30 magnificent churches from around the world to visit now

For many centuries, in the West, the central architectural, urban planning, and artistic investments concerned the building of places of worship: the churches.

Their construction was considered a duty; the architecture had to follow sacred forms and figurative art, or the work of painters and sculptors, reserved for the representation of the Divine.

Some of history's greatest architects and artists have built increasingly imposing, ingenious, refined, and magnificent churches. Absolute masterpieces have forever changed the history of architecture and our conception of beauty.

Discover these 30 wonders; you are bound to be enchanted: click on the arrows of the photo to continue reading.

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia symbolizes the Spanish city of Barcelona. An absolute masterpiece by the great architect Gaudì who transferred all his vision about the sacredness of the family of Jesus and all his passion for symbolism into this project. The project is so full of details and technical, as well as economic, difficulties that it is not yet finished! However, the work should end in 2026: pack your bags for Barcelona because it's worth it!

Famous and loved worldwide, this spectacular Parisian church is one of the most splendid examples of Gothic architecture. Unfortunately, it was the victim of a terrible fire in 2019, but the works for its recovery and restoration are in full swing.

Also famous as the "Duomo of Florence," this church is, together with its spectacular dome, the symbol of Florence, the Renaissance, and Humanism. It is a fantastic building in which architecture and art merge to give life to timeless beauty.

St. Basil's Cathedral was the most spectacular symbol of the Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe. Known worldwide for its grandeur and original colors, it dominates the iconic Red Square. We hope to be able to revisit you soon...

She is the largest Church in the world, certainly one of the most spectacular. From every point of view: architectural with Michelangelo's dome and Bernini's colonnade, artistic with Michelangelo's sculptures and Raphael's frescoes, spiritual since it is here that St. Peter and most of the popes in history are buried.

The impressive Milan Cathedral is the center of Italian city life. Together with Notre Dame in Paris, it is the most splendid example of Baroque architecture. Dominating the cathedral is the famous "Madunina," a gold statue of the Madonna.

The basilica is one of the great monuments of which the splendid Budapest is rich. The church is not ancient, it was finished in 1905, but it is imposing and sumptuous.

This beautiful Gothic-style cathedral is reminiscent of Notre Dame due to its conformation. It is one of the most visited and largest churches in America.

Built in the 16th century, it was the largest church in the world for a long time before becoming a mosque. Today, however, it is a museum in which to admire incredible examples of mosaic art.

This wonderful church is the most important in Iceland. It's a modern church built in 1986 with a minimalist style, especially inside, that offers a unique view of the city from the top of its tower.

A valid symbol of Prague, the Cathedral offers a spectacular glance. Rich in art and finishes, it preserves invaluable religious relics, particularly the head of the evangelist Saint Luke.

Built into the red rock in the 1950s, this is one of the most original churches ever built. Its position, immersed in the rock and nature, makes it one of the most spiritually elevated places to be found.

The famous Westminster Abbey is one of London's oldest churches, just under a thousand years old! Several kings and great personalities of English history are buried here. Among them are Henry III, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, and Charles Dickens.

Also known as "Mary of the Lake," this little wonder is located in the center of a small island. Initially built in the 1200s, this little wonder is a dream come true.

The town of Saint-Michel dominates the small island it sits on and, in turn, is dominated by the iconic abbey. It is one of the most visited places in the world, whose peculiarity lies in the sea currents and tides that periodically submerge the roads leading to the island. Its atmospheres are enchanted, and if you stay to sleep on the island, you will experience moments of unforgettable atmosphere.

The wood with which this magnificent Norwegian church was built dates back to the 12th century. Dedicated to Saint Andrew, it is a museum and a precious architectural example today.

Built for the Jubilee of 2000 in a peripheral area of Rome, this church is a hymn to modernity and, with its sails, the metaphor of the boat in which Peter fished with Jesus. As in past centuries, one of the greatest contemporary architects was chosen for its conception: Richard Meier.

Consecrated in 1958, this church is the tallest in South America (114 meters). The church is tall and massive in capacity: it can accommodate almost 5,000 faithful!

Located between Wall Street and Broadway, in full Manhattan, this church is enclosed between skyscrapers and monumental buildings. Built in 1697, it is still a vital spiritual center in the heart of the Big Apple.

Built in 1949 in the canyon formed by the Guaitara River, this wonderful sanctuary is today a place of worship and pilgrimage. An important apparition of the Madonna took place in this place.

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most important religious places in the world. The endpoint of the famous Camino, the Cathedral houses the relics of St. James the Greater, the patron saint of Spain.

Given the centuries-long close relationship between the Venetian Republic and the Eastern Roman Empire, the most important church in the city could only recall Byzantine elements. She was nicknamed "golden church" due to the great use of gold mosaics in the internal coverings.

After the Eiffel Tower, this Basilica is Paris's second most-visited monument. It enjoys an exceptional location on Montmartre hill, offering visitors an incredible view of the Ville Lumiere. Inside is one of the most extensive mosaics in the world, depicting Jesus Christ with open arms.

Did you know that this small, poetic, and silent church on the island of Santorini is the second most photographed monument in Greece, after the Parthenon? The structure features three blue domes that prepare the heart and eyes for the sea view.

This magnificent church was erected after the assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881. The church incorporates a medieval Russian architectural style. At the same time, the decoration of the towers is made up of the coats of arms of the cities and regions of the Russian Empire.

This wonderful Gothic church looks back on a troubled past. It was demolished and rebuilt during the two world wars. The church was initially built in the 13th century with the original onion dome that has always caused discussions among the inhabitants of Dinant.

Besides a beautiful Gothic church, this iconic UNESCO site is the most visited tourist attraction in Germany! It is the tallest cathedral in the world and the second-tallest church in Europe.

This Lutheran church is the tallest in the world! Its bell tower reaches 161 meters! It will only be surpassed by Barcelona's Sagrada Familia when the central tower is finished.

This church is located in Yosemite National Park and, while modest in size and architecture, remains the oldest site in the national park. We are confident that the atmosphere in a marvelous natural garden is ideal for recollection in religious silence.

It is located in Ranchos de Taos, an example of a Spanish colonial church built in 1772. Its minimalist style and simplicity follow Franciscan ideals, striking the imagination of artists and photographers who have immortalized it in their works.