The Most Stunning Basilicas Around The World

This list would not be complete without St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Words do little to describe the experience of visiting this breathtaking site, which is often considered to be the most important example of Renaissance architecture. The interior of this holy Catholic shrine is like a treasure chest, boasting the highest dome in the world and numerous masterpieces. Stepping inside, one's eyes are drawn to numerous works of art, particularly Michelangelo's Pieta, the statue of St. Longinus, and the bronze cathedral of St. Peter. 

Construction on the current basilica began in 1506 and completed over a hundred years later in 1615. Some of the most famous artists and architects of the age were involved in its design, including Michelangelo, Bramante, and Raphael. However, the history of the site dates all the way back to the 4th century, when Emperor Constantine decided to build a basilica, according to Lonely Planet. The emperor wanted to commemorate the final resting place of St. Peter the Apostle, the first pope according to tradition. This holy place was a pilgrimage site throughout the middle ages and continues to be a place of major significance for members of the Catholic faith, as well as art lovers, historians, and culture buffs from all religious backgrounds.

The stunning St. Mark's Basilica tops the list for most people visiting Venice, and for good reason. This grand Byzantine cathedral commands attention from its perch in Piazza San Marco, the city's main central square. Originally built in 829, the first basilica standing in this site burned down in 926 as part of a political revolt, per Britannica. The current basilica was completed in 1071 and features a fantastic array of intricate detail, architectural work, and artistic treasures. The exterior of the building showcases golden mosaics depicting the life of Jesus and is topped by five domes. Above the central window rests a winged lion, the official symbol of Venice.

Inside the basilica, there is an astounding amount of gold (perhaps why it is nicknamed "Church of Gold") and Christian art. The building is laid out in a Greek cross design, with each arm divided into three naves. The remains of St. Mark currently lie protected inside the basilica, but the story of how they reached Venice is one-of-a-kind. In 828, the relics were kept at the sanctuary of St. Mark in Alexandra, Egypt. When the governor declared his intent to destroy the sanctuary and use its marble as building material, Venetian merchants hatched a plan to kidnap the relics from Alexandria. By hiding the saint's relics in a container of pork, they were able to breeze past city officials who did not even give them a second look. 

Regardless of one's faith, stepping inside the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is a religious experience. This breathtaking Gothic Revival church is lit up with every color in the rainbow and features an imposing organ, stained glass windows, and gold leaf art. From the ceiling to the pews, every inch is designed to inspire wonder. The two towers are modeled after the Notre-Dame-de-Paris and the statues of Saint-Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and Saint-Jean-Baptiste stand guard over the entrance.

The history of the church is no less impressive. When Montreal was first founded in 1642, a modest stone church was constructed to honor the Virgin Mary, according to Culture Trip. A fancier, baroque-style church eventually replaced it in 1672. However, as Montreal's population grew, the city required a larger church by the 1820s. Designed to hold some 8,000 parishioners, the present-day basilica is grand gathering space commemorating Montreal's religious history. The church functions as the city's main place of worship and an event space for international concerts and musical performances.

For a peaceful moment, step inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, settle into a pew, and soak in the serene stillness. This historic New Mexico cathedral was built between 1869 and 1886 by Jean-Baptiste Lamy around the town's existing small adobe church. By building a larger Romanesque church, Lamy hoped to distinguish the state's Catholics from those down south in Mexico. While the church's two towers are supposed to be crowned with slender spires, Lamy soon went over budget and could not realize his grand vision, per Hatchette Book Group. 

However, the basilica's interiors are no less magnificent. From the stained glass windows depicting French apostles to the baptismal font and oil paintings by Southwest artist Miguel Cabrera, there are plenty of noteworthy sights. One of the most unique aspects of the cathedral is the mix of indigenous culture and religious icons brought from Europe. Outside, a sculpture of the first Native American Catholic saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, rests in front of the building's entrance.

According to local legend, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is inspired by a little girl who discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in the city. After finding the statue sitting on a rock, she took it home. However, the statue disappeared by the time she woke up in the morning. She retraced her steps, only to find that the statue was back on the original rock. Then, the girl brought the statue to her local priest who tried locking it away. The next morning, the statue was once again back on the rock. The basilica is built on this exact site in Cartago, Costa Rica, and the statue of the Virgin Mary now rests inside within a golden box.

Originally constructed in 1639, the church has since been salvaged and rebuilt after suffering severe earthquake damage. The current basilica is actually the third version. According to Britannica, it is a popular destination for pilgrimages and over 2.5 million people make the trip each year.

Home to world-famous statues, mouthwatering pasta, and some of the oldest gelato shops in the world, the city of Florence has no shortage of impressive sights, sounds, and tastes. And yet, rising above them all is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known to locals as the Duomo. The largest masonry dome in the world, this architectural marvel forms the center of Florence's beautiful skyline. It took over 140 years to complete, according to Culture Trip, perhaps because there was no technology available to build the dome when construction started in 1296.

After the basilica was completed, it was dedicated to the Virgin of the Flower in tribute to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The large Gothic building is covered in decorative pink, white and green marble patterns, while the inside is relatively simple. Notable features include the mosaic floors, a working clock dating back to 1443, and a series of stunning frescoes designed by Giorgio Vasari. 

The mystic mountains of Montserrat have been inspiring poets, artists, and worshippers for generations. It's no wonder that Catalan poet Verdaguer thought that "the angels cut those hills" to build a royal home for the Virgin Mary. Since the 11th century, this rugged natural setting has been home to a Benedictine monastery. The current community is composed of 80 Benedictine monks who commit their lives to prayer, reflection, and service.

While the original monastery is gone, visitors can still see remains of a 12th century church and the current 16th century abbey. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII made the church a basilica. Today, this religious symbol of Catalonia is recognized for the venerated Virgin of Montserrat wooden sculpture, known as the Black Madonna, and the Escolanía, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe. According to Tourist Guide Montserrat, visitors traditionally pay their respects by touching or kissing the Virgin's hand while holding out the opposite hand for Jesus.