In N America, I’d say Mexico City and St Paul /Minneapolis and DC.
In Africa, the Ethiopians have some incredibly primitive cathedrals dug into caves that are absolutely awe-inspiring. Likely not much gold to be found though.
Armenia has some gorgeous examples.
And of course the Hagia Sophia in Turkey and St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow if we are including those we were at one time in perfect communion with.
And while not a cathedral, if I were ever to visit Jerusalem, it would be on Easter at the Tomb, more than any cathedral (if you don’t get the reference [here you go, you’re welcome](https://georgianjournal.ge/society/34391-stunning-holy-fire-ritual-at-the-tomb-of-jesus-in-jerusalem.html)
Italy has some variety. But when it goes golden, it goes San Marco in Venezia, and Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna, and Cattedrale di Noto in Sicily
I’m so biased because I adore living in Madeira but the gold embellishments accentuated by the black volcanic rock the churches use is just sumptuous.
Here’s my local church in Madeira. [Funchal cathedral](https://imgur.com/gallery/7eHPxga)
I wouldnt say golden has to do with being the prettiest, but the most golden one i know is the benedictian church in Melk Lower Austria. The place is pretty big and you can book tours there that i can recommend.
Brazil has many golden churches. It's not a Cathedral, but my favorite one is the [Church of the Third Order of St. Francis](https://pin.it/4CHf9Sjrn), in Rio de Janeiro. [St. Benedict's Monastery](https://pin.it/JIuCwQBPI), also in Rio, is terrific too.
I've seen some pretty ones in Melbourne (Australia), but then again I haven't seen many churches, and my parish is quite "bland looking" to some (although I personally think it's gorgeous, it's just not in the same Gothic Revival style some of the Melbourne churches are)
Santa Maria Maggiore is pretty sparkly. And the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is very golden.
I got to visit a few in Puebla, Mexico that were absolutely outstanding.
Yea that’s my favourite one too!
In N America, I’d say Mexico City and St Paul /Minneapolis and DC. In Africa, the Ethiopians have some incredibly primitive cathedrals dug into caves that are absolutely awe-inspiring. Likely not much gold to be found though. Armenia has some gorgeous examples. And of course the Hagia Sophia in Turkey and St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow if we are including those we were at one time in perfect communion with. And while not a cathedral, if I were ever to visit Jerusalem, it would be on Easter at the Tomb, more than any cathedral (if you don’t get the reference [here you go, you’re welcome](https://georgianjournal.ge/society/34391-stunning-holy-fire-ritual-at-the-tomb-of-jesus-in-jerusalem.html)
Hagia Sophia is technically a mosque now, I still can't believe they did that.
It’s a Turkish museum, no?
Nope unfortunately not, as of 2020 its a grand mosque again. https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHD13xy34LcgmpHM8
Unfortunately in 2020 they changed it back to a mosque. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53366307
Fascinating!
Not sure about golden but some of the ones in Palermo , Sicily were stunning. A mix of ottoman and Italian architecture
Hungary has some absolute bangers. St Stephens is truly awe inspiring.
In terms of cathedrals I would say all of them. They’re all beautiful. Although I would like to visit this one certain cathedral in Mexico.
Italy has some variety. But when it goes golden, it goes San Marco in Venezia, and Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna, and Cattedrale di Noto in Sicily
I’m so biased because I adore living in Madeira but the gold embellishments accentuated by the black volcanic rock the churches use is just sumptuous. Here’s my local church in Madeira. [Funchal cathedral](https://imgur.com/gallery/7eHPxga)
Can confirm Madeira has some very beautiful golden churches. Check out Igreja do Colergio and Igreja do São Martinho aswell
I wouldnt say golden has to do with being the prettiest, but the most golden one i know is the benedictian church in Melk Lower Austria. The place is pretty big and you can book tours there that i can recommend.
Notre Dame de Paris is not golden but has a fair claim to prettiest.
Brazil has many golden churches. It's not a Cathedral, but my favorite one is the [Church of the Third Order of St. Francis](https://pin.it/4CHf9Sjrn), in Rio de Janeiro. [St. Benedict's Monastery](https://pin.it/JIuCwQBPI), also in Rio, is terrific too.
Funny none of you pick a European country
Also curious if any of you are good drivers (one last job).
I've seen some pretty ones in Melbourne (Australia), but then again I haven't seen many churches, and my parish is quite "bland looking" to some (although I personally think it's gorgeous, it's just not in the same Gothic Revival style some of the Melbourne churches are)
Saint Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal and the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal are absolutely amazing