largest churches in the world – latest update

There are many largest churches in the world, below are the list and their short history all in scripture unit.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica begins in the 4th century when the Emperor Constantine decides to build a basilica where the apostle had been buried. It is the largest church in the world which have 60,000 capacity in Vatican City.

Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary well known as Seville Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain.

It was registered in 1987 by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site, along with the adjoining Alcázar palace complex and the General Archive of the Indies.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the world’s sixth-largest church by area and either the largest or second-largest Anglican cathedral.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine (also known as St. John’s and also nicknamed as  St. John the Unfinished) is the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New York despite being incomplete.

Liverpool Cathedral

The cathedral is based on a design by Giles Gilbert Scott and was constructed between 1904 and 1978.

It may be referred to as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool (as recorded in the Document of Consecration) or the Cathedral Church of the Risen Christ, Liverpool, being dedicated to Christ ‘in especial remembrance of His most glorious Resurrection.

Basilica of the Holy Trinity

The Basilica of the Holy Trinity is a Roman Catholic cathedral and minor basilica dedicated to the Trinity and located in Onitsha, Nigeria.

On 28 May 2007, The Holy Trinity cathedral was elevated and promoted to a minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI under the episcopacy of Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke.

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida

The Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida  is a prominent Roman Catholic basilica in Aparecida, Brazil.

It is the largest cathedral and the second largest Catholic church in the world in interior area after the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.

Milan Cathedral

The Milan Cathedral construction began in 1386, and the final details were completed in 1965. It is the largest church in the Italian Republic, the larger St.

It was dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary (Santa Maria Nascente), it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses originated as a branch of the Bible Student movement, which developed in the United States in the 1870s among followers of Christian restorationist minister Charles Taze Russell.

The movement split into several rival organizations after Russell’s death in 1916, with one led by Joseph Judge Rutherford—retaining control of The Watch Tower and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls  popularly known as Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls, is one of Rome’s 4 major papal basilicas, along with the basilicas of Saint John in the Lateran, Saint Peter’s, and Saint Mary Major, as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.

Zünheboto Sümi Baptist Church

Zünheboto Sümi Baptist Church is founded in 1942 and dedicated by Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi, General Secretary of the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India on 22 April 2017.

The church building construction began on 5 May 2007 and more than 2000 workers were issued inner line permits to participate in the construction works.

Florence Cathedral

The Florence cathedral was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on 25 March 1436. It was the first octagonal dome in history to be built without a temporary wooden supporting frame.

The Church was completed in 1434 and is the most important landmark in Florence, as well as being the fourth largest church in the world.

Ulm Minster

Ulm Minster is a Lutheran church located in Ulm, State of Baden-Württemberg (Germany). It is currently the tallest church in the world.

The Church construction lasted from 1844 to 1890, when the 161.53 m tower was completed, making Ulm Minster the highest church in the world.

Basilica of Our Lady Guadalupe

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic church, basilica, and National shrine of Mexico which houses the cloak containing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This Church was built in North of Mexico City in 1709 near the hill of Tepeyac, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin.

Cathedral of Our Lady

The Cathedral of Our Lady is the second largest Church in Italy after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the third largest Catholic Church in the world.

It was dedicated to the Mother of Jesus, the present Cathedral was begun in the 14th century but was not completed until the 20th century when the last gate was finally installed in 1965.

Rio deJaneiro Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro or as the Cathedral of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro.

It was founded in 1676, the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro did not have a headquarters with its own cathedral.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

According to the research done the Basilica of the Sacred Heart was designed by Paul Abadie. The construction lasted from 1875 to 1914, the building was officially completed in 1923.

It eclectic and architectural style has been inspired by the Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, but also by the Saint-Front de Périgueux Cathedral.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is a Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of Côte d’Ivoire.

The cornerstone was laid on 10 August 1985, and it was consecrated on 10 September 1990 by Pope John Paul II, who had just formally accepted the basilica as a gift from Félix Houphouët-Boigny on behalf of the Catholic Church.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is a mosque and major cultural and historical site in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally a Greek Orthodox church, the site has changed between being a mosque and a museum since the fall of the Byzantine Empire.

Hagia Sophia was built in 537, with minarets added in the 15th–16th centuries when it became a mosque.

San Petronio Basilica

The Basilica of San Petronio is one of the most well known and important churches in Bologna, the largest city and the capital of the northern Italian administrative region of Emilia-Romagna.

The Church construction began in 1390 and its main facade has remained unfinished since. The building was transferred from the city to the diocese in 1929; the basilica was finally consecrated in 1954.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and features immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 metres) tall.

The site of Cologne Cathedral has been occupied by Christian churches since about the 4th century. An older cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1248. Read more

St Paul’s Cathedral

 

The cathedral is one of the most famous and recognisable sights of London. Its dome, surrounded by the spires of Wren’s City churches, has dominated the skyline for over 300 years.

It was dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back to the original church on this site, founded in AD 604.

Amiens Cathedral

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens, or simply Amiens Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Amiens.

It is situated on a slight ridge overlooking the River Somme in Amiens, the administrative capital of the Picardy region of France, some 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Paris.

Abbey of Santa Giustina

The Santa Giustina Abbey was the first church that was built in Padua. Although constructed in the 6th century, its present form dates back to the 17th century.

The church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Santa Giustina. The saint was executed in the 4th century, when she was only 16 years old.

Cathedral of the Nativity

Cathedral of the Nativity first Church was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, over the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

In 135, Emperor Hadrian had the site above the grotto converted into a worship place for Adonis, the mortal lover of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and desire.

Yoido Full Gospel

Yoido Full Gospel Church first began in May 18, 1958, in the form of a family worship service held in the living room of Pastor Jashil Choi in Daejodong, Seodaemun-gu.

Afterwards, the church experienced revival and more and more members gathered. With the offering they collected, they were able to purchase larger tents and slowly expand their venue.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral was founded in 1344 on the site of the original Romanesque rotunda. This Gothic cathedral is a spiritual symbol of the Czech state that took nearly 600 years to finish being constructed.

It was completed only in 1929 and is a vital part of the history of Prague Castle.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a large minor Catholic basilica and national shrine located at 400 Michigan Avenue NE in the northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C.

The Church foundation was laid in 1920, this great shrine seems to have been conceived of as early as 1846, the year the Bishops of America declared the Blessed Virgin Mary the patroness of the United States under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

Cathedral of La Plata

The Cathedral of La Plata in La Plata, Argentina, was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, is the 58th tallest church in the world.

The cornerstone was laid in 1884, and it was consecrated as the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Dolores in 1902.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory

Saint Joseph’s Oratory is the National Historic Site of Canada and is Canada’s largest church, with one of the largest church domes in the world.

It was founded in 1904 by Saint André Bessette in his patron saint, Saint Joseph’s honour, the Oratory was brought alive through the work and ingenuity of numerous architects and thousands of workers in a process spanning six decades.

Shrine of St. Paulina

The Shrine of St. Paulina, also known as the Sanctuary of St. Paulina, is a church complex located in Nova Trento, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

It was dedicated to St. Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus and is located in Madre hill where the nun lived and professed her faith.

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral One of the oldest, largest cathedrals in Latin America, the Catedral Metropolitana is built upon legends and a lake.

It was built in sections from 1573 to 1813 around the original church that was constructed soon after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan, eventually replacing it entirely.

Palma Cathedral

Palma de Mallorca is best known for La Seu, and designed in the Catalan Gothic style but with Northern European influences, it was begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but only finished in 1601.

It has a long history and its construction took 400 years.

Reims Cathedral

Reims Cathedral, also called the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, cathedral located in the city of Reims, France, on the Vesle River east-northeast of Paris.

The cathedral, which was begun in 1211 under the auspices of Archbishop Aubry de Humbert and designer Jean d’Orbais, was modeled on Chartres Cathedral and was intended to replace an earlier church destroyed by fire in 1210.

Berlin Cathedral or Berliner Dom

The Berlin Cathedral also known as the Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church is a monumental German Evangelical church and dynastic tomb on the Museum Island in central Berlin.

It is the largest church in Berlin and is an important centre for the Protestant Church of Germany.

Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral also known as Strasbourg Minster is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France.

Although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered to be among the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, well known as COLA or the Los Angeles Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California, United States.

It was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral to be erected in the western United States in 30 years. The construction began on May 1999 and was completed by the spring of 2002.

De Hoeksteen

The De Hoeksteen church was founded in 1953 when Dr. C. Steenblok was dismissed from the theological seminary of the Reformed Congregations in Rotterdam, because he taught that God does not offer grace to all sinners, but only those persons who are elected and acknowledge their sins.

People’s Salvation Cathedral

The People’s Salvation Cathedral also known as the National Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral under construction in Bucharest to serve as the patriarchal cathedral of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

In 2010, construction started and the Cathedral was consecrated in 2018. Nearly 55,000 people were in attendance at the consecration.

Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church

Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church is a sacred building with ample open space for the public, yet it’s lines are deliberately non-monumental and clearly exude a warm welcome.

It was built adjacent to the monastery and, its vast size notwithstanding, its novel architecture carved out a nonetheless protected place of prayer, a shared space which blended in with its surroundings and looked out into the distance at the sea.

York Minster

The York Minster church was rebuilt by St. Wilfrid around 670, but it was Egbert (732-766), the first recognised Archbishop of York, who made the cathedral school and library the envy of Europe.

It was burned down in 741, but it was replaced by a glorious new church containing no less than 30 altars.

Bourges Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Bourges, France. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Stephen and is the seat of the Archbishop of Bourges.

This Church is well known for the great size and unity of its interior, the sculptural decoration of its portals, and the large collection of 13th century stained glass windows.

São Paulo Cathedral

The São Paulo Sé Cathedral is the cathedral of the city of São Paulo, in Brazil. Its construction in Neo-Gothic style began in 1913 and did not end until four decades later.

After a long period of time, the Cathedral underwent a complete renovation between 2000 and 2002. Apart from repairing the building, many pinnacles over the nave and towers were completed during the period.

Notre Dame de Paris

The Notre Dame de Paris was built on a small island called the Île de la Cité, in the middle of the Seine. Construction began in 1163, during the reign of King Louis VII, and was completed in 1345.

Provo ward conference center

The Provo ward conference center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the premier meeting hall for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church  is also the main arrival center for guests visiting Temple Square. The center is located on North Temple directly north of the Salt Lake Temple.

Westminster Cathedral

The site on which the Westminster Cathedral stands in the City of Westminster was purchased by the Diocese of Westminster in 1885, and construction completed in 1903.

The church most imposing and most important Catholic church in England, a marvel in multi-coloured brick.

Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a gothic revival Catholic cathedral located in Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico.

The cornerstone of the church was laid on February 2, 1898, the feast of Candlemas, by the second bishop of Zamora, Don Jose Ma. Càzares y Martinez.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia are around 1866 when a congregation of devotees of St. Joseph had the idea of building a temple in his honor.

The church first stone was laid in 1882, on March 19, the feast of San José, in the middle of a land of 12,000 square meters.

Primate Cathedral of Bogotá

The Primate Cathedral of Bogotá was built four-times in the same place. The first construction took place between 1556-1565 to replace the original thatched chapel, but due to poor foundation it later collapsed.

The second construction took place around in 1572, yet the earthquake of 1785 reduced it to ruins. The fourth and final construction occurred between 1807 and 1823. It is said to be built by descendants of Jesuit missionaries.

Chartres Cathedral

The Chartres Cathedral located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, is one of the most authentic and complete works of religious architecture of the early 13th century.

It is the finest example of French Gothic architecture, said by some to be the most beautiful cathedral in France.

Medak Cathedral

Medak Cathedral at Medak in Telangana, India, is one of the largest churches in India and has been the cathedral church of the Diocese of Medak of the Church of South India since 1947.

When several Christian groups became re-united as the Church of South India, the church became the cathedral church of the diocese of Medak.

New Cathedral, Linz

The New Cathedral construction plans were started in 1855 by Bishop Franz-Josef Rudigier. The first stone was laid in 1862.

In 1924 Bishop Johannes Maria Gföllner consecrated the finished building as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Speyer Cathedral

The origins of the Speyer Cathedral lie with the Salian Emperor Konrad II; the construction of this house of God was to show his claim to power and symbolize his responsibility to God.

At the time of his death and interment in the cathedral, the structure was still an unfinished construction site.Lincoln Cathedral.

St. Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church was designed by William Burges in an eclectic Gothic style for the Marquess and Marchioness of Ripon in 1870 and completed in 1878.

The church services began early in 1857. Named St. Mary’s, the church was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

Almudena Cathedral

Almudena Cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 15 June 1993, making it the first cathedral to be consecrated outside of Rome.

This church was one of the first in Spain to include a large Romanesque crypt, which did open in 1911, but then during the Spanish Civil War, construction was stopped entirely, and only re-started in 1950.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the fifth-largest cathedral in North America, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.

The church is located at 89 Ridge Street in the Lower Broadway neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey. Construction began in 1899 and was finished in 1954.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is Budapest’s largest church. The construction begun in 1851 and completed in 1905, St. Stephen’s Basilica was consecrated in the name of the canonised King, Stephen I of Hungary.

In the 18th century the site of the basilica was the Hetz-Theater, used for animal fights before being turned into a church by a wealthy citizen, János Zitterbarth.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (St. Louis)

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, popularly known as the Saint Louis Cathedral is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church located in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri.

It was the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River and until 1845 the only parish church in the city of St. Louis, Missouri.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

St. Isaac’s Cathedral was originally the city’s main church and the largest cathedral in Russia. It was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Yerevan

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was constructed by the initiative of Catholicos Vazgen I. Its construction started on April 7, 1997 with a ground blessing service conducted by Catholicos Karekin I.

The church complex was designed by the architect Stepan Kurkchyan and the construction was completed in 2001.

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral that is the seat of the Diocese of Raleigh, replacing Sacred Heart Cathedral.

This church was designed by the architecture firm of O’Brien & Keane, based in Arlington, Virginia, and built by Clancy and the Construction Company of Raleigh, North Carolina. It is the fifth-largest cathedral in the United States.

Catedral Evangelica de Chile or Jotabeche Cathedral

The Evangelical Cathedral of Chile is a Chilean evangelical cathedral located in the Estación Central commune of Santiago de Chile.

It was formerly called the Evangelical Cathedral of Santiago, its legal figure is Primera Iglesia Metodista Pentecostal de Chile or Jotabeche 40, the latter due to the address of one of its side entries.

Church of Saint Sava

The church is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval Serbia. It is built on the presumed location of St. Sava’s grave.

Blessed Stanley Rother church

The Blessed Stanley Rother is an Okarche farmer who in 1963 became a priest of what was then the Diocese of Oklahoma City and Tulsa and served as a missionary in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. In 1981, Father Rother was murdered in his rectory during a violent civil war.

Grace Cathedral

The Grace Cathedral was inspired by the Lord and given to our Pastor, Elder William A. Covington. In July of 2001, Elder Covington presided over a meeting with a handful of interested individuals to share the vision God had given him.

All who shared in the vision decided to move forward with Pastor and First Lady Covington and began to build upon the vision for Grace Cathedral.

Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (Lewiston, Maine)

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Chattanooga was founded in January 1852, when Father Henry V. Brown—a Presbyterian convert became the first pastor.

Irish priest Father William Walsh was appointed pastor in 1887 and immediately made plans for a new church.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedralwas built to honor Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877.

Along the line Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule, and was named after Saint Alexander Nevsky, a Russian prince in the early 13th century.

Dresden Cathedral

Built in the 18th century, but unfortunately, the church was destroyed in the bombing of Dresden during World War II. The remaining ruins were left for 50 years as a war memorial, following decisions of local East German leaders. The church was rebuilt after the reunification of Germany, starting in 1994.

Basilica of St. Thérèse, Lisieux

The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse of Lisieux is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.

The church is located in Lisieux, France, the large basilica can accommodate 4,000 people, and, with more than two million visitors a year, is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes.

Basilica de San Martin de Tours (Taal)

The Taal Basilica, popularly known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, is a minor basilica in the town of Taal, Batangas, in the Philippines, within the Archdiocese of Lipa.

It is the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 88.6 meters long and 48 meters wide.

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral was formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is an Anglican cathedral in the city of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England.

The cathedral has its origins in AD 672 when St Etheldreda built an abbey church. The present building dates back to 1083, and it was granted cathedral status in 1109.

Others are

Sümi Baptist Church, Zünheboto

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St Andrew’s Cathedral, Patras

St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Manhattan)

Beomeo Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral

Christ Cathedral

Westminster Abbey

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Santa Fe)

Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica

St. John’s Church, Seongnam

Basilica of St. John the Baptist

St. Joseph Cathedral

Read their history