The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous and visited churches in the world. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882, and it is still not yet completed. However, this church is already one of the most unique and astounding buildings that exist. The church’s design is inspired by nature, and it is decorated with intricate details and fascinating sculptures of various scenes from the Bible. The Sagrada Familia continues to be an attraction for visitors worldwide, who come to witness the surreal beauty of this church.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral is recognized as one of the most unique churches in the world. Constructed between 1555 and 1561 under the command of Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible, Saint Basil’s Cathedral is an excellent representation of Russian architecture and has become a symbol of the city of Moscow. The Cathedral has nine chapels that are linked together and are adorned with eye-catching colors and patterns. The church is also surrounded by a beautiful park, making it an attractive spot for visitors to the city.
Notre-Dame is one of the most well-known churches in the world and has been an iconic landmark of Paris for centuries. The construction of this cathedral started in 1163 and took almost two centuries to complete. The church is of Gothic style, and its exterior is covered with gorgeous carvings and sculptures. The cathedral’s main attraction is the beautiful rose windows, which are one of the most significant features of Gothic architecture.
The Duomo di Milano is the perfect example of Italian Gothic architecture. The building started its construction in 1386 and took almost 600 years to complete. The church is the fifth largest church in the world which has 135 spires and intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its facade. The interior part of the church is also a masterpiece in itself, especially the high altar. It is estimated that almost six million people visit this church every year.
St. Peter's Basilica is located in Vatican City in Rome, and it is the most famous church in the world. This church is the largest of all Catholic Churches on earth, and its architecture mainly derives from Renaissance and Baroque styles. The church has been transparent with continuous changes since it was built in the 15th century. The church complex includes St. Peter's Square, a spacious environment that can gather hundreds of thousands of people at the events like the election of a new pope and more.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral situated in the middle of London. The church's construction took over 35 years from 1675 to 1710, and it is one of the most recognizable buildings of London. The church is an excellent representation of the Baroque style of architecture, with a grand dome that dominates the skyline. Visitors can climb to the dome’s top and enjoy a fantastic view of London.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a unique church to make our list as it is a monument to peace. The park aims to honor the victims who died during the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima, Japan. The church’s centerpiece is the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), which is the remains of the only structure left standing after the bombing. The park is decorated with beautiful gardens and cherry blossom trees, and it stands as a witness to the horrors of war and a testament to the importance of peace and tolerance.
The Church of the Savior on Blood is one of the most beautiful churches in the world, and it is peculiarized through its facade made entirely out of mosaic. Built-in 1883, the church is a fantastic example of Eastern European style architecture and combines different elements from various churches in Moscow. The church was named the “Church of the Savior on Blood” to commemorate the spilling of the blood of Emperor Alexander II. Today, it is one of Russia's most popular tourist destinations.
The St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery is a unique church that is distinguishable through its golden domes. This monastery is located in Kyiv, Ukraine, and it is a Byzantine-style building from the 13th century. The complex has undergone many changes throughout the years, and its most significant change was during the Soviet rule when it was transformed into a museum. In 1988, the church was returned to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and reopened as a temple.
The La Sagrada Familia church located in Lima, Peru, has lain sort of under the radar. It was built in 1938, and it is a landmark example of modernism in South America. The facade of the church is adorned with small geometric shapes. It is also unique in design and not unlike a more primitive version of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
