There are so many churches around the world. Each one of them is different in its own way. Each church has a different disciple, architecture, structure et cetera. Churches are holy places. A place that can soothe your anxieties and purify your soul. Some visit them to learn about their impressive architecture, while some pray and meditate. Do you also like to explore such places? If yes, then this article can be very helpful to you. We have made a list of ten churches that are the largest in the world. So, let’s check out where are these churches located and other details about them.
Largest Churches In The World
1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) – 15160 Square Meters
This Church is spread across an interior area of 15,160 square meters. Its magnificent dome is about 136 m high. It is the largest Cathedral in the world and is very significant in Roman catholicism. The church can host more than 20000 people at once. Emperor Constantine originally built this church in 320 AD.
However, in the 15th century, Pope Nikola V redesigned and enlarged the structure. There are more than 100 tombs in this Church and there is a holy door that is only opened during the holy years.
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Image Source: Wikipedia
2. Basilica of The National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil)- 12000 Square Meters
This Church has an interior area of 12000 square meters. Being the most significant Marian pilgrimage center in the country, it is also the second-largest church in the world. It is so large that it can accommodate more than 45000 worshipers at once. The towers of the church are 100 and 2 m tall and its domes are around 70 m high. This Church is also dedicated to Virgin Mary.
Image Source: Wikipedia
3. Milan Cathedral (Italy)- 11700 Square Meters
Located in Milan City it is the second-largest Catholic church in the world. It has an interior area of 11,700 square meters. The church consists of 135 spires. On the top of the spires, there are some statues that represent some of the important people from Italian history. The tallest of all the spires is 108.8 meters in height. The same as ground with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary.
It is also named Milan the Madonna. There are a total of 3400 magnificent statues in the church. Its area is so big that it can accommodate 40,000 people at once. The visitors are allowed to access the roof of the cathedral. The unique fact about the church is that apart from the statues there are also various sculptures and paintings.
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4. Seville Cathedral (Spain)- 11520 Square Meters
This Church has an interior area of 11,520 square meters. It is situated in the city of Seville in Spain. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in Spain and it is the third-largest church in the world. Do you know an interesting fact about this place? This Church is the final resting place of the great explorer Christopher Columbus.
This Church was built on the site of Almohad mosque and it was designed by the French architect Rouen Cathedral. The interior portion of the church is adorned with gold. Surprisingly the minority of Almohad mosque can still be found standing beside the church.
Image Source: Wikimedia
5. Cathedral of the Saint John the Divine (United States)- 11241 Square Meters
This Church is spread across an interior area of 11241 square meters. Situated in New York City, it is the largest Anglican Church in the world. It is 183.2 meters tall. The construction of the church started in 1892. The design of the church was given by two famous African architects, Christopher Grant Lafarge and George Heins.
It took more than 20 years for the completion of construction. The dome crossing the church is 162 feet tall. There is a depiction of Saint John witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus Christ at the entrance of the church. On the walls, you may find some famous verses of the Bible engraved.
Image Source: Wikipedia
6. Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen (Poland)- 10,090 Square Meters
This church has an interior area of 10,090 square meters. Starting tall at 1 4 1.2 meters discharge is one of the largest churches in the world. To visit this Church you need to visit the Konin city of Poland. Its construction work started in 1994 and was finally completed after 10 years.
As you enter the structure there are 33 steps that take you toward the church. These 33 steps are a representation of the early life of Jesus Christ. Besides the church has 365 windows, 12 columns, and 52 doors. These things symbolize the days in a year, months in a year, and weeks in a year.
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Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Liverpool Cathedral (United Kingdom)- 9,687 Square Meters
This Church has an interior area of 9687 square meters. It is the largest and longest church in the United Kingdom. If we talk about its height it is 101 m tall. This Church is also known as the metropolitan cathedral of Christ the King. The work of this Church started back in 1904 and was finally completed in 1978. The structure has a colorful interior and there are more than 10000 pipes. Liverpool Church has an organ that is the largest operational organ in the world and is known as the grand organ.
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8. Church of the Holy Trinity (Portugal)- 8,700 Square Meters
Situated in the Santarem district, it is the largest church in Portugal. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary. This church is very unique in terms of its design as it is in an oval shape. It is spread across an interior area of 8700 square meters. Interestingly, this church is so large that it can accommodate up to nine thousand people at once. The Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis designed this church and it took three years for its complete construction.
Image Source: Wikimedia
9. Basilica of Our Lady of Pillar (Spain)- 8,318 Square Meters
This church is managed by the Argon community. Dedicated to Virgin Mary, it is the first-ever church to do so. It was in the 17th century that the first model of this church was built. However, it was in the 20th century that the works of this church were complete. The church is spread across an interior area of 8318 square meters. The statue of the Virgin Mary is 15 inches tall and it is placed in the holy chapel. At present, this is the most visited church in Spain.
10. Ulm Minster (Germany)- 8,260 Square Meters
This Church is 161.5 m tall. It is situated in Ulm City in Germany. It is the tallest church in the world. The church has an interior area of 8260 square meters. An interesting fact about this place is that it is the epitome of Gothic Church architecture. To reach the top of the church one has to take 768 steps.
But it is worth it because the view from the top is majestic. You will be able to see the splendid panoramic view of Ulm City. The final works of the church were completed in the year 1890. It is also considered a protestant church and the people believe that the tall spires of the church symbolize the way to heaven.
These are the largest churches in the world. Kindly share and do post your comments.