Top 5 Stunning Cathedrals You Must See In Europe

Notre Dame de Paris in France

Known as the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the impressive exemplary Roman Catholic cathedral took 300 years to be built, between 1163 and 1345 when it was finally completed. It was, constructed in a gorgeous French Gothic architecture style by three famous architects - Pierre de Montreuil, Jean de Chelles, and Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus. It is by far one of the largest and most visited cathedrals in the world. The 420 ft (128 m) long and 157 ft (48 m) wide massive structure, with 226 ft (69 m) tall towers and 300 ft (91.4 m) high spires, is well designed for its abundant sculptures and stained glass windows influenced significantly by naturalism. Notre Dame de Paris - or ‘Our Lady of Paris’ is marvelous in a quirky, delicate, and overwhelming way.

Climb up the 378 steps on foot to reach the South Tower for a splendid panoramic view of Paris from a different angle other than from the famous Eiffel Tower. Around the cathedral, there are several hotels with magnificent views of the cathedral in its integrality. The cathedral is open for all visitors and free of charge every day of the year during the opening hours between 10AM and 6.30PM. Last access is within 45 minutes before the closure. The cathedral can be intensively crowded during the summer time, so be prepared to come here early or travel outside of the peak seasons (June to August).

Cathedral of Florence in Italy

Located in the main square (Piazza del Duomo) of Florence’s historic centre, Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Florence) or ‘Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers’ (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is another Gothic main church of Florence. The exquisite complex structure of the cathedral, baptistery, and Giotto’s Campanile was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. It is one of the largest churches and most important UNESCO Heritage Sites in Italy. From Michelangelo Square, you will get some of the most dazzling panoramic views of not only the city of Florence, but also the cathedral way above its dome, that was gracefully engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Cologne Cathedral in Germany

Cologne Cathedral, also known as the Kölner Dom, is probably the highest and oldest building in the city, making it a famous tourist attraction. There are about 6 million visits to the cathedral annually, making it the most visited sight in Germany. This cathedral is the 2nd tallest structure in Cologne covering almost 8,000 square metres (86,111 square feet) of floor space, holding a capacity of up to 20,000 people. The cathedral is free to visit, but there is limited entrance to certain sectors when mass or other important religious events are taking place.

Duomo di Milano also known as the Milan Cathedral in Italy

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Milan is the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). This Gothic masterpiece is one of the most important pieces of symbolic and spiritual artwork in Milan, and is the largest church in Italy as well as the 5th largest church in the world. Built over 6 centuries in numerous contrasting styles, the Milan Cathedral is made of brick construction faced with marble from the quarries, and consists of broad naves divided by 40 pillars with 80 ft (24 m) tall columns and large apsidal windows. The roof has lots of pinnacles and ornaments decorating the spires. Entrance fees to both the cathedral and the museum is only 2 EUR (2.20 USD). On sunny days in the Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo), there are many street artists performing, using excellent instruments, and singing with a quality amplifier.

The Berlin Cathedral known as Berliner Dom in Germany

Known as the largest church in the city, the Berlin Cathedral is also referred to as the Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church. It is a main work of Kaiserzeit (German Empire or German Reich), located on the Museum Island in the Mitte federal states. Regular admission to the cathedral is 7 EUR (about 8 USD) with a reduced price of 5 EUR (5.67 USD) for students.The Lustgarten is a park located in front of the Berliner Dom, and is an ideal place to relax or to enjoy a picnic while chatting with friends after your visit to the cathedral.