Quick answer: Europe’s most breathtaking cathedrals include the Sagrada Família (Barcelona), Cologne Cathedral, Milan’s Duomo, Notre-Dame (Paris) and St Peter’s (Vatican).
Europe’s great cathedrals are masterpieces of architecture and devotion. These ten are the most awe-inspiring.
The 10 most stunning European cathedrals
Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Best months: Jun–Aug · 22–29°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Gaudí’s still-unfinished basilica, unlike any other.
Cologne Cathedral, Germany
Best months: Jul–Sep · 16–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
A soaring Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO site.
Duomo di Milano, Italy
Best months: Apr–Jun · 13–23°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
A vast marble Gothic cathedral you can walk on the roof of.
Notre-Dame de Paris
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
The Gothic icon on the Île de la Cité, reborn after the fire.
St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican
The grandest church in Christendom.
Florence Cathedral, Italy
Best months: Apr–Jun · 13–23°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome over the Duomo.
Seville Cathedral, Spain
Best months: Apr–Jun · 12–25°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
Chartres Cathedral, France
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
The finest medieval stained glass anywhere.
St Vitus, Prague
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
The Gothic heart of Prague Castle.
Westminster Abbey, London
Best months: Jul–Sep · 14–23°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Centuries of coronations and history.
How to choose
Many allow you to climb the towers or domes (Milan, Florence, Cologne) for spectacular views — book ahead. Dress modestly, as these are active places of worship.