Churches can play a variety of roles in communities and can be important for a number of reasons. Spiritual guidance: For many people, churches provide a place where they can connect with a higher power and find spiritual guidance and support. Social support: Churches often serve as a social hub for their members, providing a sense of community and belonging. They can also offer support for those in need, such as through food banks or other assistance programs.

1. 10 largest and beautiful churches around the world
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as Notre Dame de Paris, is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on
the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is considered one of the finest examples of
French Gothic architecture and is a popular tourist destination in Paris. The cathedral was completed in
the 13th century and has been a prominent feature of the Paris skyline for over 800 years. It is
renowned for its architectural beauty, particularly its two iconic towers, which are adorned with statues
of biblical figures and other ornate details. The cathedral is also home to several important works of art,
including the Notre Dame de Paris sculpture and the Great Organ. It was severely damaged by a fire in
2019, but restoration work is underway to repair and rebuild the cathedral.

2. Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain
The Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona, Spain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Spain. The basilica was designed by the Catalan architect
Antoni Gaudí, who began work on the project in 1882. Despite his death in 1926, construction on the
Sagrada Família has continued and is expected to be completed in 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The basilica is a unique and impressive example of Catalan Modernism, a style that combines elements
of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture. It is characterized by its organic forms, ornate details, and use
of color. The Sagrada Família is a popular tourist destination in Barcelona and attracts millions of visitors
each year.

3. St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica is a major basilica in Rome, Italy and is the largest church in the world. It is the papal
basilica of the Roman Catholic Church and is located within the Vatican City, the smallest country in the
world. The basilica is named after Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Pope of
the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter's Basilica is a prominent example of Renaissance architecture and
is considered one of the holiest sites in Christianity. It contains a number of important works of art,
including Michelangelo's Pietà and the Baldacchino, a massive bronze canopy over the main altar. The
basilica is a popular tourist destination in Rome and attracts millions of visitors each year.

4. Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France
Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a medieval Roman Catholic
cathedral located in Chartres, France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the
finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. The cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries
and has been well preserved over the centuries. It is known for its elaborate stained-glass windows,
which depict scenes from the Bible and are considered some of the finest examples of medieval stained
glass in the world. The cathedral also contains a number of other notable works of art, including statues,
frescoes, and tapestries. Chartres Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from
around the world.

5. Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida, Brazil
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida is a Roman Catholic basilica in Aparecida,
Brazil. It is the largest Marian shrine in the world and is dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron
saint of Brazil. The basilica was built in the 20th century and is a popular destination for Catholics in
Brazil and around the world. It is known for its elaborate architecture and is home to a number of
important works of art, including a large statue of Our Lady of Aparecida. The basilica is also the site of
an annual pilgrimage that attracts millions of visitors each year.

6. St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia
St. Basil's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the
Moat, is a famous cathedral in Moscow, Russia. It is located on the Red Square and is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The cathedral was built in the 16th century and is known for its colorful, asymmetrical
design and its distinctive onion-shaped domes. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Russia and is a
popular tourist destination in Moscow. St. Basil's Cathedral is also a museum, and visitors can explore its
interior, which is decorated with frescoes and icons. The cathedral is named after Saint Basil the Blessed,
a Russian Orthodox saint who was known for his charitable work.

7. Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, England
Canterbury Cathedral is a cathedral in Canterbury, England and is the mother church of the Anglican
Communion. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. The
cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. It
was founded in the 6th century and has been a major center of Christianity in England for over 1,400
years. The cathedral is known for its Gothic architecture, which dates back to the 12th century. It is
home to a number of important works of art, including stained glass windows, frescoes, and sculptures.
Canterbury Cathedral is a popular tourist destination in England and attracts visitors from around the
world.

8. Westminster Abbey in London, England
Westminster Abbey is a large, Gothic abbey church in London, England. It is located just to the west of
the Houses of Parliament and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey has been the coronation
church of the English and British monarchs since 1066 and is the final resting place for many important
figures in British history, including kings, queens, and statesmen. The abbey is known for its beautiful
architecture, which dates back to the 13th century. It is also home to a number of important works of
art, including the beautiful stained-glass windows and the intricate stone carvings that adorn the
exterior of the building. Westminster Abbey is a popular tourist destination in London and attracts
visitors from around the world.

9. Milan Cathedral in Milan, Italy
Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, is a large, Gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy. It is the
seat of the Archbishop of Milan and is the largest cathedral in Italy. The cathedral was built in the 14th
and 15th centuries and is a prominent example of Gothic architecture. It is known for its elaborate
façade, which is adorned with spires, statues, and other ornate details. The cathedral is also home to a
number of important works of art, including frescoes, sculptures, and stained-glass windows. Milan
Cathedral is a popular tourist destination in Milan and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is also a
symbol of the city of Milan and is an important part of the city's cultural and historical heritage.

10. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, Israel
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a Christian church located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is one of
the holiest sites in Christianity, as it is believed to be the location of the tomb of Jesus Christ. The church
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians from around
the world. It is also one of the oldest churches in the world, with a history that dates back to the 4th
century. The church is built on the site of the ancient Roman city of Aelia Capitolina, which was founded
by the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. The church is a complex of several buildings, including the
Church of the Anastasis, the Church of Mary Magdalene, and the Church of St. Mary of the Spasm. It is a
place of great spiritual significance for Christians and is visited by millions of people each year.