The Biggest Churches in the World

In Christian tradition, the word “church” can refer both to a worshiping community and to the building where it gathers. In Christian tradition, the word “church” can refer both to a worshiping community and to the building where it gathers. In this article, “church” means large Christian church buildings ranked by their interior floor area in square meters, using published architectural measurements.

1. St. Peters Basilica (Vatican City) 15,160 m sq

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world by interior floor area, covering about 15,160 square meters. Construction began in 1506 under Pope Julius II and continued until 1626, with major contributions from Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini. The basilica stands on the site traditionally believed to be the burial place of St. Peter, making it one of the most important churches in Christianity. The building is known for its 136-meter-tall dome, its expansive nave, and the large public square designed for papal ceremonies.

2. Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida (Aparecida, Brazil) 12,000 m sq

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida is one of the world’s largest church buildings, with an interior floor area of about 12,000 square meters. Construction began in 1955 to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims devoted to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. The basilica can hold up to 45,000 people, and its total built area extends to roughly 23,000 square meters, making it a major Catholic pilgrimage center in the Americas.

3. Milan Cathedral (Milan, Italy) 11,700 m sq

Milan Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mary Nascent, is one of the largest churches in the world with an interior floor area of about 11,700 square meters. Construction began in 1386 and continued for centuries, with major elements completed between the medieval and modern periods. The cathedral is the largest church in Italy and a leading example of Gothic architecture, known for its extensive spires and detailed marble façade.

4. Seville Cathedral (Seville, Spain) 11,520 m sq

Seville Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the largest church buildings by volume. There is no official interior floor-area measurement, but estimates place it at about 11,520 square meters, which positions it close to Milan Cathedral. The cathedral is also known for housing the tomb that holds remains attributed to Christopher Columbus.

5. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (New York, United States) 11,200 m sq

The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City is one of the largest church buildings in the United States, with an interior floor area of about 11,200 square meters. Construction began in 1892, and although the first services were held in 1899, the cathedral remains unfinished after multiple design changes and interruptions. The building is often described as the world’s largest Anglican cathedral and is primarily Gothic Revival in style, reflecting a major redesign early in its construction.

6. Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen (Konin, Poland) 10,090 m sq

The Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń is one of the largest modern church buildings in the world, with an interior floor area of about 10,090 square meters. Built between 1994 and 2004, it is also one of the tallest, featuring a 141.5-meter tower that dominates the surrounding landscape. The basilica serves as a major pilgrimage site and is the largest church in Poland.

7. Abbey of Santa Giustina (Padua, Italy) 9,717 m sq

The Abbey of Santa Giustina is a Benedictine monastery in Padua with origins dating back to the 10th century, though most of the present basilica was built during the 16th and 17th centuries. The church is designed in the form of a Latin cross and is known for its large dome complex, which includes eight domes visible in the Padua skyline. Santa Giustina houses the relics of several early Christian martyrs, including St. Justina of Padua, and has long served as an important monastic and cultural center. The interior includes extensive chapels, cloisters, and artworks that reflect the abbey’s long religious and architectural history.

8. Liverpool Cathedral (Liverpool, United Kingdom) 9,687 m sq

Liverpool Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool and the largest church building in the United Kingdom. Its interior floor area is about 9,700 square meters, and its total length of 189 meters makes it one of the longest church buildings in the world. Construction began in 1904 and continued until 1978, creating one of the major examples of 20th-century Gothic Revival architecture. The cathedral serves as the principal Anglican church in Liverpool and remains a prominent landmark in the city.

9. Church of the Holy Trinity (Santarem, Portugal) 8,700 m sq

The Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Fátima, in Portugal’s Santarém District, is one of the largest modern church buildings in the world, with an interior floor area of about 8,700 square meters. Construction took place from 2004 to 2007 to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims visiting the Sanctuary of Fátima. Designed by architect Alexandros Tombazis, the circular basilica seats around 8,600 people and has received international recognition, including the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.

10. Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome, Italy) 8,515 m sq

Often called St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, this basilica is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. It stands on the site traditionally believed to be the burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, and its origins trace back to the 4th century under Emperor Constantine. The current structure was rebuilt in the 19th century after a major fire in 1823 but preserves the scale and layout of the early basilica, including its wide nave, large cloister, and extensive colonnades.

Although the basilica is located entirely within Italy, it is administered by the Holy See under the Lateran Treaty, giving it a special extraterritorial status similar to other major papal sites in Rome. The church is known for its long series of papal portraits, its large courtyard framed with marble columns, and its role as a key pilgrimage destination along the ancient Via Ostiense.

Church Building Trends

Many of the world’s largest churches are also major works of architecture, reflecting centuries of design, craftsmanship, and cultural history. Most of the largest by interior floor area are historic Catholic basilicas and cathedrals, built over long periods and often tied to major pilgrimage traditions. In recent decades, large Protestant and independent Christian ministries have constructed expansive worship complexes—often referred to as megachurches—though these typically measure size by attendance or seating capacity rather than interior floor area. As church construction continues to evolve, new buildings may reshape how the world defines and compares the scale of modern places of worship.

The 20 Largest Churches in the World