Category
Cathedrals & Basilicas
Stone raised as prayer.
The great cathedrals and basilicas of Europe are the most visited Christian buildings on earth. St Peter's Basilica in Rome, Chartres, Cologne Cathedral, Notre-Dame de Paris and Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim are gathered here as a guide to the most famous cathedrals to visit — Gothic and Romanesque architecture, relics and stained glass, opening hours, mass times and what makes each one worth a detour.
9 destinations
4/5 SignificanceVatican City, Vatican City
St Peter's Basilica
The biggest church ever built, with Michelangelo's dome over the tomb of Peter the fisherman.
4/5 SignificanceSantiago de Compostela, Spain
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The end of the Camino walk. Inside, a huge 80-kilo incense burner swings high across the church.
3/5 SignificanceIstanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia
For 900 years the biggest church in the world. It became a mosque, then a museum, and is a mosque again today.
3/5 SignificanceChartres, France
Chartres Cathedral
A huge old French church with 176 original stained-glass windows and a stone maze that pilgrims still walk.
3/5 SignificanceTurin, Italy
Turin Cathedral and the Shroud
A 4.4-metre linen cloth with the faint image of a crucified man. It is the most studied object in the world.
3/5 SignificanceCologne, Germany
Cologne Cathedral
A giant German church that took 632 years to build. Inside is a gold box said to hold the bones of the wise men.
3/5 SignificanceCanterbury, United Kingdom
Canterbury Cathedral
In 1170 an archbishop was killed here by four knights. After that it became the most visited holy place in England.
3/5 SignificanceTrondheim, Norway
Nidaros Cathedral
A Norwegian cathedral built over the grave of Saint Olav. It is the most northern medieval cathedral in the world.
2/5 SignificanceBarcelona, Spain
Sagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished church in Barcelona. The whole Gospel story is carved into the walls, and the pillars look like trees.