While we certainly have not been to every church, or every country in Europe, we have visited a ton of churches and cathedrals in our travels abroad.  While neither of us are religious people, we are always in awe of the architecture and the ornate décor that fill these structures!  I always measure how impressive a church is based upon George’s reaction to the visit.  Afterall, most of the time a visit to a church is not at the top of his list of “must visit places.”

With that being said, here is our list of the ten most beautiful churches/cathedrals in Europe!

10.  Basilica of Santa Croce - Florence, Italy

With 16 chapels, the Basilica of Santa Croce is one of the largest Franciscan churches in the world…and was born as “the church of the Florentine people”.  Construction on this church started in 1294.  The style of this church is a mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Gothic Revival architecture.  Michelangelo and Galileo are a few of the notable people buried here.  Cost to visit this church is 8 euros for adults.

9.  The Church of Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois - Paris, France

Located across from the Louvre, the first place of worship on this site was actually founded in the 5th century.  Like a lot of historic churches, this one went through several periods of growth and was then destroyed by the Normans in 886 before being rebuilt by King Robert the Pious.  Major additions to the structure took place throughout the years, but most of the current structure dates back to the 15th century.  This church plays a significant role in a rather unfortunate historical event.  The ringing of the bells on August 24, 1572 signaled the start of the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.  Many of the church’s monuments, paintings, and windows were destroyed during the French Revolution and during a riot in 1831.   There is no cost to visit the cathedral.

8. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Rome, Italy

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Catholic Church in Rome, Italy.  The church was built in 432 under the order of Pope Sixtus III.  The location of the church originates  to the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in the dream of Pope Liberius.  The coffered ceiling was built with some of the first gold that Columbus brought back from America.  At approximately 246 feet tall, the bell tower is the tallest in Rome.  Representing the Sacred Story, the mosaics in this church are considered some of the most important in all of Rome.  There is no cost to visit this church. 

7.  Cathedral de Santa Maria - Madrid, Spain

The Cathedral de Santa Maria is also known as the Almundena Cathedral.  This church in the heart of Madrid had been planned for since the 1600's when the capital of Spain was moved from Toledo to Madrid.  After centuries of delays, they broke ground in 1883.  It was consecrated on Jun 15, 1993 by Pope John Paul II. The Neo-Gothic interior is uniquely modern, with chapels and statues of contemporary artists, in heterogeneous styles, from historical revivals to "pop-art" decor.  This church hosted the wedding of King Felipe VI, then crown prince of Spain, to Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano.  There is no charge to visit this church.  Pro tip – the views of the city from up above are AMAZING!

6.  St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dublin, Ireland

Going way back in time, almost a thousand years to 1192 A.D., will take us to one of 4 Celtic churches that stood in what is now Dublin.  What was once a small gathering place for worshippers with a water well named for St. Patrick has become one of the most famous churches in all of Ireland.  Constant donation drives spearheaded by King Henry III and lasting well beyond his death turned the church into the cathedral that stands today.  The cost to enter is 7.50 euro.

5.  St. Peters Basilica - Vatican City

Officially known as the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is located in Vatican City. This site is much more than a church; it is the center of the Roman Catholic church, and home to the Pope.  Artists Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini created the greatest renaissance building in history.  These famous names give a glimpse into the grandeur of the architecture. From its ground breaking in 1506 to is consecration in 1626, Master Craftsmen took the utmost care to construct and outfit this most sacred and holy space.  Its most significant burial is that of St. Peter himself, who is said to be laid to rest just beneath the high alter. Since then, countless church leaders have all been interred in what is known as the greatest church in all of Christendom.  There is no charge to visit the church.  If you choose to visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, there is a cost associated with those visits.

4.  The Black Abbey - Kilkenny, Ireland

The Black Abbey was founded by William Marshal in 1225 as one of the first houses of the Dominican Order in Ireland.  This Norman style Abbey is located in Kilkenny, Ireland.  In the mid 1500’s, Ireland was under the rule of Elizabeth I of England.  During the rule of the Protestant led monarchy, the Dominicans were forced to leave. For hundreds of years, Kilkenny and the Abbey fluctuated between Catholic and Protestant leadership.  In 1816 the Abbey was restored to a Dominican priory.  The first public was held in September 1816.  The stained glass “Rosary Window” is the largest stained-glass window in Ireland.  There is no cost to visit the church.

3.  Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba - Cordoba, Spain

The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is one of the most unique churches we have ever visited.  This Cathedral in Cordoba, Spain was once a Mosque.  In the 6th century - This was the original site of San Vicente Basilica.  In the8th century, the original mosque of Abd al-Rahman I was built here. In the 9th century, the mosque was expanded by Abd al-Rahman II.  In the 10th century, there were several more expansions to the mosque.  In the 12th century, the Christian Army entered town and the first dedication of the Cathedral took place.  In the 13th century, the second dedication as a Catholic Church took place.  In the 14th century, the main chapel and Gothic Nave were built.  From the 16th century to the present day, the Transept of the Cathedral, the tower, and the patio of the oranges were added.  While there have been many changes at this site, they have maintained a lot of the history here.  The cost for entry is 11 euro.  Pro-tip: We recommend getting the audio guide here.

2.  Cologne Cathedral - Cologne, Germany

Construction on this Catholic church started on this church in 124; it was opened in 1322.   This impressive Cathedral is the second tallest structure in Cologne, with the two main towers dominating the skyline.  This church is known for its Gothic style, as well as for the shrine of the Three Wise Men.  Due to excessive bombing during WWII, the Cathedral underwent renovations in the 1950’s.   In 1996, UNESCO declared this Cathedral a World Heritage Site.  There is no charge to visit the church.

1.  La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona, Spain

This masterpiece was designed by, the great Catalan Architect, Antoni Gaudi.  Construction started in 1882 and is STILL ongoing!  Although still under construction, the church did open its doors in 2010.  This church is 566 feet tall and features Gothic Revival, Art Nouveau, and Modernism styles of architecture.  Every inch of this magnificent structure has been well thought out and designed with purpose.  The stained-glass windows are the real stars of the show here.  The light that comes through the glass is even more magical than the windows themselves!  Admission prices start at 26 euros.  Pro-tip: We definitely recommend taking a guided audio tour. 

There you have it…our list of the top ten most beautiful churches in Europe. We would love to hear which European churches top your list. Comment below!