Cathedrals are often the most iconic buildings in a city, with more public money ploughed into their structures than any others. They not only represent the finest in architectural design: they also showcase the social, cultural and religious histories of a place. Many have overcome disaster in the form of war and fire, but the reconstructions of these majestic buildings are often as interesting as the original designs themselves.
But where are the best cathedrals in the world? We've rounded up our top ten – and given you a little extra information about the instruments at the centre of their design: the pipe organ.
Best cathedrals in the world
Chartres Cathedral, France
Stained glass glory, Gothic perfection: a timeless symbol of faith
Chartres Cathedral is the pinnacle of French Gothic design. It was first built in 1145 and then underwent a long reconstruction following the fire of 1194. It has retained its 13th-century stained-glass windows, has a vast nave and features stunning 12th-century sculptures, all of which have remained in remarkably good condition over the years.
Every two years, the catehdral hosts the world-famous international organ competition, the Grand Prix de Chartres.
Seville Cathedral, Spain
World’s largest Gothic cathedral, Columbus’s tomb, fusion of cultures
Seville Cathedral is the world's largest Gothic cathedral and is a real showpiece for this beautiful Andalusian city. Built between 1434 and 1517 on the remains of what is believed to have previously been the city's main mosque, this cathedral is worth a visit for its majestic bell tower alone. You'll also find the impressive tomb of Christopher Columbus in there as well though.
Its organ was built by Jordi Bosch in 1779 and was the second largest pipe organ in the Iberian peninsula, but it was unfortunately destroyed in an earthquake in 1888. It was replaced in the early 20th-century with twin organs by Aquilino Amezua.
Toledo Cathedral, Spain
The medieval Gothic architecture of Toledo Cathedral makes it one of the most impressive in Spain. In its sacristy (the area in which the priest prepares for services) there are artworks by the great masters: Veláquez, Goya and El Greco. During the area's Muslim rule, the area contained the city's central mosque, which was then converted into a church in 1085. This was destroyed 140 years later, and the cathedral was then built on these foundations in a melting pot of architectural styles. The choir stalls are made of impressively carved wood and are unlike many of their kind.
While the cathedral holds several organs, there is one that is particularly impressive: The Emperor's Organ.
Cologne Cathedral, Germany
Sky-piercing spires, Gothic grandeur, enduring symbol of German faith
The construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but wasn't completed until 1880, under the project management of a series of different builders – surviving fires along the way. Despite its slow start, this is one of Europe's most impressive High Gothic masterpieces. Its immense twin towers loom over the city, which made it the tallest structure in the world when it was first completed. Washington Monument then clinched this title in 1884. The windows are a mix of 13th-century stained-glass and more modern style offerings by Cologne-based artist Gerhard Richter, who replaced the 19th-century glass that had been destroyed in World War II.
Cologne Cathedral has two pipe organs, both built by Klais Orgelbau, in 1948 and 1998 respectively.
St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
St Stephen's Cathedral has become an icon of Vienna, positioned at the very centre of this artistic city. It remains the tallest church in Austria: the tallest of its four towers sitting at 136 metres. 13 bells hang here. St Stephen's Cathedral is most easily recognised thanks to its colourful roof tiles, that were laid to create the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna. This image has also been used on one of Vienna's most famous sweet snackss: the Manner Schnitted wafers.
St Stephen's received a new organ in 2020 after it had been silenced for 30 yeyars. The Kaufmann organ was installed in 1956 to replace its predecessor which had been damaged by fire. It was then retired in 1991 and remained unplayed until major renovation works.
St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow
Iconic domes, vivid colors, dazzling fusion of Russian traditions
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed is commonly known as St Basil's Cathedral and is an Orthodox church in Moscow's Red Square and one of the most familiar cultural symbols of Russia. It was built in the mid 1500s under the instruction of Ivan the Terrible, and commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. It was the city's tallest building when it was completed in 1683, until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.
The cathedral has nine domes, each one corresponding to a different church inside it, and is shaped like a bonfire rising into the sky. The building's eye-catching colours and redbrick towers are not matched by its insides, which feature more modest decorations and narrow corridors.
Milan Cathedral, Italy
Vast Gothic marvel, intricate details, crowning jewel of Milan
Milan's Duomo is one of the most impressive structures in the city, if not the entirety of Europe. While it might not be the largest in scale, it has the most statues than any other building in the world. 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figurines decorate its facade and interior. Its construction officially started in 1386 and was supported by Milan's ruler at the time, who had grand visions for the cathedral. It's made from Condoglian marble from nearby Lake Maggiore, and has undergone construction for many centuries. Napoleon was responsible for instigating the completion of the facade in the early 19th-century, but construction still continues on this majestic building.
The Duomo organ is the largest in Italy – and second largest in Europe – in regard to the number of pipes and registers. It's also one of the 15 largest organs in the world, with 15,800 pipes, the tallest of which measures over 30 feet. There are five organ housings and five consoles. Undoubtedly one of Europe's best cathedrals.
Durham Cathedral, England
Durham Cathedral was built in the late 11th century to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. It is one of the largest and finest examples of Norman architecture in Englan, sitting next to Durham Castle on the River Wear. It has been referred to by many as one of the best cathedrals in the UK.
The Durham Cathedral organ was built by 'Father' Willis in 1876-77, with four manuals and pedals, 98 speaking stops and 5,746 pipes. It's also home to one of the best cathedral choirs in the UK.
Salisbury Cathedral, England
Soaring spire, Magna Carta guardian, serene Gothic English marvel
Salisbury Cathedral is one of the leading examples of Early English Gothic architecture. Building began in 1220, but the spire came later in 1320. It remains the tallest church spire in the UK. You might know more about Salisbury Cathedral's 123-metre spire than you might expect, thanks to the viral clip of the Salisbury novichok suspects being interviewed about their surprising interest in this small English city. Salisbury Cathedral also contains one of four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
Like the Durham Cathedral organ, Salisbury contains a 'Father' Willis organ, also built in 1876-77 and still used today.
St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta
This church was commissioned in 1572 and completed in 1577. Since then has received many high-value gifts and artworks, making it a treasure trove to visit. It's one oof the most iconic works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio: 'The Beheading of St John the Baptist' (1608). This is the largest work of art by Caravaggio and the only one remaining that bears his signature. The Roman Catholic cathedral is dedicated to St John the Baptist and is a prime example of Baroque architecture.
St John's Co-Cathedral's organ is one of the finest in Malta, built by the Italian firm of organ builders Mascioni in 1960 with consultation from Ralph Downes. It remains the largest pipe organ in the Maltese Islands.
St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide, Australia
St Peter's Cathedral was built in stages from 1869 to the early 20th century, and remains one of South Australia's most significant landmarks and one of the country's best cathedrals.
The organ of St Peter's Cathedral was built in England in 1929 by William Hill & Son and Norman & Beard, but with diapason pipes made in Australia. To this day, they remain the largest organ pipes in South Australia. In 2017, the organ was shipped back to the UK to be renovated by Harrison & Harrison.
Cathedral of Brasília, Brazil
The Cathedral of Brasília is a marvel of modern architecture and is nothing like any of the other cathedrals included on this list. It sits at the centre of the Monumental Axis, the central avenue in Brasília. Desgined by the celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer, it was his first project in Brasília, the city which eventually became the centre of his life's work. The exterior is hard to miss: sixteen columns rise from the ground like boomerangs to form a crown-like structure, created using Niemeyer's favoured materials of concrete and glass. It officially opened in 1970 and is dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil's saint. This is a building you'll struggle to overlook, making it unequivocally one of the best cathedrals in the world.
1. Notre-Dame de Paris (France)
Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the world’s most iconic Gothic cathedrals. Completed in the 14th century, it boasts breathtaking architecture with flying buttresses, intricate sculptures, and magnificent stained glass, including its famous rose windows. Its dramatic history—from coronations to the French Revolution, and the devastating 2019 fire—adds to its mystique. Victor Hugo’s novel cemented its legendary status, making it a symbol of Parisian and European heritage.
Ten-word summary:
Gothic masterpiece, historic icon, and symbol of French cultural resilience.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and a crowning achievement of Renaissance architecture. Designed by masters like Michelangelo and Bernini, it dazzles with its colossal dome, opulent interior, and spiritual significance as the heart of Catholicism. Its sheer scale and artistic grandeur draw millions of visitors and pilgrims every year, making it both a religious and cultural marvel.
Ten-word summary:
Renaissance wonder, colossal dome, spiritual heart of Catholic Christianity.
3. Washington National Cathedral (USA)
The Washington National Cathedral is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and one of America’s most beloved religious landmarks. Completed in 1990, it features beautiful stone carvings, stained glass, and even a Darth Vader gargoyle! It serves as a site of national reflection, hosting presidential funerals and interfaith services, blending tradition with modern relevance.
Ten-word summary:
Neo-Gothic beauty, national symbol, blending tradition with modern significance.
8. Sagrada Família (Spain)
Barcelona’s Sagrada Família is the world’s most famous unfinished cathedral, designed by visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. Combining Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, its organic shapes and intricate façades captivate millions. Construction began in 1882 and continues today, embodying a unique blend of creativity and devotion. Once complete, it will be one of the tallest religious structures in the world.
Ten-word summary:
Gaudí’s masterpiece, surreal beauty, ever-growing testament to faith.
9. Canterbury Cathedral (England)
Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest and most important Christian structures in England, is the spiritual heart of the Anglican Church. Founded in 597 AD and rebuilt in the 11th century, it’s famed for its stunning Gothic architecture and as the site of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s martyrdom. Pilgrims have flocked here for centuries, a tradition immortalized by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Ten-word summary:
Ancient pilgrimage site, Gothic beauty, heart of Anglican Christianity.
10. Hagia Sophia (Turkey)
Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum and mosque again. Its massive dome was an architectural wonder of its time, influencing mosque and church designs worldwide. The Hagia Sophia’s layered history and breathtaking mosaics make it a unique fusion of Christian and Islamic heritage.
Ten-word summary:
Architectural marvel, spiritual crossroads, timeless symbol of East-West.
11. Florence Cathedral (Italy)
The Florence Cathedral, or Il Duomo, is crowned by Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome—the largest brick dome ever constructed. Begun in 1296, it’s a landmark of the Italian Renaissance, blending Gothic structure with bold innovation. Its façade of pink, white, and green marble is a Florentine treasure, while the cathedral’s dome remains one of the greatest feats in architectural history.
Ten-word summary:
Renaissance dome, artistic jewel, architectural triumph of Florence’s skyline.
14. Westminster Abbey (England)
Westminster Abbey is a symbol of British history, having hosted coronations, royal weddings, and burials since the 11th century. Its Gothic architecture is breathtaking, with towering vaulted ceilings and exquisite stained glass. The Abbey is also a burial place for notable figures from monarchs to poets, earning its reputation as a living monument to the nation’s heritage.
Ten-word summary:
Coronations, royal weddings, Gothic splendor, Britain’s historic heartbeat.
15. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (USA)
New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral is America’s most iconic Catholic church. Completed in 1878, its neo-Gothic design rises amid Manhattan’s skyscrapers, offering a peaceful spiritual oasis in the bustling city. With soaring spires, beautiful stained glass, and intricate stonework, it symbolizes both faith and the immigrant spirit that helped shape the U.S.
Ten-word summary:
Neo-Gothic marvel, Manhattan sanctuary, emblem of American Catholic faith.
16. Duomo di Siena (Italy)
Siena Cathedral is a dazzling example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Its striking black-and-white striped façade and floor mosaics are truly unique, while its Piccolomini Library dazzles with Renaissance frescoes. Built between 1215 and 1263, it was originally planned to be the world’s largest cathedral—its ambition and beauty still astound visitors today.
Ten-word summary:
Striped façade, artistic marvel, Renaissance frescoes enrich Gothic grandeur.
17. Amiens Cathedral (France)
Amiens Cathedral is the largest in France by interior volume and a pinnacle of High Gothic architecture. Begun in 1220, it boasts an awe-inspiring façade covered in detailed sculptures and houses impressive relics. Its sheer scale and elegance make it one of Europe’s grandest medieval buildings, and it’s famed for its spectacular light shows recreating its original painted colors.
Ten-word summary:
Vast Gothic giant, intricate sculptures, vibrant historical light displays.
19. Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Mexico)
This vast cathedral is the largest in the Americas, built over nearly 250 years from 1573 to 1813. Its baroque and neoclassical styles reflect Mexico’s colonial past and rich religious tradition. Located on the ancient Aztec site of Tenochtitlan, it stands as a striking symbol of layered history and cultural fusion.
Ten-word summary:
Colonial grandeur, historic layers, Latin America’s largest sacred treasure.
20. Duomo di Orvieto (Italy)
The Cathedral of Orvieto dazzles with its golden mosaic-covered façade and intricate bas-reliefs. Built starting in 1290, it’s a Gothic-Romanesque fusion famed for the Chapel of San Brizio’s breathtaking frescoes by Luca Signorelli. Perched atop a hill, its beauty is visible for miles and continues to captivate all who visit.
Ten-word summary:
Hilltop jewel, golden façade, Renaissance frescoes enchant Italian visitors.
