Very little survived the plundering of Henry Morgan and his band of pirates in 1671. The one beautiful exception is the Altar de Oro. This hand-carved, wooden altarpiece was covered with black paint by monks in order to conceal its value. After the town of Panama Viejo was left in ruins, the Jesuits built the Church of San José in 1675 and graced its nave with this gilded masterpiece. This historic Golden Altar is a must see while exploring Casco Viejo.
Av. A & Calle 8a Oeste, Panamá, Panama Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Along the two side aisles of the Lima Cathedral are 14 chapels. Each is adorned with elaborate paintings, sculptures and carvings. Only one of them was built prior to 1890. The others were reconstructed after suffering from multiple earthquakes. This colorful panel by Spanish artist Juan Montañés is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Its Spanish name is Capilla de San Juan Bautista.
Jirón Huallaga & Jirón Carabaya, Cercado de Lima 15001, Peru Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
St. Mary’s Basilica is the focal point of Main Market Square in the eastern corner. The Catholic church was founded by Bishop Iwo Odrowąż in 1222, destroyed by the Mongol Empire in 1241, rebuilt by the end of the century and reconstructed again sixty years later. Then enhancements and additions were made during the next seven centuries. The towers are asymmetrical. The tallest one is Hejnalica Tower at 266 feet. Beneath the Gothic cupola, a trumpeter plays part of the Polish anthem Hejnal Mariacki four times an hour, 24 hours a day. The longest serving trumpeter played for 36 years. The Kolton family sounded the five notes for 70 years. To appreciate their arduous task, climb the 239 stairs to the top. When you are gasping for breath, imagine blowing a trumpet. This view of the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven was taken from an arch on Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) from across Main Market Square.
St. Mary's Basilica, Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Almost immediately after Kraków was designated as a diocese in 1000 AD, the first cathedral was built on Wawel Hill. It was replaced with a stone basilica in 1142. Some of the 12th century structure still exists. After a significant fire in 1305, nearly 60 years of construction resulted in the current Wawel Cathedral. This magnificent Gothic edifice evolved for the next 300 years until 19 chapels were added. For centuries, kings commissioned a new chapel at the start of their reign to be their mausoleum. In total, 45 Polish rulers are interred here plus bishops and national heroes. The sarcophaguses and interior were beautified by master artists and sculptors. Marble, stained glass and gold abound. Starting in 1037, nearly every Polish monarch was coronated in the cathedral. This is also where Father Karol Wojtyła said his first mass in 1946. Then, he served at Wawel Cathedral while Archbishop of Kraków from 1963 until he became Pope John Paul II in 1978.
Wawel Cathedral, Wawel 3, 31-001 Kraków, Poland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Starting in 1178, the Alcobaça Monastery in Portugal was built as two Gothic-style wings. Then this church was added to the middle in 1252. In the 18th century, the two flanking towers and the statues were added to the rose window and tympanum. Near its entrance is the Room of Kings. It displays 17th and 18th century statues of Portugal’s kings, starting with Afonso Henriques, the country’s first king and the monastery’s main benefactor.
Alcobaça Monastery, 2460-018 Alcobaça, Portugal Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Monastery of Batalha is a Dominican Convent that was built in a Gothic style in appreciation to the Virgin Mary for a Portuguese victory in 1385, hence its name means Monastery of the Battle. It took 131 years to build, was destroyed by Napoleon in 1819, and then restored through the early 1900s. It was constructed from limestone that has turned yellow with age.
Largo Infante Dom Henrique, 2440 Batalha, Portugal Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1917, three young shepherd children experienced an apparition from Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, Portugal. During the six visions of the Virgin Mary, she revealed three secrets: one described hell and the other predicted WWII. The authenticity of the third, which the Holy See released in 2000, is still debated. A basilica was built on the site of the Marian apparition in Fátima, Portugal. This is the colonnade around the plaza of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, 2495-401 Fátima, Portugal Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Sobornaya Ploshad is called Cathedral Square because of the three cathedrals encircling the historic Kremlin plaza. Also at this intersection are two churches, a palace and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (1543) in the center of this photo. On the left is Cathedral of the Annunciation (1489). On the right is the Cathedral of the Archangel (1508). Since the 15th century, this square has witnessed countless coronations and funerals of Russian leaders.
Sobornaya Square, Moscow Kremlin, Moskva, 103073, Russia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Saint Basil’s Cathedral anchoring the south end of Red Square was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1554 and finished in 1561. The iconic landmark consists of eight brick churches in perfect symmetry around the ninth tallest one. The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat is stunning with its towers, scales, arches and onion domes. Originally all white, the rainbow of colors was added in 1860. Thankfully, this former Russian Orthodox church survived attempted demolition by Napoleon in 1812 and Joseph Stalin in 1936.
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Moskva, 109012, Russia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Smolny Convent was commissioned as a monastery to house Peter the Great’s daughter. Instead of becoming a nun, Elizabeth became the empress of Russia in 1741. Smolny Cathedral is the 307 foot centerpiece of the large complex. The Russian Orthodox church is the exquisite work of Italian architect Francesco Rastrelli. He designed several opulent landmarks in Saint Petersburg for Empress Anna and Empress Elizabeth during the mid-18th century. Construction began in 1749. Although the exterior was finished in 1764, the interior was not completed until 1835. In 1982, this blue and white masterpiece behind the springtime tulips became a concert hall. Some of the other buildings house classes for Saint Petersburg State University.
Ploshchad' Rastrelli, 1, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 191124 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Court Church was commissioned by Elizabeth Petrovna, the Empress of Russia from 1741 until 1762. This stunning Baroque eastern wing of Peterhof Palace was dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul and designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. While senior court architect in the mid-18th century, Count Rastrelli created a dozen of Russia’s most elaborate palaces. From 1751 until 1918, the Russian emperors celebrated weddings, baptisms and holidays beneath these five gilded domes. The former chapel is now the Royal Church Museum.
Razvodnaya Ulitsa, 2, Petergof, Sankt-Peterburg, 198516, Russia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is an architectural surprise. This Mother Church of the Diocese of Kingstown is a proud testament to the struggles of Catholicism on the island. When the French arrived in the early 17th century, traveling Jesuit missionaries served the faithful on Saint Vincent and neighboring islands. The first permanent priests came in 1653. Tragically, they were murdered by the Caribs in 1701. They were replaced nine years later. However, the British expelled them in 1784 after defeating the French. Finally, in 1815, the first Catholic church was built here. The current St. Mary’s Cathedral was constructed during the 1930s.
Assumption Cathedral, North River Road, Kingstown, St. Vincent & Grenadines Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
At dusk, this trio of church spires creates a spectacular reflection across the River Ness. On the left is the Old High Church. It was the site of the Parish Church in the 12th century. The tower base was created in the 15th century while the rest of the building dates to the late 18th century. In 2003, the Old High Church merged with St Stephen’s. The Greig Street Footbridge points to the Free North Church. Its Gothic design by Alexander Ross was finished in 1892. On the right is St Columba’s High Church. It opened in 1843 and was refurbished after a major fire in 1940.
50 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5HS, UK Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1160, Bishop Arnold ordered a replacement to the adjacent Church of St. Rule. The new cathedral required about 150 years to construct. When it was consecrated in 1318, it had six turrets and a central tower. The cathedral was so prominent that in 1472, the bishop of St Andrews became an archbishop and Scotland’s spiritual leader. In 1559, during the Scottish Reformation, the building was attacked and finally abandoned two years later. The most dramatic remnants of St Andrews Cathedral are the twin spires of the east façade. They are a testament to the Roman Catholic church’s former grandeur.
The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL, UK Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
According to Tibetan legend, this menacing statue is one of five wealth gods known as Yellow Dzambhala, the Buddha of giving. It’s among hundreds or ornate statues in the four-story, Tang dynasty style Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Singapore. Dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, the tooth is housed on the top floor in the Sacred Light Hall inside a 6 ½ foot, solid gold relic stupa that weighs 925 pounds. Only monks can visit this chamber.
288 South Bridge Rd, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Singapore 058840 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Barcelona is best known among architecture aficionados for the Modernisme Movement and its master, Antoni Gaudí. The famous architect’s pièce de résistance is Sagrada Família. Construction of the minor basilica began in 1882. The estimated completion date is 2026 – one hundred years after Gaudí’s death. Crowds of tourists come to stare at the enormous spires at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tallest tower of the 18 planned will be 560 feet tall.
Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cádiz was established in 1241. In less than 25 years, the first cathedral was built. During the next 450 years, many Catholic churches were added, usually attached to monasteries and convents. These did not seem adequate when Cádiz began to experience its Golden Age in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The compelling desire to showcase the city’s prosperity prompted the commissioning of architect Vicente Acero to design Catedral Nueva. The cathedral’s yellow-gold dome is not only gorgeous but symbolic of this period of exuberance in Cádiz’s history. Along the base are sculptures of the Apostles. Inside the dome are painted scenes of the Passion of Christ including the Last Supper and Crucifixion. Beneath it is an elaborate altar surrounded by two side naves and 16 chapels.
Plaza de la Catedral, 11005 Cádiz, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1245, seven years before becoming the King of Castile and León, Prince Alfonso defeated the Moors and claimed Cartagena. He then declared the city to be a Christian Diocese. This prompted the construction of Cartagena Cathedral. It was rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century, late 17th century and early 20th century. During the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939), the Cathedral of Santa María la Vieja was destroyed. It remains in ruins. The building’s shell is adjacent to the Roman Theatre. This positioning is a coincidence because the former amphitheater was buried and unknown when the cathedral was first constructed during the 13th century.
Plaza Ayuntamiento, 9, 30202 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
After Prince Abd al-Rahman I fled from Damascus when his family was overthrown, he declared himself to be the First Emir of Córdoba in 756. Starting in 784, he began his vision of creating the world’s greatest mosque. His descendants continued construction for the next two centuries until Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir finished the Mezquita in 987. Although the Catholics converted the mosque into a cathedral staring in 1523, the building retains much of its original design. Some experts believe it is the best example of Islamic architecture. An exterior illustration is the Puerta de San Juan, located along the east facade. Inside are rooms defined by over 850 columns made from marble, jasper and onyx. You will also see Moorish arches – some horseshoe and others semi-circular – adorned by mosaics made from gold, silver and bronze.
Calle Magistral González Francés, 13, 14003 Córdoba, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In the mid-14th century, during the reign of Yusuf I, an elegant Nasrid palace was built at the east end of the Alhambra. In 1492, Queen Isabella I of Castile decided to repurpose it into the Monastery of San Francisco. She was buried in the chapel when she died in 1504. The remains of her husband, Ferdinand II of Aragon, were also interred here upon his death in 1516. Five years later, the bodies of the Catholic Monarchs were transferred to the Royal Chapel when it was finished. A marble slab inside the old Franciscan monastery marks where they were temporarily buried. The landmark is now the highly-rated Parador Hotel. The Paradores is a chain of state-run hotels located in historic settings throughout Spain.
Parador de San Francisco, Calle Real de la Alhambra, 18009 Granada, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
1492 was a monumental year in Spanish history. While the Catholic Monarchs financed Columbus’ discovery of the New World, they also conquered Granada. This final defeat of the Nasrid Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula ended the 700 plus years of the Spanish Reconquista. Granada remains a visual testament to the historical events from the mid-13th century though the 16th century. One of the most significant is the Cathedral of Granada, built on the foundation of a grand mosque. This epicenter of Granada is a great place to begin your tour of the city.
Granada Cathedral, Plaza de las Pasiegas, 18001 Granada, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Spain has beautiful cathedrals in Seville, Toledo, Granada and Barcelona. So it is surprising the Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid did not have an equivalent cathedral until the end of the 20th century. The Gothic Revival design of Catedral de la Almundena was created by Francisco de Cubas in 1879. After extensive delays, the Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena was finished in 1993. Surrounding the 65 foot diameter dome are statues of the 12 apostles. It is dedicated to the Virgin of Almundena. This religious statue of the Virgin Mary was buried into a city wall in 714 for protection against an Arab attack. According to legend, after Madrid regained its independence in 1083, the icon was miraculous revealed during a procession led by King Alfonso VI of León and Castile on November 9, 1085. A 16th century replica of the patroness of Madrid is on display inside of the cathedral except during a procession on the November 9 feast day.
Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Málaga Cathedral was created over 280 years with plenty of interruptions. It remains unfinished. Here is a brief chronology. Soon after the Catholic Monarchs conquered Málaga in 1487, the Aljama Mosque was converted into Santa Maria de la Encarnación (Saint Mary of Incarnation). At the end of the 16th century, the monarchs wanted a grand replacement. Work began in 1500. Within a decade, this northern Gothic entrance was complete. It is named Puerta de las Cadenas (Gate of the Chains). On the south side is a similar entrance called Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate). In 1525, the project was deemed too expensive and paused. Then the famous Renaissance architect Diego de Siloé was commissioned to create a new Renaissance design. In 1588, construction was halted again and the cathedral was consecrated. Work resumed during the 17th and 18th century until 1782. Apparently, the money earmarked for construction helped finance the Revolutionary War leading to the United States’ independence. As a result, only one of the two planned bell towers were built. The locals nickname for the Cathedral of Málaga is La Manquita. This means One-armed Lady.
Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
It took 105 years to build Catedral de Santa María de la Sede. When Seville Cathedral was finished in 1506, its measurements of 443 by 330 feet made it the world’s largest cathedral, a distinction it still holds. To give you a sense of scale, the Roman Catholic cathedral has 15 elaborately crafted doors. Inside, there are 80 side chapels, each with a decorated altar. Among the multiple tombs are two famous Spaniards: Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand III who freed Seville from the Moors and is the city’s patron saint. This World Heritage Site is worth waiting in a long line.
Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary is a visual jewel of Toledo. Master Martín is credited with creating the French Gothic design in 1227. Several other men assumed the head architect role before the project was completed after 266 years. These sections are the North Tower, three entrances named (left to right) the Portals of Hell, Forgiveness and the Last Judgement, plus the Baroque dome of the Mozarabic Chapel. The Catholic church measures 390 by 194 feet. The facade is covered with white limestone from the Olihuelas Quarry. The cathedral is adorned with more than 750 stained glass windows. Catedral Primada Santa María stands on a site previously occupied by a Visigoth church and a Muslim mosque.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 45002 Toledo, Spain Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Looming over the narrow streets of Malmö is the 344 foot, gothic brick bell tower of Sankt Petri Kyrka. St. Peter’s Church was built in 1319, making it the oldest building in the city. Admission is free. It is worthwhile stepping inside this Church of Sweden and stepping back into Medieval times.
Göran Olsgatan 4, 211 22 Malmö, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Dominating the skyline of Gamla stan, the Old Town of Stockholm, is Storkyrkan. The clock tower reaches 216 feet. Located next to the Royal Palace, the cathedral is historically the site of royal religious ceremonies. Church of St. Nicholas was founded in 1279. The Great Church was completed in 1306 and reconstructed in 1740.
Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This exquisite bell-shaped chedi is the pinnacle of Wat Saket. Called the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong, this gilded stupa stands brightly at 190 feet. You must walk up 318 circular stairs to reach the top of this marble Buddhist temple. The arduous climb is worthwhile when you see the incredible ornamentation inside and the views of Bangkok.
Soi Chakkraphatdiphong Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Ephesus was a thriving Roman city during the life of Christ. After His death, the Apostles fanned out to spread his message. Saint John retreated to Ephesus to write the Gospel of John and four other books in the New Testament while also watching over the Virgin Mary. He was buried here in 98 AD. Saint Paul lived in the city for more than two years to denounce the worship of the goddess Artemis. His preaching incited a riot near the Great Theatre. He also wrote letters to the Ephesians until his execution in Rome. A frequent missionary companion of Paul was Saint Luke the Evangelist. Some speculate his grave is near Magnesian Gate. Lastly, the Virgin Mary resided in Ephesus from the age of 54 to 63. You can visit the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana Evi) about four miles away.
Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Two previous churches were built on the site of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. They were destroyed in 404 and 532 AD. Construction on the replacement required 10,000 workers and materials from quarries in Turkey, Syria and Egypt. When finished in 537, this was the world’s largest cathedral. The architectural masterpiece has a 185 foot dome. 900 years later, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople and converted the Byzantine cathedral into an Islamic mosque. In 1934, Ayasofya became a museum and in 2020 it was restored to being a mosque. Hagia Sophia is an incredible landmark to visit.
Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Punta del Este, Uruguay, is a charming resort town that sits at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata, the world’s widest river at 140 miles. The beaches of the former are white sand perfect for sunning, while the latter are rocky. In the middle of this peninsula is the Iglesia de la Candelaria Roman Catholic church. Its blue exterior matches the sky during a perfect summer afternoon.
Sutileza 20100 Punta del Este, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This gold-coated statue in the shrine of Xá Lợi Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is Siddhārtha Gautama. He is considered to be the Supreme Buddha who taught in the Himalayan foothills until his death around 400 BC. The Buddha is depicted in meditation atop a lotus blossom. In 1963, under orders of the South Vietnamese president, the pagoda was viciously attacked as part of a Buddhist persecution that led to hundreds of deaths and the jailing of 1,000 monks.
89b Bà Huyện Thanh Quan phường 7, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions