10 Catholic Basilicas You Must See to Believe

VATICAN, ROME, ITALY - JUNE 4, 2016: Interiors and architectural details of St. Peter Basilica with sun rays
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Faith and passion have inspired some of the most amazing architecture the world has ever seen. Basilicas bring to the table ancient mosaics, stained glass, gold leaf, and stunning arches and towers. No matter your religious background, these 10 breathtaking Catholic basilicas are worth seeing.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica
Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

The most recognizable Catholic Basilica in the world is St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It is an iconic fixture in Catholic architecture. Designed by Michelangelo, its dome and artwork are legendary. It is the perfect basilica to sit at the heart of Catholicism.

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Photo by Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash

Golden light and arches have become symbolic of healing inside the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Quebec, Canada. The basilica was built in the 1600s and is still in use today. It is visited by millions of people every year, many of whom are not Catholic.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Tripadvisor

One of the most beautiful and striking basilicas you will ever see is the pure white Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris, France. A trip here really adds something special to a Parisian outing. It goes much deeper than cuisine and paintings.

The basilica is a symbol of balance and perspective and has stood as such since the 1800s.

Basilica of St. Francis

Basilica of St. Francis
Tripadvisor

While St. Francis may have given up everything, his basilica lacks nothing. It is a jaw-dropping building nestled on a hillside in Assisi. Pilgrims still come in droves to see the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.