From Notre Dame to Westminster Abbey, there are plenty of stunning cathedrals across Europe – but experts have now named a UK one as the most beautiful.
This cathedral came out on top(Image: Getty)
The UK and Europe are home to plenty of awe-inspiring cathedrals, from the iconic Notre Dame to the historic Westminster Abbey. But recently, an unexpected cathedral has been crowned as the most beautiful in all of Europe.
Travel experts at Saga Holidays conducted an analysis of Google reviews for cathedrals across Europe, taking into account how often visitors mentioned the cathedral’s beauty, the average search number, and the overall sentiment of the reviews.
Each cathedral was then scored out of 100. Surprisingly, the top spot went to Durham Cathedral.
Nestled in the North East of England, just south of Newcastle, Durham is a picturesque city known for its stunning architecture.
The city’s crown jewels are undoubtedly the castle and cathedral, both of which are recognised UNESCO Heritage sites that may seem familiar to some visitors.
Indeed, fans of the Harry Potter franchise might recognise the quadrangle, cloisters, and chapter house, all of which served as filming locations for the beloved films.
It’s not hard to see why, as a visit to this enchanting place feels like stepping into a magical world, reports the Express.
Beyond its magnificent castle, Durham is a charming city perfect for a leisurely stroll. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
For those feeling adventurous, there are numerous walking paths along the River Wear that meander through the city, offering a different perspective on this beautiful destination.
However, if you’re planning a visit during the brisk winter months, a riverside stroll might be a bit too nippy.
In such instances, a trip to Durham’s Oriental Museum is a splendid alternative.
This remarkable museum showcases artefacts from Ancient Egypt right up to contemporary China, providing an engaging way to while away an afternoon.
Europe’s top 10 most beautiful cathedrals
Rank
Cathedral name
City
Country
Total ‘Beauty’ Keyword Mentions
Est. Monthly Searches
Average Sentiment (out of 100)
Score (out of 100)
1
Durham Cathedral
Durham
England
20
60,500
95
95
2
Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg
France
32
1,900
89
94
3
Salzburg Cathedral
Salzburg
Austria
22
1,900
92
90
4
Rouen cathedral
Rouen
France
16
1,900
94
88
5
York Minster
York
England
11
110,000
85
85
6
Siena Cathedral
Siena
Italy
17
2,900
91
83
7
Galway Cathedral
Galway
Ireland
21
1,900
87
81
8
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Paris
France
18
27,100
85
80
9
Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester
England
12
40,500
88
78
10
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Galicia
Spain
17
2,400
88
77