3Churches are places of worship for Christians and Catholics around the world. Interestingly, there are several of the largest churches in the world that are known for their spectacular architecture and long-standing history.
These churches are not only used as places of worship, but also serve as religious tourism destinations because of their historical value and stunning beauty. So, which ones are included among the largest churches in the world? Find out in this article!
ALSO READ: Religious Tourism in Indonesia, Where Should You Go?
Here are some of the largest churches in the world according to Guinness World Records and World Population Review.
St. Peter's Basilica is located in Vatican City and serves as the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic faith, with the capacity to accommodateaccommodating up to 60,000 people. One of the largest churches in the world, it features an interior area of 15,160 square meters and an exterior area reaching 21,095 square meters. In addition, the church has a dome standing 41 meters high, surrounded by rows of columns featuring 140 statues of various saints.
The construction of this church began in 1506 and was completed in 1626 under the rule of Constantine the Great. Many famous artworks are preserved inside the church, such as Bernini’s “Baldacchino” and Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” St. Peter's Basilica is also recognized as one of the world’s cultural and historical wonders.
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida is the second- largest church in the world, located in Brazil. This church beautifully showcases Romanesque Revival architecture with an area of 12,000 square meters.
Inside the church stands the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, who is regarded as the patron saint of Brazil. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors and serves as one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers globally.
Next is the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, better known as Milan Cathedral. This church is often considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world, thanks to its Gothic-style architecture and its 135 towering spires.
As one of the most famous landmarks in Italy, this church covers an area of 11,700 square meters and can accommodate up to 40,000 people. From the interior side, the church also features magnificent stained-glass windows along with intricate carvings and beautiful tower pinnacles.
This is what makes Milan Cathedral one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Moreover, the church is also home to the second- largest pipe organ in Europe.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the largest church in the United States of America. This church features magnificent architecture with an area of 11,200 square meters and a Gothic design.
Unfortunately, the construction of this church has remained unfinished since it first began in 1911. Its development was interrupted during World War II, and several parts of the church were damaged by a fire in 2001.
This church features carved Bible verses at its entrance, along with massive windows made from 10,000 pieces of colorful stained glass. If you wish to visit, guides are available to take you around and explain the fascinating history of this cathedralthe cathedral’s fascinating history.
The next on our list is Seville Cathedral, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This church is located in Andalusia, Southern Spain, and covers an area of 11,520 square meters.
One of the cathedral’s main attractions is that it is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The church holds immense historical value and showcases magnificent architecture decorated with gold layers.
Inside, there are also 45 wooden carvings depicting events from the life of Jesus Christ. This is what makes Seville Cathedral particularly appealing to Catholics.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen is a Roman Catholic church located in Licheń Stary, Poland, and was completed in 2004. With an interior area of more than 10,000 square meters, the church can accommodate up to 7,000 people.
It features 365 windows, 52 doors, and 12 columns representing the number of days and weeks in a year, as well as the 12 apostles. Besides being one of the largest, it is also among the tallest churches in the world, with its tower reaching a height of 141.5 meters.
This church has a striking design that differs greatly from most churches. The Basilica of the Holy Trinity covers an area of 8,700 square meters and features a circular architectural design. This unique feature earned it the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering in 2009.
Located in the city of Fátima, Portugal, this church can accommodate up to 9,000 people. Generally, the church becomes especially crowded with Catholic pilgrims during May and October.
This church was built in dedication to Paul the Apostle, who is believed to have been buried nearby. Located in Rome, Italy, the church contains beautiful mosaics, murals, and marble columns. In addition, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls also houses the Apostle’s tomb and a monastery, both of which are major attractions for visitors.
The final church on this list covers an area of 8,318 square meters and is recognized as the first church built in dedication to the Virgin Mary. According to local belief, Mary appeared to Saint James while he was praying along the Ebro River around 40 AD.
Mary then gifted him a block of jasper stone and instructed him to build a church. The first chapel was built in the 1st century AD, while the construction of the current church version began in 1681 under King Charles II of Spain.
ALSO READ: Legendary Tourism: 6 Mythical European Locations You Can Visit
Those are some of the largest churches in the world that are renowned for their significant history and breathtaking architecture. This is why Christians and Catholics around the world dream of visiting these remarkable churches.
If you are planning to visit one of these churches in the near future, make sure to prepare yourself properly. From accommodation and transportation to protection during your overseas journey, every detail matters.
To minimize various travel risks, such as lost baggage, flight cancellations, or unexpected medical needs while abroad, you can consider Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. With protection options that can be tailored to your travel needs, MSIG Indonesia is ready to provide support you whenever unexpected situations occur arise at your destination.
With a fully online purchasing process, you can conveniently get Travel Insurance anytime and anywhere. So, let’s check out and choose the Travel Insurance plan that best suits your needs today!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SPORT INSURANCE
MUDIK AMAN
PERSONAL ACCIDENT
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE
