Church is a building for public worship, and especially Christian worship. Churches are like the physical manifestation of Christ, i.e., his body. The Church provides members with revelations, standards, and guidelines for our live. There are memorial churches, maintenance churches, and movement churches. Churches are present all around the world. These are the most beautiful and peace giving places on our planet. Let’s know about the top 10 famous churches of the world.
#1 Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The most famous church in the world is the Sagrada Familia. It is a large Roman Catholic Church located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful church is designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Construction began in 1882, and it is incomplete till today. Construction on Sagrada Família is not supported by any government. Money from tickets purchased by tourists & private donation is now used for construction.
#2 Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
The Saint Basil’s Cathedral church is the second most famous church in the world. The church is Located in Moscow’s Red Square. This is a Russian Orthodox church built from 1555 till 1561. St. Basil’s marks the geometric center of Moscow. And it is also included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church acquired its present-day vivid colors in several stages, from the 1680s to 1848. The church is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia.
#3 Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, France
Next name in the list of famous churches of the world is of Notre Dame de Paris. The Notre Dame cathedral is one of the most beautiful church of Europe. The cathedral’s dramatic towers, spire, stained-glass and statuary are most impressive. The church is known for its size, antiquity, and architectural interest. The tower height is up to 69 m long. In 1805, it was awarded the honorary status of a minor basilica. It is the most visited monument in Paris. The Notre Dame took over a century to complete.
#4 St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica, is a holy meeting place, and an exceptional attraction in the Vatican City. The church was constructed during the years 1506 and 1615. The dome itself was designed in 1547 by Michelangelo. The dome of St. Peter’s rises to a total height of 136.57 meters (448.1 ft). It is the tallest dome in the world. The basilica is one of the most famous and visited monuments in Rome and Italy. It is said to be the final resting place of Saint Peter.
#5 Westminster Abbey, London, England
Westminster Abbey is a royal church in the center of London, offering services for all. It has over a thousand years of history. It was built in the 10th century. The church is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bells at the abbey were overhauled in 1971. The ring is made up of ten bells. Westminster Abbey is renowned for its choral tradition. The Anglican church music is heard in daily worship. Westminster Abbey, is the final resting place of thousands of influential people.
#6 St Paul’s Cathedral, London, England
St Paul’s Cathedral, church of London, is among the most famous churches in the world. It’s an architectural landmark status. The famous church has figured in many major cultural and religious events. Some of the major events includes the funerals of Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill. Also, the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer. At 365 ft (111 m) high, it was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1963. The dome is still one of the highest in the world. St Paul’s is the second-largest church building in area in the United Kingdom.
#7 Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestinian territories
The Church of the Nativity, or Basilica of the Nativity, is a basilica located in Bethlehem. The church was commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother Helena. The basilica is the oldest major church in the Holy Land. Over the centuries, the surrounding compound has been expanded. The church area covers 12,000 square meters. The church comprises three different monasteries. One Roman Catholic, one Armenian Apostolic, and one Greek Orthodox. It is considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. The church is a World Heritage Site.
#8 Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holy place for millions of Christians all round the world. The famous church is also called the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It is also known as the Church of the Resurrection. The church is located within the Christian Quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. The site is believed to be the place where Jesus was crucified, and buried (the Sepulchre). For many Christians, the site is the most important pilgrimage destination. It has a capacity of, 8000 people. The church posses three domes. The main material used in the church is stone. The church is one of the best attractions in Jerusalem
#9 Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice, Italy
Mark is the most important religious temple in the city of Venice. It is located in the St. Mark square (Piazza San Marco), next to the Doge’s Palace. The famous church of Venice, is always been the center of the public and religious life in the city. The basilica has a special chair with an umbraculum. The church is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe and around the world. Saint Mark’s Basilica is the top most structure from the Byzantine architecture. It was constructed in 1650. The famous church serves the destination of many tourists around the world.
#10 Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia, of Istanbul, was A former Greek Orthodox patriarchal church. Later it became an imperial mosque, and now a museum. From the date of its construction in 537 until 1453, it served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. The building was a mosque from 1453 until 1931. It was then secularized and opened as a museum in1935, as it still is today. It has been described as “holding a unique position in the Christian world”. Also it is known as an architectural & cultural icon of Byzantine & Eastern Orthodox civilization.
The tourist are constantly seeking out new experiences. There is a growing interest in experiences at religious sites. Churches are one of the famous tourist places most visited in the World. The article provides information about top 10 famous churches in the world. Which of the above mention churches you had being till today? Which beautiful church in the world you had been visited? What famous church you would like to visit? Add your valuable point about churches in the comment section of the article.
