Uncovering The History
Reflecting the diversity within Christianity, each church has a fascinating story, shaped by the people who built it, the faith of communities who cherish it, and the events that took place within its walls. Let's look at 22 of them in this article.
St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican City
Right in the middle of the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most iconic Catholic shrines. The basilica sits on the site where Saint Peter, one of Jesus' apostles and the first pope, is believed to be buried, which makes it a pretty significant pilgrimage destination.
An Amazing Replacement
Renowned architects like Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Carlo Maderno contributed to its grand design, as it was built to replace a 4th-century church. Inside, the basilica boasts intricate mosaics, Michelangelo's poignant Pietà sculpture, and the awe-inspiring Baldacchino, a massive bronze canopy over the high altar.
Attributed to Daniele da Volterra and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Wikimedia Commons
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, has stood proudly on the Île de la Cité in Paris since construction began in 1163. Over nearly 200 years, various architects contributed to its ginormous form, with towering 69-meter spires and intricate stone carvings.
An Everlasting Legacy
The cathedral also houses significant relics, including the purported Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus, which survived the devastating fire of 2019. Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, written in 1831, brought global attention to the cathedral, inspiring restorations and cementing its place in pop culture.
Étienne Carjat, Wikimedia Commons
Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, Barcelona's Sagrada Família, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most famous landmarks. Construction began in 1882, and it's expected to be completed by 2026, with soaring towers that reach 172 meters and intricate facades rich in symbolism.
Work In Progress
Francisco de Paula del Villar first worked on the basilica, but he later resigned to be replaced by Gaudi. One of the reasons why the construction is taking so long to be completed is that it relies solely on private donations. Moreover, it was interrupted by military events over the years.
Unknown Author and Pau Audouard Deglaire, Wikimedia Commons
Chartres Cathedral, Chartres
Chartres Cathedral is a crowning achievement of French Gothic architecture, with 115-meter spires. It was reconstructed after a fire and has become a revered pilgrimage site on the route to Santiago de Compostela. It houses the Sancta Camisia, a relic that some believe to be the tunic of the Virgin Mary.
Olvr, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Well-Preserved Building
Although construction of the cathedral started around 1194, most of the original stained glass stays intact. Constructed on a site that saw at least 5 earlier churches, this one survived multiple wars, fires, and revolutions, retaining its original character with biblical stories and the lives of saints displayed in vibrant colors.
MathKnight, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Westminster Abbey, London
Westminster Abbey houses the Coronation Chair and the tombs of numerous monarchs and famous figures. It was founded in 960 AD and rebuilt by Henry III in 1245. The abbey has been the site of every English coronation since 1066 and appeared in works of literature like The Da Vinci Code.
National Valhalla
William Morris described Westminster Abbey as the National Valhalla because many British, Scottish, and English monarchs are buried there, in addition to scientists like Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking, and actors like Laurence Olivier. Moreover, its Poet's Corner is famously the final resting place of Thomas Hardy, Robert Browning, and more.
Bain News Service, Wikimedia Commons
St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
Blending Russian Byzantine and Asian architectural styles, Tsar Ivan the Terrible built St. Basil's Cathedral between 1555 and 1561. It's one of Russia's most recognizable landmarks for its brightly colored onion domes. It commemorates Ivan's victory over the Tatars, symbolizing Orthodox Christianity and Russian identity.
A Unique Design
Tsar Ivan IV wanted to celebrate every win in the Russo-Kazan War, so he ordered the construction of the Trinity Church with domes that resembled a bonfire reaching toward the sky. Unlike other Russian Orthodox churches, it lacks a single central dome, instead comprising nine chapels arranged around a central core.
Viktor Vasnetso, Wikimedia Commons
Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice
Saint Mark's Basilica is a dazzling example of Byzantine architecture. The famed Pala d'Oro altarpiece, decorated with hundreds of gems, and the relics of Saint Mark make it a treasured site in Venetian and Christian history. Many of its mosaics were even retouched to represent centuries of changing artistic styles.
A Blend Of Architectural Influences
Originally built in 828 AD to house the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, which Venetian merchants purportedly smuggled out of Alexandria, the basilica represents the city's ties to the East. Its unique layout, with its Greek cross plan and domed ceiling, is a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic influences.
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury
Founded in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral holds a significant place in English Christian history as one of the oldest Christian structures in the country. The cathedral was reconstructed in the 11th century and again in the 12th after a fire, incorporating Gothic and Romanesque styles in its design.
Rafa Esteve, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Layers Of History
Excavations showed that the church was constructed over a Roman church, originally built on top of an Anglo-Saxon road. Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales immortalized the pilgrimage tradition associated with this cathedral; and ever since it's been a symbol of English faith and literature.
Antony McCallum, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, Normandy
Located on a rocky island along the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is a prime example of medieval engineering. Construction began in the 10th century when the abbey served as a fortress, a place of pilgrimage, and a prison, with Gothic, Romanesque, and Carolingian styles reflecting the preferences across centuries.
A Busy Destination
The Mont Saint-Michel Abbey was constructed to honor the Archangel Michael and is one of the most visited cultural sites in France. Its dramatic silhouette with steep, narrow staircases and towering spires is visible from miles away, especially during high tide when Mont Saint-Michel becomes an isolated island.
Amaustan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, New York City
Construction of Saint Patrick's Cathedral began in 1858 under Archbishop John Hughes, and it was completed in 1879 to replace St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. It stands 101 meters tall, with iconic spires that stand out against the city's skyline. Inside, the Pietà statue attracts millions of visitors each year.
Sebring12Hrs, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Devoted To The Irish Catholic Community
The cathedral was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. to serve the growing Irish Catholic community in New York City. Its beautiful rose windows and ornate marble interiors reflect the craftsmanship of 19th-century American ecclesiastical design. It went through several restoration projects and today it has the capacity to hold 2400 people.
alvaroreguly, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Laon Cathedral, Laon
One of the most ancient Gothic cathedrals in France, Laon Cathedral was completed in 1235 and influenced many subsequent Gothic churches across Europe. Its unique feature is the set of lifelike oxen sculptures on the towers, paying tribute to the animals that helped transport stone during construction.
Parsifall, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
An Elaborate Design
The cathedral’s height, elaborate facade, rose windows, and towering arches are examples of the Gothic quest for verticality and light. Inside, Laon Cathedral's nave, has ribbed vaults and delicate columns, which makes for an airy, brightened-up space.
Christophe Meneboeuf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Church Of The Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestine
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the oldest churches in the world, known to be built on the site where Jesus was supposedly born. The church's low entrance, known as the Door of Humility, was designed to prevent horse riders from entering and encourage visitors to bow as they enter.
Neil Ward, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A 4th Century Construction
Historians report that the church was commissioned by Constantine the Great and later expanded by Emperor Justinian. It's famous for its basilica layout, ancient mosaics, and the silver star marking the traditional birthplace of Christ. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrating its blend of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture.
Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
St. Stephen's Cathedral is an iconic Gothic and Romanesque structure with a multicolored tile roof and a towering spire that reaches 136 meters. It was commissioned in the 12th century and finally completed in the 16th. It has witnessed everything from Austria's royal weddings to funerals.
Andrew Bossi, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
One Of Vienna's Landmarks
The South Tower, affectionately called Steffl, offers panoramic views of Vienna and took over 65 years to complete. Inside, the cathedral houses numerous relics, intricate altars, and the tombs of Emperor Frederick III and Prince Eugene of Savoy. The church was dedicated to St. Stephen.
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Built between 1882 and 1912 to honor the Russian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Russo-Turkish War, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is considered one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the Balkans. Its Neo-Byzantine design includes a massive central dome that reaches 45 meters and intricate mosaics inside.
Jose Ligero Loarte, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Beauty From The Inside Out
The cathedral is known for its expansive golden domes, complex mosaics, and striking frescoes. Inside, the walls are adorned with murals of saints, while marble, onyx, and alabaster enhance its grand interior. The cathedral is famous for its stunning acoustics, and it hosts regular Orthodox services and choral performances.
Plamen Agov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Borgund Stave Church, Laerdal
Twelve meters tall, Borgund Stave Church's rustic charm and wooden structure have stood for over 800 years. It's one of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway and a unique example of medieval Scandinavian architecture. The layered roof design and dragon-head carvings reflect Viking influences, which blend Norse pagan and Christian symbols.
Tulipasylvestris, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Unique Construction Approach
The church was constructed without nails. Its dark-timbered facade and steeply pitched roof with multiple tiers resemble the appearance of a Viking ship. Borgund's design shows complex carvings of vines and animal heads to highlight the cultural transition from paganism to Christianity in Norway.
Tulipasylvestris, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Church Of St. George, Lalibela
Carved entirely from volcanic rock in the 12th century, the Church of St. George is one of the eleven monolithic churches of Lalibela, a city considered the New Jerusalem of Ethiopia. King Lalibela commissioned the church, which is shaped like a cross and reaches about 12 meters in height.
Sailko, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ethiopia's New Jerusalem
Its design features windows and doors adorned with intricate carvings, and the entire structure sits within a trench—a striking contrast against the surrounding landscape. The church is still in active use today and serves as a pilgrimage site and a symbol of Ethiopia's deep-rooted Christian heritage.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Monastery Of St. Sergius and Bacchus, Maaloula
One of the most ancient monasteries in Syria, the Monastery of St. Sergius and Bacchus, dates back to the 4th century. It is dedicated to two Roman soldier-martyrs and features a blend of Byzantine and early Christian architectural elements. This sacred place is proof of Syria's ancient Christian heritage and the resilience of its community.
A Place Where Aramaic Is Spoken
What truly sets this monastery apart is its location in Maaloula, one of the few remaining places where Aramaic—the language spoken by Jesus—is still used in everyday life. The monastery preserves a revered image of Saint Sergius, and its altar is a rare example of an early Christian sacrificial altar.
Heretiq, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hagios Demetrios, Thessaloniki
One of the oldest churches in Greece (from the 4th century), Hagios Demetrios is dedicated to Saint Demetrios, the patron saint of Thessaloniki. Built on the site where Demetrios was martyred, the church is known for its early Christian mosaics, crypt, and Byzantine architectural elements.
A Needed Reconstruction
After a devastating fire in 1917, the church was reconstructed using stones from a nearby Jewish cemetery. The church preserves scenes from the life of Saint Demetrios and serves as a repository of Byzantine art. The crypt, once a Roman bath where the saint was reportedly imprisoned, adds a historical depth.
C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hanging Church, Cairo
Dating back to the 3rd century, the Hanging Church or the Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church is one of Egypt's oldest and most important Coptic Christian churches. Situated atop a Roman fortress gatehouse, the church has a distinct wooden roof shaped like Noah's Ark.
A Unique Name
The church gets its name from its unusual position above the gatehouse of a Roman fortress, giving it the appearance of being suspended. It's also called the Staircase Church, thanks to the 29 steps located at its entrance. It's the site of several reported Marian apparitions.
Blueshade, CC BY-SA 2.5 and Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Saint Thaddeus Monastery, West Azerbaijan Province
Also known as the Black Church for its dark stone, Saint Thaddeus Monastery is one of the most ancient Christian structures in Iran. According to tradition, it was founded on the site of the martyrdom of Saint Thaddeus. The church blends Armenian and Persian architectural styles.
Mohsenbz92, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
An Unknown Construction Date
Some believe a church was established on the same site for the first time in 66 AD. Saint Thaddeus, one of Jesus' apostles who is believed to have been martyred in Armenia, later built another church, and his followers buried him there when he died.
Nicola e Pina, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Saint John's Cathedral, Byblos
Built by Crusaders in the 12th century, Lebanon's Saint John's Cathedral is located in the ancient city of Byblos. It is known for the Romanesque architecture and vaulted ceilings, the church has also served as a Crusader cathedral and a local parish for the Maronite Christian community.
Serge Melki, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
An Alternative Name
Originally known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the church is a preserved example of medieval architecture in the region. It has thick stone walls, a bell tower, and arched windows, giving it a simple yet solemn appearance.
Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Saint Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran
Saint Sarkis Cathedral is the largest Armenian Christian church in Tehran, built in 1970 to serve the Armenian community in Iran. The church's distinctive design includes a white stone facade, a central dome, and Armenian Christian icons. The cathedral represents a blend of Armenian tradition and Persian influences.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Modern Church
Inside, the cathedral is decorated with Armenian Christian icons, stained-glass windows, and a mural behind the altar depicting Christ with Armenian saints. It's one of the largest churches in Tehran, with a height of 36.5 meters. The wall above the altar is covered in several Christian paintings.
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