Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Christmas celebrations for Christians typically begin with worship at a church. However, churches are more than just places of worship, they are living histories and masterpieces of art imbued with religious significance.
Many churches are renowned for their stunning architecture, often inspired by classical Greek and Roman designs. These structures serve not only as sacred spaces but also as popular religious tourism destinations due to their historical value and breathtaking beauty.
Here are some of the largest and most magnificent churches in the world, as compiled from Detik Travel.
St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City
Spanning an impressive 21,095 square meters, St. Peter’s Basilica named as the largest church in the world. Located in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, this iconic church serves as the spiritual center for Roman Catholics and can accommodate up to 60,000 worshipers.
The construction of this iconic church began in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine the Great and was completed in 1626. St. Peter’s Basilica is home to renowned artworks, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino.
The church’s dome, standing 41 meters tall, is surrounded by 140 statues of saints. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it one of the world’s cultural and historical wonders.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida – Brazil
Located in Brazil, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida is the second-largest church in the world, covering 12,000 square meters. Built in Roman Revival style, it houses a revered statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.
Constructed in 1955 and concluded in 1980, the church can hold up to 45,000 people and attracts millions of visitors annually, making it a major Catholic pilgrimage site.
Milan Cathedral – Italy
Known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, Milan Cathedral is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, the cathedral boasts 135 spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and impressive sculptures
Construction began in 1386 and completed in 1965, the churches covering up to 11,700 square meters and can hold up to 40,000 worshipers. The Churches also houses the second-largest pipe organ in Europe.
Seville Cathedral – Spain
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Seville Cathedral in Andalusia, Spain, was among world’s largest churches. It stands on the site of a former Almohad Mosque and serves as the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.
Built between 1402 and 1528, it covers 11,520 square meters. Renowned for its grandeur and golden altarpiece, the cathedral features 45 wooden carvings depicting the life of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it makes the Churches as one of Spain’s major historical and cultural attraction.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine – United States
Located in New York City, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine was the largest church in the United States. Covering 11,200 square meters, the Churches recognized as the fifth-largest in the world.
Designed in Gothic Revival style, construction began in 1911 but remains unfinished. Progress was halted during World War II, and parts of the structure were damaged in a fire in 2001.
The cathedral features intricate Biblical carvings on its entrance and vibrant stained-glass windows made from 10,000 glass pieces.
Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen – Poland
Completed in 2004, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen in Lichen Stary, Poland, is one of the newest large churches in the world. With an interior spanning over 10,000 square meters, the Churches has seating for 7,000 worshippers.
The church design features 365 windows, 52 doors, and 12 columns, symbolizing the days, weeks, and apostles of the year. With a towering spire standing at 141.5 meters, it is also one of the tallest churches in the world and serves as a key pilgrimage site in Poland.
Liverpool Cathedral – United Kingdom
Designed by architect Giles Gilbert Scott, Liverpool Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom. The Churches Covering 9,687 square meters, it stretches 188.7 meters in length, with a tower rising 101 meters high. Thus, making it one of the longest and largest churches in the world.
The interior features vibrant stained-glass windows and houses the world’s largest operational church organ with 19,268 pipes. The cathedral’s architectural beauty and historical significance draw countless visitors to this iconic structure in Liverpool.
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From their architectural grandeur to their spiritual significance, these monumental churches continue to inspire awe and devotion among millions worldwide, transcending their role as places of worship to become global cultural heritage.
(Raidi/Agung)
