Which is the Largest Church in the World?

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the largest church in the world, based on interior area. It covers about 15,160 square meters or 163,200 square feet. However, the Guinness Book of World Records has listed the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, located in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, as the largest church in terms of overall area, which stands at 30,000 square meters.

St. Peter's Basilica: The Largest Church in World by Interior Area

St. Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is a central religious structure for the Catholics. The construction of the church occurred between 1506 and 1626, under the guidance of prominent architects like Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It has a massive 15,160 square meter interior making it the largest church in the world by interior area.

Key Dimensions and Capacity

The following are the key dimensions of St. Peter's Basilica church

Interior Area: 15,160 square meters.

Overall Area: 23,000 square meters

Standing Capacity: 60,000 people.

Dome Height: 136.6 meters.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace: The Largest by Exterior Area

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, situated in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, reached completion in 1989. The structure spans 30,000 square meters including the exterior space. Guinness World Records recognizes it as the largest church by area.

Key Dimensions

The following are the key dimensions of Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Interior Area: 7,000 square meters.

Overall Area: 30,000 square meters

Standing Capacity: 18,000 people.

Dome Height: 158 meters.

Source: Shamim Shorif Susom/ EyeEm/ Getty Images

Other Massive Churches Worldwide

Several other buildings dominate the list of the biggest religious structures.

Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida

You will find this massive structure in Aparecida, Brazil. It ranks as the second-largest church by interior area and holds the title of the world's largest cathedral. The interior covers 12,000 square meters. It accommodates up to 45,000 standing worshipers.

Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral in Italy took nearly six centuries to complete. It covers 11,700 square meters. The Gothic building holds up to 40,000 people.

What is the biggest Catholic church?

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the biggest Catholic church in the world. The church is over 15000 square meters in length.

How many people fit in St. Peter's Basilica?

St. Peter's Basilica holds up to 60,000 standing individuals. It provides seating for approximately 20,000 worshipers.

Is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace bigger than the St. Peter's Basilica ?

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace covers more overall ground space due to its attached courtyard and villas and rectory while the St. Peter's Basilica features a much larger interior worship space.

What is the largest cathedral in the world?

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil is the largest cathedral in the world.

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