What are the top 10 largest churches in the world?
The world is dotted with amazing churches. Some of these are known for their fabulous architecture, while others for their ancient origins. Here we are listing out some of the largest churches in the world in terms of area.
St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Located in the Vatican City, the St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world. One of the most prominent churches in Roman Catholicism, the internal area of the cathedral covers an area of 18,131 square yards. The church’s origin dates back to the Roman times. Built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 320 AD, the cathedral has undergone many changes over the years. Redesigned and enlarged by Pope Nicolas V during the 15th century, Michelangelo, too, added elegance to it by designing the cathedral’s dome.
Basilica of The National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil
Consecrated on July 4, 1980, Basilica of The National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida is the world’s second-largest cathedral covering an area of a whopping 14,351 square yards. The church, whose dome rises to 70 yards, can accommodate more than 40,000 worshipers.
Milan Cathedral, Italy
The third largest church in the world and the largest in Italy, Milan Cathedral covers an area of 13,993 square yards. The construction of the cathedral spanned many centuries. The construction that began in 1386 was completed in 1965. Apart from the 135 spires, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the remarkable sculptures and paintings in the cathedral.
Seville Cathedral, Seville, Spain
Covering an area of 13,777 square yards, Seville Cathedral is located in the Spanish city of Seville. The UNESCO world heritage site was built between the years 1402 and 1528. The construction of the church was undertaken to mark the power and wealth of Seville. The church contains the remains of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus.
Cathedral of Saint John The Divine, New York, United States
Located in the cosmopolitan New York City, the construction of the church began in 1892. The church, which occupies an area of 13,395 square yards, was designed by American architects George Heins and Christopher Grant Lafarge. One of the biggest attractions of the cathedral is a huge rose window which has been constructed of around 10,000 pieces of colored stained glass.
Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen, Poland
Located in Poland’s Konin city, Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen covers an area of 12,067 square yards. The construction of the church began in 1994 and was completed in 2004. Designed by Barbara Bielecka, a Polish architect, the construction of the cathedral was funded from donations made by pilgrims.
Liverpool Cathedral, The United Kingdom
The seventh largest cathedral in the world and the largest in the United Kingdom, the Liverpool Cathedral covers an area of 11,585 square yards. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s longest cathedral. Its construction began in 1904 and in 1978, the cathedral was consecrated. The peal, which has a height of 67 yards, is the world’s heaviest as well as highest peal.
Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Portugal
Covering an area of 10,405 square yards, the Church of the Most Holy Trinity is located in Fatima, Portugal. It was constructed between the years 2004 and 2007. A marvelous piece of architecture, the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering gave the church the Outstanding Structure Award in 2009.
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Completed in the year 1823, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls covers an area of 10,183 square yards. Though the church lies within the territory of Italy, it is owned by the Vatican.
Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Based in the city of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain, Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar covers an area of 9,948 square yards. An ancient church, it was consecrated in the 1st or 2nd century AD.
Here is a table to give more information about the top-10 largest churches in the world.
| Rank | Name | Area (sq. yards) | Country |
| 1 | St. Peter’s Basilica | 18,131 | Vatican City |
| 2 | Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida | 14,351 | Brazil |
| 3 | Milan Cathedral | 13,993 | Italy |
| 4 | Seville Cathedral | 13,777 | Spain |
| 5 | Cathedral of Saint John the Divine | 13,395 | The United States |
| 6 | Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń | 12,067 | Poland |
| 7 | Liverpool Cathedral | 11,585 | United Kingdom |
| 8 | Church of the Most Holy Trinity | 10,405 | Portugal |
| 9 | Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | 10,183 | Italy |
| 10 | Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar | 9,948 | Spain |
Note: Interior areas have been mentioned here.
Source: Various
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