Largest Cathedrals in the world

Travel offers a chance to see the world’s wonders. You can stand before history’s greatest feats. Consider the timeless majesty of a centuries-old cathedral. These huge buildings tell incredible stories. They are monuments of human faith and artistry. Exploring a grand church in the world is truly an enriching experience.

Many travelers plan trips around these massive structures. They want to witness places like St Peter’s Basilica in person. These architectural marvels inspire deep awe. Seeing them often means long-haul trips abroad. You are visiting unfamiliar cities and countries.

Whenever you travel, preparation is crucial. You must plan for more than just your itinerary. Unexpected events can quickly disrupt a trip. Think about a sudden illness or a canceled flight. These problems require quick, reliable solutions.

Planning for the unexpected is key to safe travel. Choose comprehensive travel insurance, so you can focus stays on the impressive sights. 

Now, are you ready to explore the world’s most impressive cathedrals in the world?

What are the 20 largest cathedrals in the world?

The definition of “largest” can vary greatly. Some lists focus on height, while others use sheer volume. For this grand tour, we prioritize floor area (m²). This measurement provides the best sense of the building’s scale. It reflects the total space visitors can explore.

When reviewing this list, remember one important distinction. Cathedrals are the seat of a bishop. Basilicas are large, important churches recognized by the Pope. This list includes both to show the biggest sacred spaces. 

Here are the 20 largest churches, cathedrals, and basilicas by floor area:

• 1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City): Area over 15,160 m². This is the most widely recognized church in the world for its size. It is a key Renaissance catholic church landmark.
• 2. Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida (Aparecida, Brazil): Area around 12,000 m². This is the world’s largest cathedral building by floor area. It is a major site for Brazilian pilgrims.
• 3. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano, Italy): Area about 11,700 m². This huge building is Italy’s largest church. It features an incredible 135 spires and statues.
• 4. Seville Cathedral (Seville, Spain): Area around 11,520 m². It holds the title of the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 5. Cathedral of St. John the Divine (New York City, USA): Area near 11,241 m². This is the world’s largest Anglican cathedral. It is a powerful symbol in York City.
• 6. Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń (Licheń Stary, Poland): Area about 10,090 m². Completed recently in 2004, it is one of Europe’s newer grand buildings.
• 7. Liverpool Cathedral (Liverpool, UK): Area about 9,687 m². This immense building is recognized as the longest cathedral in the world. It is designed in a Gothic Revival style.
• 8. Basilica of the Holy Trinity (Fátima, Portugal): Area around 8,700 m². It is part of the world-famous Fátima pilgrimage complex.
• 9. Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome, Italy): Area about 8,515 m². It is one of Rome’s four great Papal Basilicas.
• 10. Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar (Saragossa, Spain): Area around 8,318 m². This is an important Baroque pilgrimage shrine in Spain.
• 11. Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore, Italy): Area about 8,300 m². It is famous for its massive dome. Brunelleschi designed this architectural feat.
• 12. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City, Mexico): Area near 8,167 m². This is a key center for Marian devotion in the Americas.
• 13. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Brazil): Area about 8,000 m². It is noted for its distinctive modern, conical shape.
• 14. Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg, Belgium): Area about 8,000 m². This Art Deco building is one of the largest churches in the world.
• 15. Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp, Belgium): Area about 8,000 m². It is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries.
• 16. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast): Area near 7,989 m². This building is often cited for its vast exterior grounds.
• 17. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey): Area about 7,960 m². This historic site was consecrated in 537 AD. It is a famous UNESCO World Heritage landmark.
• 18. San Petronio Basilica (Bologna, Italy): Area near 7,920 m². It is the largest brick church in the entire world.
• 19. Cologne Cathedral (Cologne, Germany): Area about 7,914 m². This cathedral is a famous Gothic landmark. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 20. St Paul’s Cathedral (London, UK): Area around 7,875 m². Sir Christopher Wren designed this English Baroque masterpiece.

What are the three tallest cathedrals in the world?

If floor area measures breadth, then spire height measures ambition. Many of these churches were built in a “race to the heavens.” This drive created incredible vertical masterpieces. The measurement is taken from the ground to the tip of the spire or the highest cross.

The title for the world’s tallest church has recently shifted. Here are the three tallest church buildings, which are often referred to as largest cathedral structures due to their immense scale:

1. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)

• Height: Expected to reach 172.5 meters (566 feet) by its final completion in 2026.
• Key Fact: The central Tower of Jesus Christ surpassed Ulm Minster in October 2025. It is now the world’s tallest church. This iconic structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Travel tip: This Catholic Church is technically a basilica. Construction has spanned over a century. You should book tickets far in advance to visit this Gaudi masterpiece.

Travel insurance for Spain

2. Ulm Minster (Ulm, Germany)

• Height: 161.5 meters (530 feet). This church structure was the world’s tallest for 135 years.
• Key Fact: Though often called a cathedral, it is actually a Lutheran church. Visitors can climb 768 steps to a viewing platform. From there, you can see the distant Alps on clear days.
• Travel safety: Climbing hundreds of stairs can be exhausting. Before attempting this climb, be sure you are fit to do so. Take breaks and remain careful while moving through the narrow stairwells.

3. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast)

• Height: 158 meters (518 feet).
• Key Fact: This is the world’s tallest domed church. It is a stunning, modern Catholic Church design. It was modeled partly after St Peter’s Basilica.
• Travel Planning: A visit here is an immersive African experience. It requires careful planning. Always secure your travel insurance before departing for an international trip.

Honorable mention: Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral in Germany is also a powerful contender. Its famous twin spires reach 157.2 meters (516 feet). It holds the record as the tallest true twin-spired church globally. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an incredible Gothic cathedral.

Where is the largest Catholic Church in the world?

The largest Catholic Church in the world is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not located in Rome, but rather in the tiny Vatican City. Vatican City is an independent city-state. It is completely surrounded by Rome, Italy.

This famous Papal Basilica is the most significant church in the world. It is revered by many Catholics globally. It is believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter. He was one of Jesus’s apostles.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Key facts and figures

• Size and scope: St. Peter‘s boasts an interior area of over 15,160 square meters. Its dome reaches 136.6 meters high. The entire complex can hold 60,000 people standing. This makes it the world’s largest church by interior measure.
• The Dome climb: Climbing to the top of Michelangelo’s dome is a highlight. The final steps are narrow and steep. If you choose the elevator, you still have 320 steps to climb. Make sure you are prepared for this physical challenge.
• Jubilee Year: During 2025 and 2026, the Vatican expects high visitor traffic. This is due to the Jubilee Year celebration. Millions of pilgrims will visit this key Catholic Church.

Essential travel tips for a smooth visit

• Planning ahead: You should book tickets for skip-the-line access. This saves you hours of waiting in the Roman sun. Bookings are especially critical during the Jubilee Year.
• Crowd awareness: The security lines here can be long and dense. It is important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and close to your body to prevent theft.
• Protect your trip: If your guided tour is unexpectedly canceled, having proper travel insurance is key. It ensures you recoup costs for missed reservations. 

This largest cathedral structure continues to inspire millions. Proper planning guarantees you a peaceful and powerful visit.

Travel insurance for Italy

What is the largest cathedral in the US?

The United States is home to some truly grand churches. The question of the largest often comes down to precise definitions. If we strictly define a cathedral as the seat of a bishop, the largest by sheer volume and length is the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine

This immense structure is located in New York City. It is the mother church in the world of the Episcopal Diocese of New York City.

Here are the key facts about this architectural giant:

• Location: Upper Manhattan, New York City.
• Size: It has a massive floor area of 11,241 square meters. This makes it the largest Anglican cathedral globally. It is also the fourth-largest Christian church in the world.
• Design: Construction began in 1892. It is famously incomplete, leading to its nickname: “St. John the Unfinished.”
• Style: The architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic revival elements. This gives it a unique and powerful appearance.

The other contender: National Shrine

Sometimes, is cited. This huge Catholic Church is located in Washington, D.C. It is the largest Catholic place of worship in North America. However, it is a minor basilica, not a cathedral in the technical sense.

Is the Catholic Church the largest property owner in the world?

The short answer is no. The Catholic Church is not the largest property owner in the world. However, it is an entity with enormous global real estate holdings. Its property portfolio is staggering in size and value. It covers massive land areas across nearly every country.

The Catholic Church is generally cited as the world’s second-largest private landowner. Estimates suggest the church in the world owns around 177 million acres. This area is larger than the state of Texas.

This immense figure is not just farmland. It encompasses thousands of institutions:

• Churches and Cathedrals: Including major sites like St Peter’s Basilica.
• Hospitals and Schools: The Church provides extensive global healthcare and education.
• Real Estate: Properties held for investment worldwide.

These immense holdings support the Church’s vast network of social work. 

The importance of travel insurance

Exploring the grandest cathedrals in the world is truly inspiring. But as you plan your itinerary, do not overlook the most crucial step. Never embark on international travels without comprehensive travel insurance.

When you are far from home, the unexpected can be costly. A medical emergency is the biggest financial risk. Your domestic health insurance rarely covers you fully abroad. A sudden illness could lead to huge bills.

This is why reliable travel insurance is an essential purchase. It is your financial safety net against unforeseen circumstances. It allows you to focus on your incredible journey.

Heymondo Travel Insurance offers the protection you need. It ensures complete peace of mind during your travels. We cover you for much more than just the basics.

• High medical coverage: We prioritize your health above all else. Our policies include up to $10,000,000 USD in medical coverage. This is critical for serious accidents or unexpected hospital stays.
• 24/7 Global assistance: In an emergency, we are ready. We provide a convenient emergency call feature through our Heymondo Travel Assistance App.
• Immediate Support: The app is available 24/7, worldwide. It allows you to seek immediate consultation. Our medical team ensures you receive the necessary support during your trip.
• Luggage protection: Travel plans can be disrupted by lost or stolen items. Our coverage extends to safeguarding your luggage against loss or theft.
• Trip disruption: Our policies cover issues like unexpected flight delays or cancellations. This means you can recoup non-refundable costs. 

Don’t leave your adventure to chance!

Get your travel insurance now!