10 Epic Construction Projects That Took Centuries to Complete (4 of 6)

6. Ulm Minster (Ulm, Germany)—513 Years

When this Gothic giant was first envisioned in 1377, its architects had a bold ambition: to build the tallest church in the world. The Protestant Reformation stalled the project for centuries, and it wasn’t finished until 1890. The spire reaches 530 feet and is indeed the tallest in the world today.

7. Rouen Cathedral (Rouen, France)—400+ Years

Rouen’s cathedral has its origins in the 12th century, but took more than 400 years to fully complete, and as a result of the stop-and-start construction, it features an eclectic mix of architectural styles. In 1876, its iconic Gothic spire was rebuilt as a cast-iron flèche, giving it a touch of modernity. Monet adored the building, and it featured in dozens of his paintings.