Famous cathedrals in Europe are typically architectural wonders and towering icons of spirituality. The sublime interiors of many well-known cathedrals further enhance their tourism appeal, attracting tourists worldwide. Europeans have always been centred on the church as the soul of life for a long time. History has regarded these churches as cultural treasures and fixed their eternal charm. They are decorated by brilliant stonemasonry, woodwork, and sculpturing and are home to a vast collection of ancient paintings. Here are 10 of Europe’s most iconic cathedrals.
What’s the Difference between a Church and a Cathedral?
Essentially, the difference between a church and a cathedral is rooted in function rather than form.
A church is a general place of worship for Christians with a permanent congregation, usually managed by a priest or pastor. It varies widely in size, design, and denomination.
In contrast, a cathedral is much grander, serving as a diocese’s central church. The bishop presides over important liturgies here. Cathedrals play a vital role in the religious and administrative life of the diocese, making them both spiritual and cultural landmarks in their communities.
A cathedral is a church, but not all churches are cathedrals.
Famous Cathedrals in Europe: Central Europe
1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Budapest, Hungary
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a spectacular church building located in Budapest, named after the first king of Hungary. Built in the mid-19th century and completed in the early 20th century, the cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest. Compared to other famous churches, St. Stephen’s Cathedral Budapest may be plain on the outside, but once you are inside, you will be amazed by its spectacular and ornate decoration. The large amount of gold decoration used on the ceiling is not only luxurious but also noble and atmospheric, making people feel warm and solemn.
| Opening hours | Monday-Friday (9:00-17:00) Saturday (9:00-13:00)Sunday (13:00-17:00) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | Adult: 1200Forint (free admission for EU citizens, teachers and group leaders only) |
| Address | Szent Istvan ter 1, Budapest, Budapest, 1051 |
2. Cologne Cathedral
Cologne, Germany
Cologne Cathedral is located in the centre of Cologne, Germany. At 157 meters high, it is the third tallest church in the world. Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in the 13th century and was interrupted several times due to financial problems. The King resumed the project in the 19th century and was finally completed in 1880. From the Cologne Cathedral photos, we can see it has outstanding architectural craftsmanship and magnificent architectural scale. One of the most representative is its tall minaret, as well as the interior of the colourful glass windows and other art treasures.
| Opening hours | May 1st-Oct 31st: Monday-Sunday: 06:00-21:00 Nov 1st-Apr 30th: Monday-Sunday: 06:00-19:30 |
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| Ticket price | Church admission is free Tower: Adults €4; students: €2 Treasure Gallery: €6; students €3 Tower + Treasure Gallery Joint ticket: Adults €8; students €4 |
| Address | Szent Istvan ter 1, Budapest, Budapest, 1051 |
Famous Cathedrals in Europe: Western Europe
3. Saint Paul’s Cathedral
London, England
St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in the 17th century and is famous for its huge dome. You must have seen St. Paul’s Cathedral photos somewhere else. The church is the largest church in London, and it has held the title of the tallest building in the United Kingdom for 250 years after its completion. The towering architecture fills Paul’s Cathedral inside with a sense of space, creating a sacred and solemn atmosphere. From a distance, the huge dome and snow-white appearance of St. Paul’s Cathedral are indeed somewhat similar to those of Capitol Hill in Washington, United States. This lovely church has a high status in the country and is one of the most high-profile landmarks in London.
| Opening hours | Monady-Saturday(vary daily) The last admission is usually at 4 pm, and the tour ends at 4:30 pm. |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | £25 for adults St Paul’s Cathedral offers free admission for disabled visitors, and disabled visitors can bring a caretaker or companion for a free Triforium guided tour: £15 (1 hour) |
| Address | St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8 AD |
4. Notre Dame
Paris, France
Notre Dame is a famous church in Paris, and it has been the cathedral of the Archdiocese since the 12th century. The style of Notre Dame Cathedral is unique, rigorous and symmetrical, and it is considered to be one of the epoch-making representative medieval European church buildings. The statues in front of the Notre Dame gate depict classic scenes from the Bible and showcase impressive craftsmanship and modelling technology. Inside the church, the exquisite window relief is also worth noting. Notre Dame’s unique style and superb craftsmanship attract many tourists from all over the world.
| Opening hours | Monday-Friday (8:00-18:45) Saturday & Sunday (8:00-19:15) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | Adult ticket: €10 Student ticket: €8 (with a valid student ID) Youth ticket: €8 (Children 12-17 years old); free(children under 12 years old) Family ticket: €26( 2 adults and up to 4 children under 18 years old) |
| Address | 6 Parvis Notre-Dame, Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris |
5. Westminster Cathedral
London, England
Westminster Cathedral, one of the famous churches in London, has experienced numerous changes and additions before it developed into its current form. Westminster Cathedral has important political significance in the United Kingdom. Besides, it is the British monarch’s coronation and burial site. Many famous British figures are buried in Cathedral London Westminster, including the famous writer Charles Dickens, Darwin, who proposed the theory of evolution, and the scientific giant Newton, who discovered gravity. Westminster Cathedral can make tourists linger and carries rich historical and cultural connotations.
| Opening hours | Monday-Sunday (8:00-15:00) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | £25 for adult £22 discount (over 65 and students) |
| Address | St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD |
Famous Cathedrals in Europe: Southern Europe
6. Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral was constructed between the late 13th and 15th centuries. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and is one of the representatives of Italian Renaissance architecture. Cathedral Florence’s exterior wall is paved with various marble colours with a sense of harmony and dignity. The most iconic feature is the huge dome of the Cathedral in Florence. It is the largest brick dome in the world. Moreover, visitors can enjoy many famous works of art in the church, such as the bell tower, the Malki Hall and the Diocon altar. Florence Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the world’s most important cultural heritage sites.
| Opening hours | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily The church is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Epiphany and Easter |
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| Ticket price | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily The church is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Epiphany and Easter. |
| Address | Piazza Del Duomo, 50122, Firenze |
7. Milan Cathedral
Italy, Milan
The construction of Milan Cathedral took almost 6 years and was finished in the mid-20th century. It is the third biggest cathedral in the world. The architectural structure of Milan Cathedral is extremely complex, with 138 minarets, each of which is carved with statues of saints. The church has more than 6,000 statues, and the highest spire in the centre is installed with a gilded bronze statue of the Virgin. What’s more, the most impressive thing is the variety of decorative details and artworks included. The magnificence of Cathedral Milan is combined with its exquisite craftsmanship, which is the masterpiece of countless top craftsmen dedicated to its construction.
| Opening hours | 7:00-19:00 daily (last entry 18:45; Latest ticket time 18:00) Jewel Court: Monday-Friday: 9:30-17:30, Saturday: 9:30-17:00, Sunday&Holidays: 13:30-15:30 Festival Closing time: Archaeological Area: Daily 9:30-17:50 (last booking time: 17:00) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | Church Hall plus Museum: €2 The elevator to the top floor of the church: €13 Baptistery-Archaeological Area: €6 Package: €11 (includes church visit, stairs to the summit, Museum and Baptistery – Archaeological area) €15 (includes church visit, elevator to the summit, Museum visit and Baptistery – Archaeological Area) |
| Address | Piazza Duomo, 20121 Milano |
8. Saint Peter’s Basilica
Vatican
St. Peter’s Basilica, located in the Vatican, is the largest Catholic church in the world, with a capacity of 60,000 worshippers. The Pope still regularly celebrates Mass here. Vatican St. Peter’s Basilica was built in the 4th century and reconstructed in the 16th century. As one of the famous basilicas, St. Peter’s Basilica is the burial place of St. Peter, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, and several successive Popes have also been buried there. The interior of the cathedral, decorated in marble and gold, is a stunning spectacle. Here, you can enjoy masterpieces of famous artists like Michelangelo’s “Madonna Holding Baby” and Benucci’s “Madonna Martyr”. It is a very beautiful church worth visiting.
| Opening hours | Monday to Saturday: 08:00-18:30 (Last entry: 17:30) From 1 March onwards, Friday and Saturday extended opening hours until 20:00 (last entry: 18:00) Last Sunday of the month: free entry |
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| Ticket price | Adult ticket: €24 Child ticket (7 to 17 years old) : €19 Infant ticket (up to 6 years old): free |
| Address | Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City |
Famous Cathedrals in Europe: Spain and Russia
9. Sagrada Familia Cathedral
The Sagrada Familia Cathedral is a famous church in Spain Barcelona, and its construction began in 1882. It is still under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026. Sagrada Familia Barcelona Cathedral is the only building in the world that has not yet been completed to be listed as a World Cultural Heritage. The Sagrada Familia building is unique in the world. It is carved with curves, integrating the forms of many animals, plants, and scenes from the Bible. This completely subverts the traditional appearance and philosophy of churches that have existed for thousands of years.
| Opening hours | Nov-Feb: Monday-Saturday: 9:00-18:00, Sunday: 10:30-18:00 Mar&Oct: Monday-Friday: 9:00-19:00; Saturday: 9:00-18:00; Sunday: 10:30-19:00 Apr-Sept: Monday-Friday: 9:00-20:00; Saturday: 9:00-18:00; Sunday: 10:30-20:00 Special opening hours: Dec 25th, 26th&Jan 1st and Jan 6th: 9:00 -14:00 |
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| Ticket price | Adult: €15 Sagrada Familia + Tower: €19.5 Sagrada Familia + Museum: €18.5 Sagrada Familia + Audio tour: €19.5 Sagrada Familia + Audio tour + Tower: €24 |
| Address | Carrer DE Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona |
10. Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Moscow, Russia
St. Basil’s Cathedral is an Orthodox church located at the southern end of Red Square in Moscow, Russia. Completed in the mid-16th century, St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most representative buildings in Russia and is also known as one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The well-known church comprises ten separate churches, with a tall cylindrical main church surrounded by eight smaller churches at its centre. These churches have a total of nine towers, each with a different name and unique design. Due to its unique architectural style and historical value, St. Basil’s Cathedral Moscow has become one of the iconic buildings of Russia.
| Opening hours | Jun-Aug: 10:00-19:00 daily May&Sept-Oct: 11:00-18:00 daily Nov-Apr: 11:00-17:00 daily Wednesday Closed Day |
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| Ticket price | Adult: 1000 rubles Student: 150 roubles (free for children under the age of 16) |
| Address | Red Square, Moscow, Russia’s 109012 |
Conclusion
This blog offers the specific information of Europe’s top 10 famous cathedrals. Each cathedral is a testament to human creativity, faith, and resilience, offering profound insights into the history and culture that have shaped Europe over centuries. From Notre Dame in Paris to St. Peter’s Basilica, these beautiful churches invite visitors to embark on a journey through time and space. Whether you’re marvelling at the intricate artistry or seeking a moment of quiet reflection, visiting these iconic sites promises an inspiring and transformative experience.
FAQ
How many cathedrals are there in Europe?
600+
It is estimated that more than 600 cathedrals are in Europe nowadays, because the definition of “cathedral” and “church” differs difficultly. Besides, there are around 500,000 individual churches in Europe.
When were most cathedrals built in Europe?
Gothic cathedrals and churches are religious buildings created in Europe between the mid-12th century and the beginning of the 16th century. The cathedrals are notable, particularly for their great height and their extensive use of stained glass to fill the interiors with light.
