Top 10 Most Stunning Roman Catholic Basilicas

The following is a list of basilicas (generally speaking a basilica is a large Church of special importance - prior to Christianity they were usually Roman civic buildings) recognized by the Roman Catholic Church that I found to be the most architecturally appealing.

Exterior design was predominately considered and the list was made by only scanning available pictures so I apologize if I missed some you thought should be worthy. Surroundings, interior design and historical significance had somewhat of an influence on the rankings, but again, exterior design was the main attribute considered.

10. Basilica of the Shrine of the Assumption
Baltimore, USA



Full title: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or more simply, the Baltimore Basilica, was the first major Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States. It was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who also was enlisted by Thomas Jefferson to design the Capitol Building. Construction began in 1806 and was completed in a relatively short period of 15 years in 1821. The Cathedral is a monumental neoclassical-style building designed in conformity to a Latin cross basilica plan — a departure on Latrobe’s part from previous American church architecture, but in keeping with longstanding European traditions of cathedral design. The plan unites two distinct elements: a longitudinal axis and a domed space.

9. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Zaragoza, Spain



The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is a minor basilica built in the 1st or 2nd century AD and sits on the banks of the Ebro. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patron saint of Spain, who is said to have appeared to St. James in the 40 AD and gave him a small wooden statue and a column of jasper and instructed him to build a church in her honor. The statue atop the pillar is present in the church to this day. Amazingly, during the Spanish Civil War, three bombs were dropped on the church, none of which exploded. The architecture is of baroque style, and the present building was predominantly built between 1681 and 1872.

8. Notre Dame de Paris
Paris, France



Notre Dame de Paris is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris and is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. It was one of the first constructed Gothic cathedrals and one of the first buildings to use flying buttresses for support. Construction began in 1160 on the Île de la Cité and was completed around 1345. The design also famously includes numerous gargoyles and grotesques incorporated into the rainwater gutter system as well as for ornamental purposes. The basilica was a target of vandalism throughout history, most recently during the Second World War and a restoration project is currently underway to restore the church to its highest degree of magnificence.

7.St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Melbourne, Australia



St. Patrick’s Cathedral of Melbourne is internationally known as a leading example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture and it the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Construction began in 1858 and, due to long and frequent economic delays, was not officially completed until 1939. The church is the tallest in Australia and was dedicated to St. Patrick as the Catholic community in Melbourne was almost entirely Irish when construction began.

6.St. Mark’s Basilica
Venice, Italy



St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s most famous church and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. Churches on the site date back to 828 but construction of the current building did not start until 1063 and was not consecrated until 1094, with constant additions throughout its history with an official completion date of 1617. It was presented as a status symbol of Venetian wealth and power and from the 11th century onwards, the building was known by the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of gold).

5. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours
Thrissur, India



The stunningly white Basilica of Our Lady of Delours is located in southern India and is the biggest in tallest church in Asia. The church began construction in 1929 and was consecrated in 1940, yet the tallest of the towers was not completed until 2007 and was dubbed the Bible Tower. The basilica was built in an Indo-Gothic style with three large towers, the tallest of which is 260 feet high. The red cross atop the Bible Tower is lit at night and can be seen from miles away. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Dolours in reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the seven sorrows of her life.

4. Notre-Dame de la Garde
Marseille, France



Notre-Dame de la Garde is a basilica located in Marseille, France. This ornate Neo-Byzantine church is situated at the highest natural point in Marseille, a 162 m (532 ft) limestone outcrop on the south side of the Old Port. As well as being a major local landmark, it is the site of a popular annual pilgrimage every Assumption Day (August 15). Local inhabitants commonly refer to it as la bonne mère (”the good mother”). The church was built between 1853, when the foundation stone was laid on September 11, and 1864. The church was built on the site of a 13th century chapel, also dedicated to Our Lady of the Watch, the traditional guardian of seafarers.

The basilica is surmounted by a 60 m (197 ft) belfry topped with a huge statue of the Virgin and Child, visible across much of the city and for miles out at sea. Construction of the basilica took five years and required 170,000 tons of material, including 23 shiploads of marble and porphyry from Italy.

3. Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen
Lichen Stary, Poland



The Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen is located in the village of Lichen Stary near Konin in Poland. It was designed by Barbara Bielecka and built between 1994 and 2004. The construction founded entirely from pilgrims’ donations. With the central nave 98 meters tall, 120 meters long and 77 meters wide, and with a tower 141.5 metres tall, it is Poland’s largest church and on of the largest churches in the world. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows whose icon, dating back to the 18th century, is displayed in the basilica’s main altar. It is one of Poland’s principal pilgrimage sites.

2. Las Lajas Cathedral
Ipiales, Colombia



Las Lajas Cathedral is a cathedral located in the municipality of Ipiales and built inside the canyon of the Guaitara River. The architecture of this cathedral is of gothic revival architecture built from January 1, 1916 to August 20, 1949, with donations from local churchgoers with the intention to replace an old 19th century chapel. The story of the cathedral’s creation is that in 1754 an Amerindian named “Maria Mueces” and deaf-mute daughter “Rosa” were caught up by a very strong storm. They found refuge between the gigantic Lajas and to Maria Mueces surprise the girl exclaimed “the mestiza is calling me…” and pointing to the lightning illuminated painting over the laja.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican City



The Basilica of Saint Peter, officially known in Italian as the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter’s has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and has been described as “holding a unique position in the Christian world” and as “the greatest of all churches of Christendom”. In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession. Tradition holds that Saint Peter’s tomb is below the altar of the basilica. There has been a church on this site since the 4th century. Construction on the present basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed on November 18, 1626. It is associated with the papacy, with the Counter-reformation and with numerous artists, most significantly Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age.

Bonus. Sagrada Família
Barcelona, Spain



The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, often simply called the Sagrada Família, is a massive, privately-funded Roman Catholic church that has been under construction in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain since 1882 and is expected to continue until at least 2026. Considered the master-work of renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), the project’s vast scale and idiosyncratic design have made it one of Barcelona’s (and Spain’s) top tourist attractions for many years. A portion of the building’s interior is scheduled to open for public worship and tours by September of 2010. The construction budget for 2009 alone is € 18 million. Since it is not yet open, it is not officially recognized by the Vatican as a basilica, but it this should change as the church nears completion.

Arabsat Headquarters in Saudi Arabia

The design of the new headquarters for Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) was the subject of an international competition commissioned by the Arriyadh Development Authority in 2008. heneghan.peng.architects with Buro Happold engineers won the competition and were subsequently appointed in March 2009.

The building, which is located in the Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh, respects the urban form of the precinct, whilst projecting the identity of a high profile and forward looking institution.
Arabsat is an organisation built on a vision of connecting the Arab community to itself and the world, “our world, your world”; This design gives the building a strong landmark presence by defining the corners of the site whilst curving inwards to create the entrance and private gardens within the site.
An interactive building is created that facilitates connections between different department, between exterior and interior so that in its physical expression the building embodies the ethos of the Arabsat organisation. At the heart of the new headquarters for Arabsat is a unique spatial matrix, an interior garden - (its interior identity), designed to foster innovation through communication and exchange of ideas. This continuous interior garden is shaped by the 3 exterior lattice walls which are reflected inside to shape this interior world. Bridges between different departments cross over at multiple levels, at times widening to become informal meeting spaces. The arrays of trajectories that organize these connections extend outwards to the outer perimeters of the site shaping the different gardens.

The Strangest Eco-Friendly Buildings on Earth

Once in a while we come across a picture of an “eco-friendly” building that makes us stop and go “hmmm.”

What on earth were the architects thinking when they designed these exteriors?

1. The Oil Rig Eco Resort



The Morris design team proposed to turn one of the many oil rigs on the Gulf of Mexico into a self-sustaining eco-friendly resort hotel. The unique position in the middle of the ocean would make it a prime destination - you know - if it weren’t an oil rig.



The design was submitted as part of the John Hardy Group and Hospitality Design Magazine international design competition. The focus of the competition was on finding ways to innovate the hospitality industry. What an excellent way to turn some of 4,000 (yup, you read that right) oil rigs into autonomous luxury destinations. Because of the locations, each would have to create its own renewable energy source. We doubt we’ll see a structure like this any time soon, but we can dream.

2. Taiwan’s Green-Roofed Skyscrapers



NBBJ Architects, based out of Los Angeles, partnered with Fei & Cheng Associates to develop a series of three eco-friendly office towers to be constructed in Taiwan. Ground has already been broken and the three green buildings are expected to include incredible systems for heating, cooling, and efficient energy consumption.



NBBJ made sure that the location of the each tower would optimize its abilities to take advantage of natural daylight. Each building will also have a rooftop garden that will aid in interior insulation as well. The building is scheduled to open in 2012.

3. The Sliding House



An unassuming client contacted the Rijke Marsh Morgan design firm who then contracted with dRMM Architecture - he wanted a unique retirement home that resembled a country timber barn. What he got was a house made of glass with a wooden exterior that slides off and on.



Someone deserves a raise for designing this building. The cool thing is that the ability to cover and uncover the house will make it easier to both heat and cool throughout the year, resulting in stunning energy savings.

4. One Man’s Garbage is another Man’s Shelter



Max Wallack had an ingenious idea when it came to creating an entry for the PBS Design Squad Trash to Treasure competition. He took old plastic, packing peanuts, and wire and created a homeless shelter. It’s lightweight, can be easily assembled, and can keep the occupant insulated from the elements outside. Oh yea - and Max? He’s only 12 years old.

5. The Flying Hostel



Not sure where you’re going to stay on your next trip to Stockholm? Why not find your way to the 747-200 - a hostel which despite its appearance will never leave the ground.



This is the ultimate in recycling. Instead of turning this retired jumbo jet into a heap of rotting metal, it was salvaged and turned into a low-cost hostel. It remains in the Stockholm-Arlanda airport, is fully furnished, and is a great way to relax after a long trip. If you’re near the airport stop by to check it out - the airplane/hostel is open to visitors.

6. Bunny Lane



Designer Adam Kalkin designed this strange yet attractive home within a home, formally known as Bunny Lane. Located in New Jersey, the exterior of the building is a gigantic shed with roll-up doors and three stories of rooms that are kept to one end.



Inside the shed you’ll find a complete two-story home. Outside the home is a separate living room and if you roll up the shed doors you’ll enjoy sitting in a breezeway on what can only be described as a porch that looks like an overly furnished living room. The family living in the house can spend time in the interior house or in one of the nine rooms included as part of the shed itself.

7. StatoilHydro’s Eco Friendly Office

Over in Norway we’ll soon see an eco friendly office building for one of Norway’s largest oil companies - StatoilHydro. The design won first place in a competition and the building is scheduled for completion in 2012.



The new building will result in the merger of two distinct offices, creating not only an eco-friendly environment but eliminating waste associated with traveling between two offices, unnecessary courier services, and miscommunication. When viewed from above, the building is in the shape of a star, with five distinct wings lying over top of each other in a criss-crossed pattern.



This unique building will be equipped with a specialized heating and cooling system that significantly reduces the amount of power needed to energize such a large building.

8. The Shining Solar Skyscraper

In Shenzhen, the China Insurance Group ran a contest in which architects were asked to design a skyscraper for their new headquarters. The winning design came from Coop Himmelb(I)au, an Australian firm.



When completed, the tower will rise 49stories above the city’s skyline and include photovoltaic cells designed with a number of incredible features in mind. These cells will increase wind resistance, aid in naturally ventilating the building, provide shade from the sunlight, and contribute to the display of external banners.



When the building is finished it will have a section for business offices, a section for conferences and meetings, and a section for public businesses and events. The surrounding area will be complete with gardens and the entire site will be be equipped with solar and wind energy.

9. The Inflatable Diamond Grid Eco-Pavilion

Take, for example, the inflatable diamond grid eco-pavilion. This astounding creation was designed in response to a competition requesting an eco-friendly yet mobile space in which Yorkshire Forward could perform. The design was a collaboration of several talented architects.



Believe it or not, the entire stadium takes little more than an hour to inflate, will show no sign of wrinkling after transport, and can be modified depending on the size of the crowd that is anticipated. The building generates its own electricity and its self-sustaining design should make it opportune for even the most remote destinations.



So what do you think? Would you stay in any of these eco-friendly houses, hotels, or buildings? We can’t wait to see the end results, especially for the ones already under construction!

Menzis office by Architekten Cie in Groningen, Netherlands

The Netherlands architecture design Menzis office building, designed by Branimir Medic & Pero Puljiz, de Architekten Cie, a distinctive landmark with its high, and angular structure, for the Menzis European health insurance company is situated on the edge of the Europa park urban expansion of the city of Groningen’s south-western periphery. At city scale level, the construction expresses its iconographic character toward the urban circular and the A7 motorway, the Europaweg. At ground floor level, the street alignment is determinate by the Europapark, where the building, as it rises, gradually leans over into the street space.



The 12-storey building is divided into three identical prismatic segments, rotated 90º in relation to each other. With dimensions of 43 x 43 m, the segment is characterized by functional yet aesthetic compactness. Each segment contains 4 storeys, intersected vertically by an atrium. As a consequence, a spiral of atria is generated, forming an internal response to the dynamic exterior.



The foot accommodates the public functions, which are orientated toward the atrium and include service desks, an insurance shop and a health care service center. A doctor’s room and several consulting rooms are situated in themore private area. A practical system of partitioning divides the third and fourth floors into meeting rooms, a library, training areas, an auditorium, and a restaurant. The restaurant area can also be deployed flexibly as extra meeting space if required. The spacious staircase, which allow easy public flow though the atrium to the restaurant and meeting centre above, offer an unimpeded view of both the inner area and the water of the Winschoterdiep (canal).



The middle and upper segments are generic. The specific presence of the atrium, which allows the incidence of daylight into the building, contrasts with the neutral character of each storey. The atrium divides each storey into a series of working areas with distinct qualities: peripheral or secluded, light or well-shaded, open or closed. The variation in spatial conditions enables the application of diverse office concepts, geared to the different work processes within Menzis, such as the call center, administrative functions, and stuff functions. The atrium stairs facilitate informal contact between the floors. In combination with the use of natural materials, the magnolia garden around the building with its diverse terraces, water features and illuminations, contributes to creating a pleasant and relaxed ambience.

Atlantis, the Palm-Resort

Atlantis, the Palm is a resort on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.





Atlantis is the majestic focal point of Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity. From the moment of arrival, you’re immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury.









The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including a landmark hotel, unique marine habitats, an exhilarating water park, pristine white beaches, world-class cuisine, indulgent spa and cosmopolitan boutiques. To stay or visit is to live out your dreams amidst warm Arabian seas.

Barbie Flagship Store and Cafe Interior

The world largest Barbie Flagship store and café built on the 35,000 square foot areas and most comprehensive collection of Barbie dolls and licensed Barbie products. The design concept of this store is how to make a figure where “Barbie is hero”; expression Barbie as a global lifestyle brand by building on the brand historical link to fashion.













All the exterior, interior, fixtures and furnishings are designed by Slade Architecture. It’s designed to create a sleek, fun, unapologetically feminine interpretation of Barbie: past, present, and future. The main color of this store interior and exterior is pink expressing Barbie’s cutting-edge fashion sense and history.

















For the new facade, Slade Architecture combined references to product packaging, decorative arts, fashion and architectural iconography to create a modern identity for the store.

The facade is made of two layers: molded, translucent polycarbonate interior panels and flat exterior glass panels printed with a whimsical lattice frit pattern. Slade collaborated with designers at BIG, who created the final exterior frit graphics. The two layers reinforce each other visually and interact dynamically through reflection, shadow and distortion.





The Barbie Cafe, a beautiful restaurant and gelato bar on the top floor, offers guests the opportunity to take a break and enjoy both local comfort food and Barbie-inspired refreshments. Mattel and David Laris Concept planned both the Fashion Cafe and the Barbie Cafe. Both spaces were designed by Slade Architecture.