13 Most Amazing Churches in Europe to Visit in 2025

Europe’s churches are way more than just buildings…they’re straight-up works of art. I’ve been lucky enough to visit 40 European countries, and honestly, some of these places blew me away. Take St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice—those golden mosaics? Unreal. Or the Sagrada Família in Barcelona—it’s like walking into a dream, and it’s not even finished yet. These churches showcase the history, ambition, and the kind of creativity that makes you stop and say, “Whoa.” Here are 13 of the most epic churches in Europe you’ve gotta see in 2025.

Breathtaking Churches in Europe: At a Glance 🏛️✨

Here’s a quick look at the most iconic churches in Europe that you can’t miss in 2025. Jump to your favorite or explore them all! 👇

• Duomo di Milano – Milan, Italy: A Gothic masterpiece that took 600 years to build.
• Mont Saint-Michel – Le Mont Saint-Michel, France: A stunning island monastery with dramatic tidal shifts.
• La Sagrada Família – Barcelona, Spain: Gaudí’s dreamlike basilica still under construction.
• Westminster Abbey – London, UK: A symbol of British tradition and royal history.
• Borgund Stavkirke – Borgund, Norway: A wooden church with Viking-inspired design.
• St. Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow, Russia: Colorful domes that define Red Square.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris, France: An iconic symbol of French Gothic architecture.
• Hallgrímskirkja – Reykjavik, Iceland: Inspired by Iceland’s natural wonders.
• Cologne Cathedral – Cologne, Germany: Northern Europe’s tallest Gothic church.
• Hagia Sophia – Istanbul, Turkey: A 1,500-year-old wonder with a rich religious history.
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Paris, France: Paris’ Sacred Heart with panoramic views.
• Kiev Pechersk Lavra – Kiev, Ukraine: A monastery with underground mummies.
• St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City: The heart of Catholicism and the largest church in the world.

Ready to explore the beauty of Europe through its churches and cathedrals? Let’s dive into these architectural marvels and get inspired for your European adventures! 🚀

1.) Duomo di Milano – Milan, Italy

Embodying the creative character of Milan, the Duomo di Milano is an extravagant example of Renaissance Gothic architecture. Due to its sheer complexity and grandeur, the cathedral and its façade took over 600 years to build.

Climbing to the rooftop of the Duomo offers jaw-dropping views of Milan, with intricate spires and statues up close. Don’t miss the Madonnina, a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary standing watch over the city.

2.) Mont Saint-Michel – Le Mont Saint-Michel, France

This medieval island monastery has been a site of pilgrimage and wonder throughout the centuries. With a whopping 50 feet (15 meters) between low and high tides, Mont Saint-Michele has Europe’s highest tidal oscillations.

During high tide, Mont Saint-Michel transforms into an island fortress, creating a dramatic spectacle. Be sure to explore the cloister garden, an oasis of tranquility perched atop the abbey.

Completed in 1523, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is a Gothic masterpiece that undoubtedly leaves its inquisitive visitors in awe.

3.) La Sagrada Família – Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Família, or “sacred family” in Catalan, is deservingly the most popular and iconic attraction in all of Spain. Designed by the revered architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882, this basilica has undergone construction for over 130 years with no end in sight.

The basilica’s interior is a kaleidoscope of light, thanks to Gaudí’s vibrant stained glass windows. Check out the Nativity Façade, which feels like a nature-inspired stone tapestry. Inspired by nature and Catalan Modernism, the Sagrada Família is the furthest thing from a traditional European church.

4.) Westminster Abbey – London, UK

Built nearly a millennium ago, Westminster Abbey’s Early-English Gothic façade stands as a living testament of the British crown. Beginning in 1090 AD, all royal coronations of the British Monarchy have occurred at Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is a royal mausoleum, housing tombs of monarchs like Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. The Poets’ Corner is also a must-see, honoring literary giants like Chaucer and Dickens. As the site of royal weddings, Westminster symbolizes the traditional elegance and timelessness of London.

5.) Borgund Stavkirke – Borgund, Norway

Erected during the 12^th century, the Borgund Stavkirke is one of very few Christian churches constructed from wood. Similar to the bows of Norse vessels, this church contains dragon heads that were carved atop the steep roof gables.

The tar-coated wood of Borgund Stavkirke has withstood centuries of harsh Norwegian winters. Inside, you’ll find runic inscriptions that hint at its Viking past. In the post-Viking world, Borgun Stavkirke served as a fresh beginning for Christianity in Scandinavia.

(Check out these incredible must-see places in the Baltics!)

6.) St. Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow, Russia

Constructed in 1555, St. Basil’s Cathedral stands as an iconic emblem of Russia. Situated in Moscow’s Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is the symbolic centerpiece of the Kremlin.

Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible blinded the architects so they could never replicate its design. The interiors are a labyrinth of vividly painted chapels, each with its own unique story. Characterized by its diverse array of colors, patterns, and shapes, St. Basil’s Cathedral does not resemble any other buildings in Russia or the former Byzantine Empire.

7.) Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris, France

Located in the heart of Paris, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the most visited monument in all of France. Completed in 1345, Notre-Dame (“Our Lady”) is the quintessential example of French Gothic architecture.

Gargoyles perch on Notre-Dame’s towers, providing eerie views of Paris. Don’t skip the treasury, where relics like the Crown of Thorns are displayed.

8.) Hallgrímskirkja – Reykjavik, Iceland

Overlooking Reykjavik from a hilltop lies Hallgrímskirkja, a contemporary Lutheran church that embodies Iceland’s unique landscape. One of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Svartifoss, inspired the church’s design.

Take the elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Reykjavik, with colorful rooftops and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The pipe organ, with over 5,000 pipes, fills the church with an otherworldly sound. Contrary to the grandiose and gleaming appearance of other European churches, Hallgrímskirkja embodies a simple, yet unconventional elegance.

(Looking for some Iceland travel inspiration? Check out the following articles!

• Most Instagrammable Places in Iceland
• Unearthing the Magic of West Iceland

9.) Cologne Cathedral – Cologne, Germany

Though construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, it was not completed until 1880, more than six centuries later. The cathedral’s stunning stained glass includes a modern piece by artist Gerhard Richter, featuring 11,500 squares of vibrant colors.

Climbing the 533 steps to the south tower is worth it for sweeping views of the Rhine. Today, Northern Europe’s tallest Gothic church stands 515 feet (157 meters) tall and accommodates over 20,000 visitors each day.

10.) Hagia Sophia – Istanbul, Turkey

Built nearly 1,500 years ago, the Hagia Sophia has been the focal point and spirit of Istanbul since the days of the Byzantine Empire. Now a secular museum, this church has undergone several religious changes — serving as a Greek Orthodox basilica, a Catholic cathedral, and an Ottoman mosque.

The massive central dome, adorned with intricate mosaics, seems to float thanks to a hidden support system. Look for Viking runes carved into the marble railing of the upper gallery—a nod to its varied history.

11.) Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Paris, France

Perched atop the Parisian cityscape, the Sacré-Cœur (“Sacred Heart”) dedicates itself to the sacred heart of Jesus. Built in the early 20^th century, this grandiose basilica embodies Romanesque-Byzantine architecture and welcomes over 11 million visitors each year.

The white travertine exterior ensures Sacré-Cœur glows even on gloomy days. Head to the dome for one of the best sunset views over Paris, far less crowded than the Eiffel Tower. The church’s Savoyarde bell — weighing 41,524 pounds (18,835 kg) — can be heard from up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) away.

12.) Kiev Pechersk Lavra – Kiev, Ukraine

Kiev’s Pechersk Lavra is an elaborate monastery of churches, museums, and caves. Within its mystified underground passages, you will find mummified monks that trace back to the monastery’s founding in 1051 AD.

The golden domes of the Lavra shimmer against the city skyline, but it’s the catacombs below that steal the show. These subterranean passages are lined with relics of saints, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. This cultural attraction is a pilgrimage site for Eastern Orthodox Christians and interested travelers alike.

13.) St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City

As the home of the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest and holiest Catholic shrine in the world. On the adjacent St. Peter’s Square, the Pope has delivered liturgies to hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Michelangelo’s Pietà, housed near the entrance, is one of the most moving sculptures in the world. For a challenge, climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for an unbeatable view of St. Peter’s Square.

To follow my journey through Europe and around the world, feel free to connect with me on Instagram: @Global.Viewpoint!

Happy Travels! -Jon