8 Of The Most Awe-Inspiring Churches On Earth

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of Russia’s most notable landmarks. Its familiar turrets and towers, designed in a whimsical anarchy of patterns of colours, were a symbol of victory for Ivan the Terrible, who commissioned the cathedral in 1555. Totaling a number of nine main chapels, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God. Neighbouring chapels include the Church of Saints Cyprian & Justina, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Church of the Icon of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker, and the Church of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.

A handful of smaller chapels reside nearby including the northeastern chapel on the first floor: the Church of St. Vasily the Blessed. It is here where travellers can view the canopy-covered crypt of its namesake saint, who is also one of the most respected in Moscow. 

The Cathedral of Brasília stands apart from the majestic but often-archaic style of design most commonly seen in older churches. It began its construction in 1958 and was finished two years later, in 1960. Its shape is both modern yet traditional: sixteen arched pillars are bent and shaped in a way that is reminiscent of Jesus’ crown of thorns. Inside the church, three sculptures of angels can be seen suspended in air, against the backdrop of a majestic glass ceiling. 

A must-see in Barcelona, the La Sagrada Família is famous for its imperial architecture. Standing proudly amidst a sea of red rooftops, the La Sagrada Família was designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in 1882. Amusingly enough, it is still currently in the works — with a finishing date set optimistically at some time in 2026. 

Gaudi had originally designed the cathedral with a central tower that would soar hundreds of metres high. Truly, a visit to the La Sagrada Família is a vertiginous experience, and a possibly overwhelming one as well (but in a good way!). Today, people can climb up towards some of its four towers using a combination of lifts and staircases to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring UNESCO heritage site that Gaudi had made his life’s obsession. 

Travelling to the Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgia will transport you to a faraway land: of fairytales and of romance. Amid a backdrop of towering mountains both verdant and imposing, the Gergeti Trinity Church stands overlooking the town of Stephantsminda. A climb is required in order to reach the church, which towers over at 2,170 metres high. 

A subterranean prayer room like no other, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an amazing church that sits quietly at 650 feet below ground. Worshippers often kneel before an illuminated cross that stands 16 feet high, amid salt walls that have been open for over a hundred years. There are multiple main rooms: three naves, a dome, and the Stations of the Cross, all of which are lighted by mesmerising lights in various colours. The Salt Cathedral can house thousands of worshippers at a time and is one of the main sites to see in Zipaquirá, Colombia. 

An amazing monolithic church that was hewn from living rock, the Church of Saint George is just one of eleven churches that sit near by the Jordan River. Thought to have been constructed around the 12th century, these eleven churches were built to symbolise a “new Jerusalem” by King Lalibela. Today, it offers guests a glimpse at the amazing medieval architecture present in Africa. Its design, as well as its proximity to the ancient houses that once made up a thriving community, is amazing in its historical significance. 

Although the Church of San Andrés Xecul in Guatemala lacks the elaborate design of some of the more lavish churches, it earns a spot as one of the most awe-inspiring due to its beautiful facade. It showcases the exuberance of Guatemalan culture in a way that is unique and whimsical. It is a fiesta unto itself with technicolored saints, angels, and flowering vines that fight for attention against the vibrant yellow of its church walls.