Typically the finest architecture in any city is religious. Part Two of World Religion showcases more of my favorites. But there are other churches in almost every location-specific gallery on this website. View and enjoy.
Typically the finest architecture in any city is religious. Part Two of World Religion showcases more of my favorites. But there are other churches in almost every location-specific gallery on this website. View and enjoy.
Saint Dunstan, a former Bishop of London and Archbishop of Canterbury, founded a Benedictine monastery near the River Thames in 960 as part of his reforms of the English Church. St Peter’s Abbey was rebuilt in 1090. In 1245, King Henry III commissioned the current church. Construction of the Anglo-French Gothic structure required 272 years. During the mid-16th century, Henry VIII dissolved and mostly destroyed all Catholic monasteries across Great Britain. Fortunately, he spared this building by creating the Diocese of Winchester in 1540 and making this its Anglican cathedral. Twenty years later, it became the Collegiate Church of St Peter responsible only to the Sovereign (monarch). The 225 foot, twin towers gracing the western façade of Westminster Abbey were created by Nicholas Hawksmoor and finished in 1725 and 1745. Their Gothic Revival design was crafted from white stone from the Isle of Portland.
2 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1H 0NB, UK Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The first Chapel of St. George was built within Windsor Castle by King Edward I during the 13th century. Unsatisfied with his grandfather’s efforts, King Edward III had the chapel rebuilt in the Lower Ward circa 1337. However, it was Edward IV who started the present building in 1475 during his second reign as England’s king. The Royal Chapel was not completed until 1528 during the rule of Henry VIII. Several monarchs and their queens plus princes and princesses are buried here. The chapel’s namesake is Saint George. He was a Roman soldier who was executed in 303 for not recanting his Christian beliefs. He is also England’s patron saint.
3 The Cloisters, Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Several churches stood on this site before York Minster. The earliest were finished in 627, 637, the late 8th century and 1080. Building of the current cathedral began in 1220 under the orders of the Archbishop of York, Walter de Gray. In 1472 – over 250 years later – it was considered finished. Throughout its history, it was plundered during the English Reformation, threatened by civil war, suffered from fires in 1829, 1840 and 1984 and been endangered of collapse. On each occasion, the treasured landmark was restored. Measuring 524 feet long and 222 feet wide, it is Northern Europe’s second biggest Gothic Cathedral. This matches the Archbishop of York’s second highest rank in the Church of England.
Deangate, Minster Yd, York YO1 7HH, UK Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This stunning landmark in Helsinki was built in 1852. It was named St. Nicholas’ Cathedral and dedicated by Nicholas I while he was the Emperor of Russia and the Grand Duke of Finland. The design is patterned after Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. After Finland declared independence on December 6, 1917, it was called the Great Cathedral. The name changed again in 1959 to Helsinki Cathedral. The massive granite staircase leading up to the front portal from Senate Square is almost 200 feet wide.
Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
High on a hill in the Katajanokka neighborhood is the stunning Uspenski Cathedral. The Byzantine-Russian church was built in 1868 using bricks from the Bomarsund Fortress after it was destroyed during the Crimean War. The church’s best architectural feature is a dozen gilded onion domes representing the Apostles. They surround the larger central dome symbolizing Christ. Uspenskin Katedraali was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Uspenski Cathedral is Western Europe’s largest Orthodox church. It is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Helsinki.
Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
On the highest hill in Paris, butte Montmartre, stands the majestic Roman Catholic church called Sacré-Cœur or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Its bright white stone, 272 foot dome and equestrian statues of Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX are spectacular to view at ground level and it becomes more impressive during the exhausting 234 steps to the top. Or you can ride the funicular to see this beautiful, Romanesque-Byzantine church that was completed in 1914. The summit also provides a wonderful view of the city.
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
It took 182 years, from 1163 through 1345, to build one of the most magnificent and famous cathedrals in Europe and perhaps the world: Notre-Dame de Paris or Our Lady of Paris. Surrounded by the Seine on an island called Île de la Cité, this western façade is impressive with its rose window, arches, statues, 226 foot twin towers and a spire soaring almost 300 feet. After marveling at this French Gothic masterpiece, take a tour inside and then walk around the parameter. You will also enjoy the harmony of the cathedral’s ten bells.
6 Parvis Notre Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1738, Augustus III of Poland and Elector of Saxony (reign 1733 – 1763) commissioned Gaetano Chiaveri to design this magnificent Baroque edifice as the Catholic Court Church. When Katholische Hofkirche was finished in 1751, it was connected to the Royal Place (on the right) by a bridge. In 1964, the landmark was designated as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The balustrades are adorned with 78 statues representing rulers, saints, Apostles and biblical figures. The original 11.5 foot sculptures were designed by sculptor Lorenzo Mattielli. The cathedral’s sandstone bell tower on the left is 282 feet tall and crowned with a copper dome. Inside Katholische Hofkirche are the graves of Augustus III and 48 other members of the Wettin family dynasty, the long-time rulers of Saxony.
Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Mustard yellow is an unusual color for a church. Yet, it creates a stunning effect on the Rococo façade of the Theatine Church of St. Cajetan. Saint Cajetan was an Italian Catholic priest (1480 – 1547). In 1524, he co-founded the Theatines, a religious order devoted to the practice of virtue. Construction of the Roman Catholic church began in 1663. The project was not finished until 1768. The twin towers stand a majestic 233 feet.
Salvatorplatz 2A, 80333 München, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Rostock Astronomical Clock was built in 1472 and restored in 1643. This historic timepiece stands behind the altar of St. Mary’s Church. This top half features a procession of the Apostles. They circle the figure of Christ everyday at noon. Just below it are hands displaying the time, zodiac, phases of the moon and sun. This masterpiece was created by clockmaker Hans Düringer. According to legend, after he created a similar clock in Gdańsk, Germany, the authorities were going to blind him so he could never duplicate it. Instead, he escaped to Rostock and was given sanctuary in exchange for building this clock. The inner clockworks are original.
Bei der Marienkirche 2, 18055 Rostock, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Your exploration of the Ancient Agora begins at the Temple of Hephaestus. It was finished in 415 BC after 34 years of construction. Unlike many of the archeological sites in Athens, this structure is largely intact. The project was initiated by Pericles (495 – 429 BC), a leader of the Athenian democracy. He sponsored numerous buildings during the 5th century BC including the Parthenon. This Golden Age of Athens is also called the Age of Pericles. The temple is dedicated to Hephaestus. The son of Zeus and Hera was the Greek god of craftsmen, artisans and sculptors. He was also the blacksmith to the gods on Mount Olympus. Among his many consorts was his wife Aphrodite. She was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The temple served as the Orthodox Church of Saint George Akamates from the 7th century AD until 1834. The ancient structure was a museum until 1934.
Temple of Hephaestus, Ancient Agora, Athina 105 55, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Greek god of healing, the arts and the sun. After killing the giant serpent Python to protect his mother on Mount Parnassus, Apollo decided the site should be his first temple. Disguised as a dolphin, he lured Cretan priests and then carried them on his back to Delphi. There have been three Temples of Apollo at Delphi. The first – built in the 7th century BC – was wooden decorated with laurel branches. A marble replacement was constructed in 513 BC and then toppled by an earthquake in 373 BC. It measured 71 by 190 feet. You are looking at the ruins of the third temple finished in 330 BC. The Doric structure followed the same footprint of the earlier version. The Oracle of Delphi used to sit in the inner sanctuary below the remaining columns. This temple was destroyed by order of Roman emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD.
Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
There are hundreds of churches and chapels on Mykonos Island. Few are as quaint and picturesque as Agios Nikolaos Church. Its namesake is Saint Nicholas. He lived during the 4th century and is the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. The blue dome of this Cycladic church matches the water in the Old Port leading to the Aegean Sea.
Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The powerful messages described in the Book of Revelation initially inspired and frightened thousands of Greco-Roman people. Devout converts began arriving to see where John had his inspirations. Ever since, the cave and later the monastery have been the destination for Christian pilgrimages. In 1981, the Greek Parliament designated Patmos as the Holy Island. Patmos is also called the Sacred Land of the Aegean, the Jerusalem of the Aegean and the Island of the Apocalypse.
Monastery of St. John, Chora, Patmos 855 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The visual pride of Parque Central is Catedral de Santiago. The first cathedral on this site along the eastern edge of the square was constructed in 1545. It collapsed in 1583. The magnificent replacement was consecrated in 1680. Beneath a large dome were multiple chapels and naves. They were filled with paintings, statues and an exquisite altar crafted by talented European artisans. Earthquakes partially destroyed the Catholic church in 1717 and again in 1751. Renovations occurred after each disaster. The final devastating blow was in 1773. Since then, the façade was reconstructed. Inside you can tour several ruined sections. This is now Parroquia de San José (Parish Church of Saint Joseph).
Templo de San José Catedral, 4 Avenida Sur 1, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest because of its architectural beauty. Another reason is the observation deck. You can climb 364 steps or take an elevator to the top in order to enjoy a 360° view of the city. Szent István Bazilika is 315 feet tall, the same height as the Hungarian Parliament dome. This equality symbolizes the balance between church and state. No building in Budapest can be taller than these two landmarks.
Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Minorite Order of monks arrived in Eger during the 13th century. Their first church survived until the 18th century despite witnessing several invasions. The current structure with twin bell towers was designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer and dedicated in 1771 to Saint Anthony of Padua. He was a 13th century friar and the patron saint of lost souls, people and objects. This superb example of Baroque architecture – one of the finest in Europe – graces Dobó Square.
Eger, Dobó István tér 4, 3300 Hungary Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
High atop Castle Hill, with a sweeping view of Esztergom, Hungary, is the world’s 8th largest church. The inside space is over 18,300 feet (almost equivalent to 3 1/2 miles). It also has a long name: Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven and St. Adalbert. Plus, it has the record for the largest painting on a single canvas (44 x 33 feet). Built on the ruins of previous churches that date back to 1010, this Catholic Basilica was finished in 1856.
Macskaút & Berényi Zsigmond u., Esztergom, 2500 Hungary Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Shortly after Icelanders adopted Christianity circa 1000 AD, Olaf II, King of Norway, sent a supply of Scandinavian wood to construct a church at Þingvellir. Five hundred years later, Pingvallakirkja moved to its present location. This reproduction was constructed in 1859. Adjacent to Þingvellir Church is the Icelandic National Cemetery. Among the famous people interred here is Einar Benediktsson. During the first half of the 20th century, he was a leader of Iceland’s Nationalist Movement and an advocate for renewable energy.
Þingvallakirkja, þingvellir National Park Valhallarvegur, Iceland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Nearly 70% of the country’s citizens are affiliated with the State Church which is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. Yet in 1899, a community of 600 members broke away to establish the Free Church in Reykjavík. Four years later, Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík built this place of worship in city center. Since then, it has been expanded in 1905 and 1924. This landmark with a green roof and spire are especially handsome at sunset reflecting along the eastern edge of Lake Tjörnin.
Hringbraut 80, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The late 19th century Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral sits on a hill where its namesake established a monastery in 606 AD. The French Neo-Gothic structure faced with Cork limestone was designed by William Burges. He was 35 when he won the competition. Unfortunately, this eccentric yet brilliant architect died before the sculptures on this magnificent façade were finished. You may enjoy seeing his work on Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch in the Wales travel guides on the Encircle Photos website.
6 Bishop St, The Lough, Cork, Ireland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Dublin’s oldest building was founded in 1028 by Sigtrygg Silkbeard who was then the Norse King of Dublin. The Gothic structure was expanded several times, most notably in the 12th through 14th centuries and again in the late 1800s. The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is claimed to be the rightful cathedral of both the Church of Ireland and the Catholics yet in practice it is dominated by the Anglicans. This medieval Celtic church is positioned near Wood Quay.
Christchurch Pl, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Round Tower was constructed during the 9th century, Kilkenny’s oldest structure. Tourists are allowed to climb to its 100 foot height. It adorns the 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral. This gothic-design church replaced predecessors, the earliest one named Cill Channigh from the 6th century. The cathedral’s namesake is Cainnech of Aghaboe. Saint Canice was a 6th century missionary and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.
The Close, Coach Rd, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Saint Francis of Assisi founded several Franciscan orders in Italy before his death in 1226. The Greyfriars Abbey was established in 1240 by an Anglo-Norman knight named Sir Hugh Purcell. The friars derived their name from the gray wool robes they wore as a sign of their poverty and humility. The 82 foot tower was added to the French Church during the late 15th century. After the priory and church were confiscated by King Henry VIII in 1540, it became an almshouse called the Holy Ghost Hospital.
4 Bailey's New St, Waterford, Ireland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Cave Number 4 revealed the greatest cache of discoveries. A total of 16,000 document fragments were unearthed. Piecing this large, ancient jigsaw puzzle together required 45 years of painstaking work. The delicate remnants eventually formed 530 scrolls. Collectively, the Dead Sea Scrolls are the earliest version of the Hebrew Bible. They predate a previous one by more than a millennium. Included are all of the books of the Old Testament except for Esther. The scrolls are maintained by the Israel Museum in Jerusalem along with artifacts from Masada.
Qumran National Park, Dead Sea, Israel Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
You might be unimpressed as you stare at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from the courtyard. This will change your mind. You are about to see the Rock of Calvary (or Golgotha) where Jesus was crucified. Also inside is His tomb. The existing complex consists of more than 30 chapels. This is the result of over two millenniums of evolution. In 135 AD, Roman emperor Hadrian built a pagan temple here. In 326, Constantine the Great replaced it with a church surrounding where he believed Jesus was killed on the cross and buried (he also commissioned a church in Bethlehem where Jesus was born). From 614 through 1808, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre suffered numerous occupations, fires and earthquakes. Each time, it has been rebuilt or restored. Before you enter, notice the wooden ladder on the second level. It symbolizes the Status Quo. This 1757 decree among six Christian communities agreed no changes – however small – can be made to nine Holy Places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem without a consensus. So, the Immovable Ladder has stayed in place since last used by a mason in 1728.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christian Quarter Rd., Jerusalem, Israel Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The crescendo of the Old City is Temple Mount. The best panoramic view is from the upper terrace at Rabinovich Square. You will be awed while admiring one of the world’s holiest places. Here is a summary of 3,000 years. The First Temple Period (960-586 BC) began when Solomon, the son of King David, built the Temple of God to enshrine the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments tablets. It was razed during the Babylonian Siege of 587 BC. The Second Temple Period started in 538 BC when Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, invited Jews to return from their Babylonian exile. The temple was reconstructed by 516 BC. Toward the end of the era, it was extensively embellished by Herod the Great, king of Judea (37 BC – 4 BC). An estimated 10,000 workers were involved in the 46 year project. In 70 AD, the Second Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed by the Romans. All that was left standing was the Western Wall. There were futile attempts to build a Third Temple during the next 567 years. In 638, the Arabs conquered Jerusalem. They named it Madinat bayt al-Maqdis meaning City of the Temple. Upon the ruins of the former temple, they built al-Aqsa Mosque. The Farthest Mosque has been rebuilt, expanded or renovated ten times. The mosque holds 5,000 worshipers and covers 12 acres. The lead dome on the left covers the Al-Qibli Chapel. Muslims believe Muhammad traveled here from Mecca during the Night Journey in 621. On the lower right is The Davidson Center, an archeological park that has revealed Second Temple artifacts. Above is the Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives. On top of the hill is the Rehavam Overlook (in front of the Seven Arches Hotel) where the initial photos in this travel guide were taken.
Rabinovich Square, Jerusalem, Israel Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
An iconic Catholic church is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy, but most people call it Duomo. Construction started in 1296, the dome was added in 1436, and the exterior was completed in 1887. The octagonal, ribbed dome required four million bricks. It soars 375 feet up to the copper ball and cross that was co-designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Piazza del Duomo, 5, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
What is the highest-ranking church in the Catholic religion? If you guessed Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, you are off by about 2.5 miles. The answer is the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. This is also the cathedral of the pope. The papal basilica is owned by the Holy See despite being located in Italian territory. And because it was consecrated in 324 AD, it is the Western Hemisphere’s oldest basilica. Surprisingly, this façade by architect Alessandro Galilei was finished over 1,400 years later in 1735. The co-patrons are Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. This amazing major basilica – only one of four in the world – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Any photo gallery of world religion must include St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Many people mistakenly believe it is a cathedral and the mother church for Roman Catholics. Instead, it is one of four Major Basilicas. As the world’s largest church and arguably one of the finest buildings through the 17th century, it richly deserves every accolade since it was finished in 1626. Please see more photos of St. Peter’s Basilica in the “Tiber River to Vatican Walk” travel guide in the “Italy-Rome” collection on the Encircle Photos website.
St. Peter's Basilica Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Fushimi Inari Taisha was established in 711 at Mount Inari as the first shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Today, Japan has over 30,000 shrines honoring Inari. This is the primary one. Your excitement will build as you approach the entrance and see the first magnificent building in the background: Rōmon. According to legend, Japanese lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi commissioned the Tower Gate in 1589 after his prayers to Inari Ōkamito were answered to cure his ailing mother. This structure is also known as Sakura-mon meaning Plum Blossom Gate.
Japan, 〒612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Shizuoka Sengen Jinja is a complex of 26 Important Cultural Properties. Three Shinto shrines co-exist on about 11 acres: Kanbe Jinja, Asama Jinja and Otoshimioya Jinja. Their origin ranges from 1,100 to over 2,000 years old. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded Japan’s Tokugawa period (1603 – 1868), celebrated his coming of age here as a teenager. In 1582, when Ieyasu had become a master warlord, he burned the shrines down as part of a battle strategy but vowed to rebuild if he was victorious. In 1586, he kept his promise and sponsored a major reconstruction. They were restored again during the 19th century and then extensively renovated in 2013.
102-1 Miyagasaki-chō, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, 420-0868, Japan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Japanese New Year is called Shogatsu. Hatsumōde is the tradition of worshiping at a shrine or temple during the three-day holiday. Millions of people visit the popular shrines in Tokyo. These arched lights were a canopy for thousands of people as they walked towards Meiji Shrine near midnight on New Year’s Eve. That shrine welcomed 3.45 million visitors in 1998.
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-8557, Japan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
According to legend, in 628 AD, two brothers netted a golden statue while fishing. A local chieftain, Haji no Nakatomo, recognized the image as Kannon – deity of mercy and an assistant to Amida Buddha – and built a temple for the treasure. Warlords helped to grow Sensoji Temple during the 10th and 11th centuries. After the third Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, significantly expanded the temple while ruling Japan (1623 – 1651) and then abandoned it in 1625, the populace increasingly embraced Sensō-ji during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868). Now the city’s oldest temple is a pilgrimage for believers and a major attraction for curious tourists. Adjacent to it is the Asakusa-jinja shrine.
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
When this hexastyle temple was built on a ridge during the reign of Roman Emperor Antoninus Fulvus Pius in the mid-2nd century, it was dedicated to Artemis. This twin sister of Apollo and daughter of Zeus was the mythological Greek deity of hunting and virginity. She was also the patron of the city. The Hellenistic temple measures 531 by 396 feet. These steps lead up to the platform and the chamber where the cella or inner sanctuary was previously located. The temple was excavated during the 1930s.
Artemis Temple, Jerash, Jordan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
You must walk along a cliff hugging pathway and climb 800 narrow steps to reach the al-Deir Plateau. If this sounds too hard, you can hitch a ride on a donkey for a negotiated fee. This sounds like fun at first but quickly feels treacherous. But when you arrive at this dusty courtyard, your pilgrimage is worth this magnificent view. The name Monastery is derived from when this building was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine Period.
The Monastery, Ad Deir, Petra, Jordan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Tourists cruising on the Mekong River are often dropped off at Ban Xang Hai in Laos because it is the Whiskey Village. But it only takes 15 minutes to see the distilleries and walk by a few merchants on a dusty path while marveling at their simple lives. And then, shining brightly in the center of this impoverished community is this elegant and colorful Lao Buddhism temple. It speaks volumes about the villagers’ priorities and how they are devoted to the Theravada tradition of Buddhism.
Ban Xang Hai, Laos Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The spectacular highlight of Wat Chaiyamangkalaram is the reclining Buddha. This position represents Shakyamuni Buddha on his deathbed at the age of 80 in either 544 or 545 BCE. Having already reached nirvana in his lifetime, he is preparing for parinirvana, the ultimate state after death. This gilded Buddha colossi – also called the sleeping Buddha – is an enormous 108 feet long, the world’s third largest. Look closely at the eyes and toenails. They are made from mother of pearl.
17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Blue Mosque’s dome looks large from a distance. When you stand nearby, you are humbled by its size. The measurements of this blue and silver, crisscrossed dome are 167 feet in diameter and 350 feet in height. This makes Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque’s dome the largest religious one in the world. Notice the Arabic calligraphy at the base.
Blue Mosque, Persiaran Masjid St., 40000 Shah Alam, Malaysia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady dominates the center of Mosta, a small town of about 20,000 people in the center of Malta. When St Marija Assunta was consecrated in 1871, the town’s population was 90% smaller. So, it is a delightful surprise to see such gorgeous Neoclassical architecture here. Among its features are ten Ionic columns forming the portico, the pediment with its delicate reliefs and two flanking bell towers. Even more surprising? It has the world’s fourth largest unsupported dome! That is why the Roman Catholic church is proudly called The Mosta Dome.
Rotunda Square, Mosta, Malta Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 1657, six Catholic churches have existed on this site in downtown Fort-de-France but all were destroyed, usually by a natural disaster. The St. Louis Cathedral was built in 1895, restored in 1978 and was being refurbished in 2015. It is nicknamed the “Iron Cathedral” because of its iron beams designed to survive hurricanes and earthquakes. This steeple rises 187 feet.
Rue Victor Schoelcher & Rue Blenac, Fort-de-France, Martinique Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
At Chichen Itza, all roads (called sacbe in Mayan meaning white way) lead back to El Castillo. So after admiring each set of buildings, you find yourself back in the center of the Great Plaza for another look at El Castillo. This time examine the Upper Temple. This top terrace has four doors and, as the tallest structure in the former Mayan city, was probably reserved for important religious ceremonies. Since excavation of Chichen Itza began in the mid-19th century, it was assumed El Castillo was filled with rubble. But in the mid-1930s, a team began digging down from the Upper Terrace and discovered an inner temple containing statues and a Jaguar Throne.
Chichen Itza Parking Lot, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, México Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Mayan civilization began circa 2000 B.C. and extended through parts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Seven significant ruin sites are in the state of Quintana Roo which includes resort cities like Cancun and Cozumel. This Maya ruin in the Yucatan is the stepped Temple Pyramid at Chacchoben near Costa Maya, Mexico. It was built around 700 A.D. and discovered in 1972.
Limones Mayan Ruin, Quintana Roo, Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
La Crucecita is a small, Mexican community that houses many workers serving the nearby resort town of Huatulco and its 36 beaches. Overlooking the main square is La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church. Inside is a 65 foot painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Also called Our Lady of Guadalupe, it recounts the story of the Virgin Mary appearing to a peasant named Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill in Mexico in 1531. He was declared a saint in 2002.
Calle Gardenia & Flamboyán H, 70987 Crucecita, Oax., Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Hassan II Mosque is the most revered and famous landmark in Casablanca since its completion in 1993 at a cost exceeding $600 million. The unique designed by Michel Pinseau extends over the Atlantic Ocean. Its name is a tribute to Hassan II. He was the King of Morocco from 1961 until 1999. The 690 foot minaret is the world’s tallest. About 25,000 faithful can pray inside of its foundation measuring 660 feet long and 300 feet wide. This size qualifies it as the third largest mosque in the world.
Hassan II Mosque, Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca 20000, Morocco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Kairaouine Mosque is the holiest and second largest in Morocco. Also called Al-Qarawiyyin, it was commissioned by Fatima al-Fihri in 857. Two years later, she founded a madrasa (school) named Al Quaraouiyine. It is now considered to be the world’s oldest university. In the mosque courtyard (called a sahn) is a water basin for wudu, the ritual purification of the body and partial ablution. The arched wall in the background is a mihrab. It points towards the Kaaba in Mecca and is faced during prayer. Behind the cedar wood screen is the main prayer hall. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering this area.
Mosquee et Universite Karaouiyne, Fes, Morocco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
A prominent church in a city tends to have the finest architecture and reflects the local culture and history. Delft has two churches fitting this description. Oude Kerk was named St. Bartholomew’s when established in 1246. The 246 foot, leaning brick bell tower was added a century later. Even more impressive is this 357 foot bell tower of Nieuwe Kerk (originally called St. Ursula’s). Construction of this Gothic beauty spanned 100 years starting in 1396. In 1584, William of Orange – the founder of the House of Orange-Nassau and father of the Netherlands – was assassinated and entombed in the New Church. The tradition has continued with every Dutch monarch.
Markt 80, 2611 GW Delft, Netherlands Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Another spectacular Gothic Revival landmark in the northern suburb of City Rise is St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The facade features pinnacles with crockets plus lacelike ornamentation around a rose and elegant lancet stained-glass windows. They are offset by contrasting Water of Leith bluestone and Oamaru limestone. This Roman Catholic church opened in 1886. The original design by Francis Petre envisioned a 200 foot central spire.
288 Rattray St, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Nearly 80% of Bergen’s population worship at the Church of Norway, an Evangelical Lutheran denomination. This cathedral for the Diocese of Bjørgvin is Bergen Domkirke. When founded in 1181, the church was dedicated to Saint Olaf. Olaf II Haraldsson was the king of Norway from 1015 to 1028 and canonized in 1164. The former Catholic diocese changed affiliation during the Lutheran Reformation of Denmark and Norway in 1537. Soon afterwards, the Bergen Cathedral was reconstructed. During subsequent renovations in the 17th and 19th centuries, efforts were made to retain its Middle Ages appearance. Look to the left of the large lancet window. The hole is from a British cannonball fired at a Dutch convoy during the Battle of Bergen in 1665.
Domkirkeplassen 1, 5003 Bergen, Norway Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 160 AD, theologians believe this cave in Bethlehem within the Palestinian Territory was where the Virgin Mary gave birth to her son, Jesus Christ. This grotto entrance sits below the Church of Nativity. This “new” basilica was built in 565 AD and is collectively managed by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities. Walking through this entrance is a highlight of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Church of Nativity, Manger St, Bethlehem Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions