The 16 Most Famous Cathedrals in the World

[New Sancai Compilation and First Edition] The cathedral and its towering spire are one of the city's most prominent and easily identifiable landmarks. These magnificent structures were sometimes built hundreds, even thousands, of years ago to symbolize the power and might of God. Their bell towers also served a practical purpose, as they called people from the surrounding countryside to worship.

Many cathedrals have beautiful architecture and interiors decorated with stunning sculptures, exquisite artwork and stained glass windows. Beloved by devotees and tourists alike, these stunning structures are now among the most impressive artistic, architectural and historical monuments in the world.

△ Saint Basil's Cathedral: This cathedral stands on Red Square in the center of Moscow and is one of the most important and impressive landmarks in the entire Russia. This charming cathedral is made up of ten connected churches. Construction began in 1555 and took only 6 years. Featuring a variety of architectural styles, it almost looks like something out of a fairy tale; its bright red walls are punctuated by colorful towers and onion-shaped domes. While its stunning exterior makes for some great photos, exploring its stunning interior is just as evocative. Beautiful artwork and icons coexist with magnificent frescoes and floral decorations. Unlike any other building on earth, St. Basil's Cathedral is a spectacular sight and one of the highlights of a trip to Moscow.

△Mezquita of Cordoba: This mosque is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Moorish architecture and is indeed worth a visit. Since it was a mosque for much of its history, elegant arches and beautiful columns adorn its spacious prayer hall, which also displays many exquisite geometric and floral patterns. Founded in 784, it was converted into a church during the Reconquista; in the 16th century, a Renaissance cathedral nave was built in the middle of the vast complex. With its ornate mosaics, ornate marble carvings and many exquisite calligraphy, the Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most charming attractions in Andalusia, southern Spain.

△ Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This church is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. It has stunning neo-Byzantine architecture and is the capital of Sofia, Bulgaria. One of the main attractions and symbols of Sofiya. This massive cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the Russian soldiers who died during the liberation of Bulgaria. While its gleaming exterior and gilded dome certainly make for some great photos, its spacious and subdued interior is equally inviting with the colorful icons on its walls.

△ San Marco Basilica: This cathedral is located at one end of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. It is one of the most beautifully designed and decorated cathedrals around. The cathedral was built in the 11th century in the Byzantine style, with a beautiful exterior topped by a richly decorated Gothic roof. To underline the power and prestige of Venice, its interiors are decorated with gold and are filled with gorgeous mosaics and stunning artwork. With so many beautiful features and details, St. Mark's Basilica is undoubtedly a treasure of art and architecture.

△ Chartres Cathedral: This cathedral is well preserved and still retains most of its original features. This means that its three fantastic facades, large shallow stained glass windows and huge flying buttresses all date to around 1220 AD. A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, its facades are decorated with numerous sculptures and carvings depicting biblical scenes. While its exquisite portico and two towering spiers are its outstanding features, the cathedral has long been popular with pilgrims and tourists as it houses many important tombs and relics. Well worth a visit if you get the chance, Chartres Cathedral is of great architectural and historical significance and is located southwest of Paris.

△ Santa Maria del Fiore: This cathedral in Florence, Italy is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been attracting visitors since it was built in 1436 AD. Amazed. Its ornate Gothic Revival exterior is built of green, pink and white marble, has many fine statues and intricate carvings, and is inlaid with three rose windows and three solid bronze doors. This beautiful building is topped by a huge red-tiled dome and can be seen from all over the city. Although the interior of the cathedral is quite modest compared to its lavish exterior, there are still some beautiful pieces of art and tombs for visitors to view. In addition to this, the cathedral complex also includes Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery of Saint John, both of which are worth seeing.

△ Cathedral of Brasilia: Known for its unique and distinctive design, this cathedral was the brainchild of Brazil’s most famous architect, Oscar Niemeyer. Completed in 1970, the cathedral's structure consists of 16 sturdy columns that gently curve together to imitate two hands reaching toward heaven. Additionally, the interior of the cathedral is very bright and colorful as most of the walls are made up of exquisite stained glass windows, with sculptures of angels hovering above the lectern. Welcoming believers to this unique cathedral are four statues of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

△ St Paul's Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in London, England. Since its completion in 1697, its huge dome has dominated the city's skyline. St. Paul's Cathedral was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and its massive dome is its signature feature, reaching a height of 111 meters. In addition, there is a splendid Baroque facade for visitors to admire, as well as gleaming marble floors, and a stunning apse and altar. With its magnificent tombs, sarcophagi, and striking paintings and sculptures, it's no wonder St. Paul's Cathedral is so popular.

△ St. Patrick's Cathedral: This cathedral is surrounded by the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, New York, and its location is very advantageous. Completed in 1878, the cathedral features exquisite Neo-Gothic architecture, with two elegant spiers flanking a stunning stained-glass rose window. There are exquisite altars and artworks inside the church, and the huge Pieta statue is undoubtedly the highlight of the exhibition. St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the United States, located on Fifth Avenue, directly in front of the famous Rockefeller Center.

△ Saint John's Co-Cathedral: This cathedral's Mannerist exterior is rather plain, but its interior is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture. The ceilings and walls of the church are intricately decorated with glittering gold leaf, and magnificent marble tombstones sit alongside exquisite paintings and statues. The nine chapels within the cathedral are beautifully decorated, and the adjacent museum contains more treasures and works of art. St John's Cathedral is located in the center of Valletta, the capital of Malta

△ Zipaquira Salt Cathedral: This church is an absolutely incredible place, located about 200 meters underground in a salt mine. The cathedral is hewn from solid rock and displays finely carved icons and sculptures. It is divided into three floors, representing the birth, life, and death of Jesus. The Salt Church is a stunning architectural masterpiece, now a popular tourist and pilgrimage site, located just outside the city of Zipaquira, Colombia.

△ Catedral Basílica Del Pilar: Built in a beautiful Baroque style, this cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Zaragoza, Spain. Although it was not built until 1681 AD, many chapels and churches have been built on the same site since the Mother of God miraculously appeared on the banks of the Ebro in AD 40. Sometimes called the "Mother of the Hispanic Peoples," this cathedral's attractive facade is topped by a number of beautiful domes that surround its central dome. It looks particularly stunning at night as its intricate decorations are reflected in the river water.

△ Cologne Cathedral: This cathedral has huge twin spiers with a height of 157 meters, making it the largest church in the world. The church is filled with sculptures and exquisite carvings, and is as majestic as the revered Shrine of the Three Kings within the church. Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 AD and was not completed until 18800. Its design was mainly based on Amiens Cathedral. Overlooking the banks of the Rhine, Cologne Cathedral's impressive Gothic architecture is the most visited landmark in all of Germany.

△ St. Stephen's Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the most well-known symbols of Vienna, the capital of Austria, and is located on Stephansplatz in the city center. The cathedral has ornate Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, with soaring towers and gleaming limestone walls, and its exquisite roof mosaics are one of its signature features. Inside the church there are atmospheric crypts and catacombs for visitors to explore, where important members of the Hapsburg dynasty are buried. Since its completion in 1137, the cathedral has been one of Vienna's most striking architectural and historical landmarks.

△ St. Vitus Cathedral: This cathedral stands in the huge Prague Castle complex, with its 102-meter-high spire towering over the surrounding area. This huge building was built in 1344 on top of earlier churches and "basilicas" (basilicas), and contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors. Gorgeous mausoleum. Since they were also crowned here, the interior is beautifully decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, elegant arcades and fine mosaics. With its gorgeous Gothic architecture and fantastic appearance, St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in the entire Czech Republic.

△ Saint Sophia's Cathedral: With its gleaming white walls and green and gold dome, this cathedral is one of the most famous and charming attractions in Kiev. This beautiful Byzantine cathedral in Istanbul, known as Hagia Sophia, was originally built in the 11th century to house the rulers of Kiev. Therefore, the walls of the cathedral are decorated with exquisite frescoes and mosaics. This cathedral was almost demolished by the Soviets, but luckily it still stands in the heart of Kiev for everyone to enjoy.

(Author: Alex Schultz)

(Compiled by: Bai Ding)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)