Recently, Lifeway Research published a study that showed that unchurched people “prefer churches that look more like a medieval cathedral than … [like] a more contemporary church building” by “a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option.” Indeed, unchurched people “may be turned off by … more utilitarian church buildings.”

Missiologist Ed Stetzer commented that “young unchurched people were particularly drawn to the Gothic look”—and I don’t think he meant black lipstick and black nail polish.

Why are we still drawn to a medieval form of architecture? Perhaps it is because strongly vertical architecture speaks of transcendence. Perhaps it is because medieval architecture speaks through symbols, while functional modern buildings stand mute.

Here’s a quick quiz that will test your knowledge of cathedrals—and on the answer page, it will guide you to resources so you can learn more about these classic and classy churches.