Notre-Dame de Paris Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most influential examples of French Gothic architecture, constructed between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries on the Île de la Cité.
Churches, Cathedrals & Basilicas
Churches, cathedrals, basilicas, abbeys, and related sacred architecture.
Hero image from Editor's Pick #1: Notre Dame
Editor's Note
Churches, Cathedrals & Basilicas brings together 72 curated portfolios across 29 countries and 8 regions. The strongest country groupings currently include Italy (13), United States (9), Austria (5). The collection includes 30 UNESCO-linked sites, giving the page a strong cultural and historical backbone. Editor picks are ranked from the Engine's curation table, while the country sections and map are generated from approved collection members.
Explore on the Map
This map shows only approved Churches, Cathedrals & Basilicas collection members. Editor's Picks use gold-star markers.
Editor's Picks
Mezquita The Mezquita of Córdoba was originally constructed as a mosque during the eighth century and later converted into a Christian cathedral following the Reconquista.
The magnificent Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Siena, stands as one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.
The Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) stands at the heart of the historic city and is one of the most important Baroque churches in Central Europe. The cathedral was rebuilt in the early 17th century after a fire destroyed the earlier structure.
The magnificent Lima Cathedral dominates the eastern side of Plaza Mayor in the historic center of Lima. Originally constructed in the 16th century, the cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded several times following earthquakes that struck the city.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Chartres Cathedral is one of the most important examples of French Gothic architecture, known for its harmonious proportions and extensive collection of medieval stained glass.
St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki) stands prominently along the eastern side of Kraków’s Main Market Square and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Basilica of San Zeno stands in the western part of Verona near the banks of the Adige River and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in northern Italy.
The magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral stands in the fortified city of Valletta and is one of the most extraordinary baroque churches in Europe.
Browse by Country
Countries are ordered by the number of approved collection members, then alphabetically.
Italy (13)
Italy is represented by 13 portfolios in this collection, including Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, and Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant'Oronzo.
The Basilica of San Zeno stands in the western part of Verona near the banks of the Adige River and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in northern Italy.
The monumental church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, often simply called the Frari, is one of the most important religious buildings in Venice.
The elegant Lecce Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, stands in the historic center of Lecce in southern Italy.
The magnificent Monreale Cathedral stands above the city of Monreale overlooking the valley of Palermo.
The Turin Duomo, officially the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, stands in the historic center of Turin near the former royal palace of the Savoy dynasty. Built in the late 15th century, the cathedral is the only major Renaissance church in the city.
The Verona Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, stands near the banks of the Adige River in the historic center of Verona.
The Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore stands in the historic center of Milan and is often described as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan.” Built during the Renaissance, the church originally served as part of a Benedictine convent.
The Duomo di Milano rises at the center of Milan and is one of the largest and most elaborate Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
The Cenacolo Vinciano, or “Last Supper,” is one of the most famous works of art in the world and is located within the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
The impressive Palermo Cathedral stands at the heart of the historic city and reflects the many civilizations that shaped Sicily over the centuries.
The historic complex of Santa Maria della Scala stands directly opposite Siena Cathedral and was once one of the most important hospitals in medieval Europe.
The magnificent Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Siena, stands as one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.
The historic Basilica della Santissima Annunziata stands along the elegant Piazza della Santissima Annunziata in the northern part of Florence’s historic center.
United States (9)
United States is represented by 9 portfolios in this collection, including Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Christmas Mass at Basilica is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Mepkin Abbey is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
St. Louis Cathedral is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Trinity Church in the City of Boston is featured in this collection as part of Religious / Cultural • United States.
Austria (5)
Austria is represented by 5 portfolios in this collection, including Franziskanerkirche, Kirche Maria Himmelfahrt, and Kollegienkirche.
The Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) stands just a short distance from Salzburg Cathedral within the historic center of the city.
The Augustinerkirche in Mülln, often referred to as Pfarre Mülln, stands on the northern side of the Mönchsberg hill overlooking the Salzach River. Founded during the 14th century, the church forms part of a historic Augustinian monastery complex.
The Kollegienkirche, or University Church, stands along Universitätsplatz in Salzburg’s historic center. Built in the early 18th century, the church is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the city.
The Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) stands at the heart of the historic city and is one of the most important Baroque churches in Central Europe. The cathedral was rebuilt in the early 17th century after a fire destroyed the earlier structure.
Stift St. Peter, or St.
France (5)
France is represented by 5 portfolios in this collection, including Mont Saint-Michel, Notre Dame, and Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral.
Mont Saint-Michel rises dramatically from tidal waters along the Normandy coast, forming one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in France.
Notre-Dame de Paris Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most influential examples of French Gothic architecture, constructed between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries on the Île de la Cité.
Chartres Cathedral is one of the most important examples of French Gothic architecture, known for its harmonious proportions and extensive collection of medieval stained glass.
Reims lies in the Champagne region of northeastern France and has long been one of the most historically important cities in the country.
Strasbourg lies along the Rhine River near the border between France and Germany in the historic region of Alsace. For centuries the city served as an important cultural and trading center linking the German and French worlds.
Spain (4)
Spain is represented by 4 portfolios in this collection, including Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Córdoba, and Sagrada Família.
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral marks the traditional burial place of Saint James and became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Europe.
Mezquita The Mezquita of Córdoba was originally constructed as a mosque during the eighth century and later converted into a Christian cathedral following the Reconquista.
The Sagrada Família is one of the most recognizable architectural works in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí and begun in the late nineteenth century. The basilica combines Gothic structural principles with innovative forms inspired by natural geometry.
Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela developed as a major religious center associated with the pilgrimage routes leading to the cathedral dedicated to Saint James.
England (3)
England is represented by 3 portfolios in this collection, including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens, London Oratory, and Westminster Abbey.
Fountains Abbey lies in the valley of the River Skell within the landscaped grounds of Studley Royal Park in North Yorkshire, England. Founded in 1132, the abbey became one of the most prosperous Cistercian monasteries in medieval England.
The impressive Brompton Oratory, formally known as the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, stands in the district of South Kensington in London. Built in the late 19th century, the church reflects the grand architectural style of the Roman Baroque.
Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey stands as one of the most historically significant religious structures in the United Kingdom, serving as the traditional site for royal coronations, weddings, and state ceremonies for nearly a thousand years.
Peru (3)
Peru is represented by 3 portfolios in this collection, including Archbishop's Palace of Lima, Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima, and Lima Cathedral.
The ornate Archbishop's Palace of Lima stands beside the cathedral on Plaza Mayor in the heart of Lima. Built in the early 20th century, the palace reflects the rich architectural traditions of Spanish colonial design.
The historic Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo is one of the oldest religious complexes in Lima. Founded during the 16th century, the church and monastery played an important role in the early colonial history of Peru.
The magnificent Lima Cathedral dominates the eastern side of Plaza Mayor in the historic center of Lima. Originally constructed in the 16th century, the cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded several times following earthquakes that struck the city.
Australia (2)
Australia is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Scots’ Church Melbourne.
The magnificent St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne stands on the eastern edge of Melbourne’s city center. Completed primarily in the late 19th century, the cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Australia.
The historic Scots' Church, Melbourne stands along Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne. Built in the 19th century, the church reflects the Gothic Revival architectural style that became popular during the colonial era.
Chile (2)
Chile is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Los Dominicos and Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago.
The historic complex of Pueblito Los Dominicos lies in the eastern part of Santiago at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The site grew around the colonial-era Church of San Vicente Ferrer, built by the Dominican order in the 18th century.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago stands on the historic Plaza de Armas, the traditional heart of the city. The cathedral was constructed during the 18th century and has long served as the principal Roman Catholic church in Chile.
Denmark (2)
Denmark is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Aarhus Cathedral and Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church.
The impressive Aarhus Cathedral, also known as Aarhus Domkirke, stands at the heart of Aarhus. Constructed primarily during the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral is the longest church in Denmark.
The historic monuments of Jelling Mounds stand among the most important Viking sites in Scandinavia. Located in the town of Jelling, the complex includes two large burial mounds, a church, and the famous Jelling Runestones.
Greece (2)
Greece is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa and Holy Church of Saint Demetrius at Palatitsia.
The Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa is housed in a historic church within the old town of Corfu. The museum presents an important collection of religious icons and artifacts dating from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods.
The Church of Saint Demetrios is one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece and is dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki.
Israel (2)
Israel is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Bethlehem is one of the most historically significant religious cities in the world and is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Jerusalem is one of the most historically and religiously significant cities in the world and has been a center of spiritual life for thousands of years.
Poland (2)
Poland is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including St. Mary's Basilica and Święta Lipka.
St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki) stands prominently along the eastern side of Kraków’s Main Market Square and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Święta Lipka lies in the historic region of Warmia and Masuria in northeastern Poland, not far from the border with the former territories of East Prussia.
Tunisia (2)
Tunisia is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Saint Louis Cathedral, L'Acropolium and Saint Vincent de Paul Cathedral.
The Carthage Acropolium, originally known as the Cathedral of Saint Louis, stands on Byrsa Hill, the historic center of ancient Carthage.
The Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul stands along Avenue Habib Bourguiba in the center of Tunis.
Vatican (2)
Vatican is represented by 2 portfolios in this collection, including Saint Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums.
The monumental St. Peter's Basilica stands at the heart of Vatican City and is one of the most important churches in Christianity.
The Vatican Museums contain one of the most remarkable collections of art and antiquities in the world. Located within Vatican City, the museums preserve centuries of artistic treasures gathered by the popes.
Algeria (1)
Algeria is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Church of Notre Dame d'Afrique.
The basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique stands on a high cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea west of Algiers.
Bulgaria (1)
Bulgaria is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands at the heart of Sofia and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world.
Canada (1)
Canada is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral.
The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral stands in the heart of Old Québec and is the oldest Catholic parish in North America north of Mexico.
Croatia (1)
Croatia is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Church of St. Ignatius.
The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola stands at the top of a grand Baroque staircase in the southern portion of Dubrovnik’s historic old town.
Estonia (1)
Estonia is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by St. Nicholas' Church and Museum.
St. Nicholas Church was constructed during the medieval period to serve merchants and sailors traveling through Tallinn’s Baltic trade routes.
Ireland (1)
Ireland is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Old Mellifont Abbey.
Mellifont Abbey lies along the banks of the River Mattock in County Louth, north of the Boyne Valley.
Kazakhstan (1)
Kazakhstan is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Ascension Cathedral.
Zenkov Cathedral, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is one of the tallest wooden Orthodox churches in the world and was constructed in the early twentieth century during the Russian Imperial period.
Malta (1)
Malta is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by St. John's Co-Cathedral.
The magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral stands in the fortified city of Valletta and is one of the most extraordinary baroque churches in Europe.
Norway (1)
Norway is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Oslo Cathedral.
The historic Oslo Cathedral stands near the center of Oslo and has served as the city’s principal church since the late 17th century. Built in 1697, the cathedral reflects the Baroque architectural traditions of the period.
Russia (1)
Russia is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Savior on the Spilled Blood.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was constructed in Saint Petersburg to commemorate the assassination of Emperor Alexander II in 1881.
Scotland (1)
Scotland is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Jedburgh Abbey.
The historic town of Jedburgh lies near the border between Scotland and England, a region that witnessed centuries of conflict during the medieval period.
Switzerland (1)
Switzerland is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Jesuitenkirche Luzern.
The Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche) stands along the banks of the Reuss River in the historic center of Lucerne. Built in the 17th century, it is considered the first large Baroque church constructed in Switzerland.
Turkey (1)
Turkey is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
Hagia Sophia is one of the most historically significant buildings in the world and reflects the transformation of religious architecture across multiple empires.
Uzbekistan (1)
Uzbekistan is represented by 1 portfolio in this collection, led by Holy Assumption Cathedral Church.
The Holy Assumption Cathedral in Tashkent represents the presence of Russian Orthodox Christianity in Central Asia during the nineteenth century. The cathedral was constructed during the period of Russian imperial expansion into the region.
