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Planning a cathedral-hopping trip across Europe

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Yuliana_Z
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07.05.2023
Posts: 2447
Topic Starter
14.02.2025 10:56
I am currently planning a three-week trip through Europe with a specific focus on visiting the most architecturally significant cathedrals. So far, I have Notre Dame in Paris and St. Peter's in the Vatican on my list, but I would love to hear some recommendations for hidden gems or smaller cities that have stunning cathedrals. I am particularly interested in Gothic and Romanesque styles, and I'd love to visit places that aren't completely overrun with tour groups. Does anyone have advice on which regions offer the best density of historical religious sites for a train-based itinerary?
20 replies in this topic
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Leni_C
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09.06.2023
Posts: 1870
14.04.2025 23:34
If you are doing a train-based trip, definitely look into the Rhine Valley in Germany. Speyer Cathedral is a Romanesque masterpiece and much quieter than the big tourist hubs.
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ZlatnaRuka
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16.11.2021
Posts: 1285
04.05.2025 04:06
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the Speyer recommendation! It is massive and often overlooked by the typical Paris-Rome crowd.
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Sofiya_G
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16.06.2020
Posts: 367
04.05.2025 05:53
Don't skip Orvieto in Italy. The facade is absolutely breathtaking and it is a very easy train ride from Rome or Florence.
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BqlaVrana
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19.05.2021
Posts: 2422
08.05.2025 22:56
In reply to a previous post
Orvieto is great, but make sure you check the opening times. Sometimes they close for midday services.
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NeZnamNoPisha
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09.03.2024
Posts: 2392
19.06.2025 04:27
Have you considered Chartres? It is not exactly a hidden gem, but the stained glass is the best in the world, hands down.
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Misho_B
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23.03.2022
Posts: 2052
20.08.2025 18:00
In reply to a previous post
Chartres is stunning, but it gets super crowded. Maybe try Beauvais instead for a more 'raw' Gothic experience.
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agata_k
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14.12.2024
Posts: 1970
04.09.2025 13:52
If you want Romanesque, head to the Auvergne region in France. The churches there are unique, dark, and very atmospheric.
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Hani_B
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03.08.2024
Posts: 1421
12.09.2025 02:55
In reply to a previous post
That is a great suggestion. The volcanic stone they used gives those buildings such a unique look.
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Maks_D
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30.07.2025
Posts: 171
13.09.2025 10:36
Three weeks is a decent amount of time, but don't overschedule. You will burn out if you try to see three cathedrals a day.
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NqkoiNesh
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30.05.2022
Posts: 76
06.10.2025 10:22
In reply to a previous post
I second this. Take your time and actually sit in the pews for a bit to soak it all in.
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Hubo_K
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06.02.2025
Posts: 1730
04.11.2025 18:59
Check out the cathedral in Siena. It's Gothic, but the interior is so different from the French style you see in Paris.
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Selekcioner
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12.02.2021
Posts: 2301
18.11.2025 19:23
In reply to a previous post
Siena is amazing, but definitely not 'hidden'. Expect big crowds there, especially in summer.
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otgovor_BG
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06.02.2023
Posts: 98
28.11.2025 18:45
Look into the 'Route of the Cathedrals' in northern Spain. Burgos and León are incredible examples of Spanish Gothic.
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Denis_P
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01.03.2022
Posts: 1943
13.12.2025 22:46
In reply to a previous post
Yes! Burgos Cathedral is one of the most impressive structures I have ever stepped foot in.
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BqlaVrana
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24.05.2025
Posts: 2068
04.01.2026 13:48
If you are into Romanesque, visit Tournai in Belgium. The cathedral there is a UNESCO site and feels very ancient compared to later Gothic styles.
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ZlatnaRuka
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13.03.2021
Posts: 2355
24.02.2026 05:53
In reply to a previous post
I'll add Tournai to my own bucket list. Thanks for the tip!
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Oli_S
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01.12.2022
Posts: 2186
27.02.2026 05:10
Are you planning to travel by Eurail pass? It makes hopping between these smaller cities much more affordable.
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Hubo_K
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17.10.2024
Posts: 1402
28.02.2026 14:11
In reply to a previous post
Eurail is okay, but sometimes regional point-to-point tickets are cheaper if you book in advance.
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Leni_C
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14.01.2024
Posts: 658
09.03.2026 03:18
Don't forget to pack a light scarf or sweater. Even in the middle of summer, those stone cathedrals are freezing inside.
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Fabi_W
Joined:
05.05.2022
Posts: 2006
23.03.2026 01:37
In reply to a previous post
That is actually a really solid piece of advice that people always forget. Thanks for the tip!

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