Bearing witness to centuries of history, these Gothic, Romanesque or Baroque monuments are uniquely recognizable by their slender spires, meticulous sculptures and stained-glass windows shining with colour. From St Peter's Basilica in Rome to the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, here are the basilicas you need to see in Europe!
St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the heart of Christianity
, carved out of a single block of marble. Bernini's monumental pulpit, erected above the central altar, is another masterpiece of art you need to see. If you climb up to the dome, you will be rewarded with a unique panorama over the rooftops of Rome.
St Mark's Basilica in Venice, a masterpiece of Byzantine art
century. The decoration is packed with sculptures and ornamental details. Inside, the atrium and domes have been embellished with mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the Pala d'Oro, a sumptuous gold altarpiece inlaid with precious stones. All of this results in a harmonious blend of Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles, a glimpse of the artistic magnificence of Venice over the centuries.
asilica of Saint-Denis, Royal necropolis of the kings of France
In Saint-Denis, in the north of Paris, the basilica of Saint-Denis is considered to be one of the first Gothic churches in history, its current form having been completed in 1135. The necropolis of the kings of France, it houses the recumbent remains and tombs of numerous sovereigns from medieval times to the modern era. These gloriously interred rulers include Clovis, Saint Louis and Francis I. The architecture of the monument is just as striking, with its large windows adorned with stained glass and its ribbed vault, one of the first Gothic vaults built in Europe.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, a sanctuary overlooking the city
century in a characteristically lavish Baroque style, the basilica stands on one of the oldest Marian shrines in the world: the story goes that the Virgin Mary appeared here in the year 40... atop a pillar, which explains the basilica's name. In addition to the sacred pillar, the interior is richly decorated, with several frescoes by Francisco de Goya and Francisco Bayeu.
St George's Basilica, a Romanesque gem in the heart of Prague Castle
-century Baroque façade, the basilica’s perfectly preserved Romanesque architecture rests above massive vaults and columns. Inside, medieval frescoes and chapels show the thousand-year-old history of the Czech capital. The site also houses the relics of Saint Ludmilla, the patron saint of Bohemia.
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a major pilgrimage site in Italy
century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex consists of two churches, one Gothic, built into the rock on a slope of Mount Subiaso, the other inspired by Lombard Romanesque architecture. Inside, frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue tell the story of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, showing key episodes running from his conversion to his miracles.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a monument spanning the centuries
century, and a gilded ceiling made with the first shipment gold brought back from the Americas, a gift from the Spanish royalty to the Pope in 1494. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is also famous for its reliquary containing a fragment of Jesus' cot, and for its bell tower, the highest in the city.
The Basilica of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Lourdes, a pilgrimage sanctuary
In the French Pyrenees, the Basilica of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, with almost 3 million visitors every year. Built in 1871 in a neo-Gothic style, it stands over the grotto at Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary reputedly appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Inside, there are mosaics depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, while the stained glass windows tell the story of the Marian apparitions from which the legend arose.
The Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Gaudí's (still) unfinished work
, mosaics made from shards of ceramic. The monument's silhouette, a fine lace of sculpted stone, is fascinating with its sheer scale and originality. Inside, the decor is all coloured stained glass and natural curves, with sculpted columns resembling trees and “branches” instead of traditional buttresses. Once completed, the expiatory temple of the Holy Family is set to be the tallest basilica in the world.
The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, a showcase of Florentine art
, which was built at the same time. Behind its imposing white and green marble façade are the funerary monuments of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. With chapels decorated by Giotto and masterly frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis, the basilica is a grand example of the artistic excellence of the Tuscan Renaissance.
The Euphrasian Basilica of Poreč, an Early Christian church facing the Adriatic Sea
, the Euphrasian Basilica is one of the oldest examples of Early Christian architecture in Europe. The first thing you will notice is the remarkable gilded mosaics adorning the vault of the apse: depicting the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus surrounded by the saints, this is a spectacular example of the Byzantine influence on religious art of the era. The complex also includes a baptistery, an episcopal palace and a cloister, each bearing witness to the various cultures and influences that marked the local history from the beginnings of Christianity to the Byzantine era.
The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, a masterpiece of Byzantine art in Italy
century, 1500 years after the laying of its first foundation stone, it is a must-see for art history enthusiasts. The basilica is full of frescoes in every nook and cranny, and its mosaics, depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, are one of the finest examples of early Byzantine art in the world. The building's octagonal structure and veined marble columns add to the originality of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur in Paris, on Montmartre
hill, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur boasts a Romanesque-Byzantine architecture uniquely found in Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, its white domes and elegant arches contrast with the Gothic style found among the city's other churches. Inside, a monumental mosaic adorns the choir, while the panorama from the central dome offers a stunning view of Paris.
St Mary’s Basilica, Krakow, a marvel of Polish Gothic art
century, it is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Poland with its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss and its colourful vaults. Every hour, the melody of the Hejnał rings out from the tower, coming to an abrupt stop in tribute to a keeper shot dead on the site in the Middle Ages.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, watching over the city from the hillside
century, this basilica perched on the heights of Vieux-Lyon on the Fourvière hill has boasted an eclectic mix of neo-Gothic and Byzantine architecture. Inside, the profusion of mosaics, stained glass and gilt adornments, as well as the variety of precious materials used - marble, gold leaf, stone, wood, glass and enamel - bear witness to the expertise of Lyon's artisans. Built in thanks to the Virgin Mary for having spared the city from the ravages of the Franco-Prussian war, it offers a breathtaking view of the capital of Gaul and its surroundings.
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