You’ll Want to Add These 9 Breathtaking Gothic Cathedrals to Your Bucket List

Few architectural styles are more visually striking than Gothic cathedrals. Due to their elaborate design and extraordinary construction, they aren’t exactly commonplace, but across Europe there are several that must be seen to be believed. Simply put, the towering religious buildings are unlike any others in the world.

Originating in France, Gothic cathedrals were one of the greatest achievements of medieval engineering. Between the middle of the 12th century and the 16th century, these beautiful cathedrals were built across Europe with many taking multiple centuries to complete. While no two are exactly alike, there are a few noteworthy traits that can be spotted across Gothic cathedral architecture, the fusion of which give them their unique, dramatic, and imposing aesthetic.

Though it may not be immediately obvious, most Gothic cathedrals are built facing west, many of which are shaped like a cross. What’s more obvious are the countless pointed arches used in every aspect of their design, from the ceilings to the door frames to large sweeping windows. These windows usually have one or more vertical panes, called lancets, that are quite distinctive. You’ll also notice boss stones used throughout Gothic cathedral architecture, and while they are pretty and may depict scenes rooted in theology, they are also loadbearing and essential to the stability of the structure.

Another eye-catching aspect of Gothic architecture are flying buttresses, which are an ingenious design technique that take the weight of the roof and vaulted ceiling and help redirect it towards the ground, solidifying a cathedral’s structural integrity. Buttresses often have pinnacles, or architectural ornaments that look like small turrets or spires, that also help counteract the weight of the roof and ceiling. Some Gothic cathedrals also have gargoyles that function as water spouts to help protect the stone from cracking and water damage. Most also feature stained glass windows, which frequently depict historical or biblical scenes.

We’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world to help you get a sense of their stunning architecture, massive size, and stunning detail without having to leave home and travel to Europe.

Westminster Abbey, London, England

Founded by the Benedictine monks in 960, Westminster Abbey was originally a small monastery. It was later remodeled and enlarged into a new church that was consecrated in 1065. However, King Henry III tore down all of it, with the exception of the nave, and replaced it with Westminster Abbey as we’ve come to know it in all of its Gothic glory. Since 1066, forty English monarchs have been crowned in the Abbey— that’s every British sovereign, save Edward V and Edward VIII, both of whom were never officially crowned. It’s also been the site of many royal weddings, beginning in 1100 and as recently as the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.

Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France

Construction began on Chartres Cathedral in 1145, but a fire in 1194 halted progress before it was reconstructed over the course of the next 26 years. The cathedral was built in honor of the Virgin Mary, and it is known not only for its abundance of breathtaking sculptures, but its 176 stained-glass windows, which depict figures from the Old Testament, New Testament, and even the Apocalypse. To this day, it remains one of the most accurate and complete examples of Gothic French architecture and a site cherished by many, including many religious Roman Catholics.

Orvieto Cathedral, Umbria, Italy

First commissioned and blessed by Pope Nicholas IV in 1290, construction on the Orvieto Cathedral was not officially completed until 1590, three centuries after the foundation stone was laid. The cathedral’s facade is nothing short of a masterpiece. The three-gable design was created by Lorenzo Maitani, one of the greatest architects and sculptors in history, who was the foreman on the project from 1310 until his death in 1330. The cathedral’s mosaics are its most distinguishing feature, and they fill every inch of the facade that is not occupied by sculptures. The mosaics tell the story of the Virgin Mary, to whom the cathedral is dedicated.

Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany

A sprawling cathedral that spans over 8,000 square meters of floor space, Cologne Cathedral can hold over 20,000 people, and it is the second-tallest building in Cologne. While the site itself has been home to Christian churches since roughly the 4th century, the older cathedral that was once its place burned down in 1248, and construction on the Cologne Cathedral began immediately thereafter. The project came to a halt in 1560, where it remained on pause for several centuries until restoration work began in the 1820s in the aftermath of the French Revolution. The Gothic cathedral was not officially complete until the 1880s. Among its many artistic treasures is the gold Shrine of the Three Kings located near its high altar, which was created by Nicholas of Verdun, a master goldsmith, between 1182 and 1220.

Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, England

One of the oldest and most historically significant Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral is best known for being the seat of the archbishop of Canterbury. Originally called Christ Church, the structure that was once Canterbury Cathedral was destroyed by raids in 1011, then by a fire in 1067. Construction on the Canterbury Cathedral as it is known today began in 1070 and was completed in 1498 with the addition of the imposing central Bell Harry Tower. The Canterbury Tales was written in the 14th century by famed author Geoffrey Chauscer after a visit to the city, during which time he saw the nave being rebuilt.

Milan Cathedral, Milan, Italy

One of the largest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world, Milan Cathedral took five centuries to complete due to conflicts regarding both ideas and a lack of funding. Today, it’s best known for its expansive interior that can hold up to 40,000 visitors at once and the massive stone pillars that stand in the brick and marble nave. Its walls are home to more than 3,100 images, and its most famous sculpture, the Madonnina, or Little Madonna, is poised atop its tallest spire and is covered in 3,900 pieces of gold leaf.

Amiens Cathedral, Amiens, France

Situated in the Somme River valley just north of Paris lies Amiens Cathedral, the largest of the three great Gothic cathedrals constructed in France throughout the 13th century. The cathedral’s towering nave soars in comparison to its width, giving the impression of great verticality, making it feel more sophisticated and grand than other Gothic cathedrals. Its double-towered west-facing facade is a prime example of its intricately designed exterior, and it features three arched portals, a carved gallery, and a stunning rose window, which stretches 43 feet in diameter. Miraculously, the Amiens Cathedral survived heavy fighting of both World War I and World War II, emerging almost entirely unscathed.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

The most prominent religious building in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral took over four centuries to construct, from its groundbreaking in 1137 to its completion in 1578. Though it survived nearly all of World War II, civilian looters lit fires not far from the site as Soviet troops came into the city. Winds picked up embers and carried them to the church, and in April 1945 the roof sustained extensive damage and collapsed. Reconstruction was underway almost immediately, and it was reopened by December 1948. The church, dedicated to St. Stephen, is home to 22 bells that reside across four belfries, and it is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna.

Seville Cathedral, Seville, Spain

It took over a century to complete construction on the Seville Cathedral, and today it is the third-largest church in the world, not to mention the largest Gothic cathedral on Earth. It can hold up to 20,000 visitors at once, and has up to 80 side chapels, but its towering Giralda Bell Tower is the crown jewel of Seville Cathedral. It houses 24 bells, the largest of which weighs a massive 1.5 tons. Situated in a tomb at the entrance to the cathedral are the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus, who died on a voyage in Spain.

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