Top 10 Largest Churches In The World
9. Basilica Of Our Lady Of Pillar, Aragon, Spain, 8318 square meters
The El Pilar basilica in the Argon community of Spain is the first ever church dedicated to Virgin Mary. According to hypothetical believes, Virgin Mary appeared to Apostle Saint James while he was in prayer on the bank of Ebro river in Iberian Peninsula of Spain. Virgin Mary gave a statue of herself made of wood and a pillar. Then she instructed him to build a church. Following her instruction Saint James built a small church in Zaragoza province in 1st century A.D.
A number of churches were added to the site in following centuries. The first chapel in the site also got distorted by that time. But the statue of Virgin Mary and the pillar remain intact. Today’s model of the El pilar basilica was built in 17th century. A century after it was renovated by Spanish architect Ventura Rodriguez. The final works of pillars of the church completed in 20th century.
This large church has an internal area of 8318 square meters. There are four impressive towers and eleven cupolas in the church. The 15 inches tall statue of Virgin Mary located in holy chapel of the church. Today El Pilar cathedral is one of most visited pilgrimage centers in Spain.