’ll also spot detailed carvings and statues throughout the cathedral.
The cathedral has seen many important events. Belgian royal weddings and state funerals happen here. We even saw the Royal Family here for the celebration of Belgium Day on our last visit!
You can visit the cathedral most days. It’s free to enter, but there’s a small fee if you want to see the treasury. Take your time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the art.
8. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
St Patrick’s Cathedral is Ireland’s largest church and one of Dublin’s top attractions. The cathedral dates back to 1220 and has a rich history.
You can’t help but admire the beautiful Gothic architecture, with its tall spire reaching up to the sky. Inside, you’ll find colorful stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
The cathedral has connections to famous writer Jonathan Swift. He was the dean here in the 1700s and is buried on the grounds. (He was quite the colorful character!)
Take a guided tour to hear fascinating stories about the cathedral’s past. You’ll discover hidden corners and interesting details you might miss on your own.
Don’t forget to check out the lovely park next to the cathedral. It’s a great place to relax after your visit. Sit on a bench and admire the church’s exterior. On a sunny day, you’ll find locals here enjoying the beautiful weather.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is open daily for visitors. It’s easy to reach by foot from Dublin’s city center (and it’s also a stop for the hop-on hop-off buses). Plan to spend about 1-2 hours exploring this beautiful and historic place.
9. Santa María de Mallorca Cathedral-Basilica, Palma
The Santa María de Mallorca Cathedral-Basilica is a stunning example of Gothic architecture with some unique features.
You’ll find this impressive cathedral in Palma, the capital of Mallorca. It’s known as ‘La Seu’, for short.
The cathedral sits near the sea, creating a beautiful sight that you can enjoy from the ship if you’re visiting the port on a Mediterranean cruise.
Construction began in 1229 and took almost 400 years to finish.
The cathedral has an unusual layout. Its central nave is very tall, supported by slender columns that seem to reach for the sky.
Inside, you’ll see a giant crown-like chandelier. It was designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. (Yep, he’s the same architect who designed Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Basilica.)
When you visit, be sure to admire the huge rose window. It’s one of the largest in the world and fills the interior with colorful light.
The cathedral also has a special feature called the “spectacle of the eight.” Twice a year, sunlight shines through the rose window to create a figure-eight on the opposite wall.
10. Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, Marseille
Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica stands tall on Marseille’s highest hill.
This iconic church watches over the city and harbor below. Its striking Romano-Byzantine style catches your eye from miles away with its vivid striped design.
The basilica’s most famous feature is the enormous golden statue of the Virgin Mary on top. At 30 feet tall, she shines brightly in the Mediterranean sun. You can spot her from almost anywhere in Marseille.
Inside, fantastic mosaics cover the walls and ceilings. The intricate designs tell stories from the Bible and local history. Look for the small boats hanging from the ceiling – they’re offerings from sailors thankful for safe voyages.
The views from the church are breathtaking, especially on a clear sunny day. You can see all of Marseille, the sparkling sea, and nearby islands. It’s a perfect spot for photos or just soaking in the scenery.
Locals call Notre-Dame de la Garde “La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mother). Many visit to pray or leave offerings.
11. Seville Cathedral, Seville
Seville Cathedral is a must-see when you’re in Spain, and one of the best reasons to visit Seville.
You’ll be amazed by its enormous size and beautiful architecture. It’s the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in Europe.
The cathedral was built in the 15th century on the site of a former mosque. Its builders wanted to create something so grand that people would think they were crazy. They definitely succeeded!
Inside, you’ll find stunning stained-glass windows and intricate carvings. The intricate golden altarpiece is particularly impressive – it’s the largest in the world!
Don’t miss the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which is held aloft by four larger-than-life statues.
Remember to look up at the vaulted ceilings. They’re incredibly high and beautifully decorated.
For some incredible views of Seville, climb the adjacent Giralda Tower. This bell tower used to be the minaret of the old mosque. It’s a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.
This fabulous cathedral makes Seville one of the best places to visit in Southern Spain!
Europe Cathedrals Map
If your sense of location (and geography) is as bad as mine, you’ll love this map of European cathedrals and basilicas:
Final Thoughts:
There are so many incredible basilicas and cathedrals in Europe! I apologize if I’ve missed your personal favorite.
Inspired to visit the cities with these fabulous churches? Check out these posts:
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Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is the founder of Waves and Cobblestones. She has taken 35 cruises ranging from a multi-generational Caribbean cruise to solo Alaska cruises to fabulous Mediterranean cruises.
She lived in Ireland for 4 months and has taken over a dozen multi-city vacations in Europe (France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, and more!). Lisa helps people plan amazing vacations to Europe and popular cruise destinations.
Learn more about Lisa!
