Beyond Belief: Discovering the World's Most Magnificent Religious Buildings.

Magna-Carta

Magna-Carta

Senior Member
Location
UK
Whether you are a believer or not, I think most of us can marvel in some of the breath taking beauty and intricate designs of religious architecture from around the world.

Share photos, articles, and insights on the fascinating history and cultural significance of houses of worship, from grand Cathedrals to humble Chapels, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues, and Gurdwaras. You name it, you post it.
 

A place I have visited, Salisbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, renowned for its soaring spire and beautiful stained glass windows. Built in the 13th century, it has stood as a symbol of faith and community for over 800 years. The cathedral is home to one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, a document that has played a significant role in shaping modern democracies.

The intricate carvings and stonework throughout the cathedral tell the stories of saints and biblical figures, inviting visitors to contemplate the rich history and cultural heritage of the Christian faith. Whether you are a religious pilgrim or simply an admirer of art and architecture, Salisbury Cathedral is a must-see destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Salisbury Cathedral, in peaceful magical Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Well I say peaceful, unless you are a former Russian military officer and double agent working for the UK's intelligence services. (Sergei Skripal)


Turn the sound down, if you prefer?

 
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This cathedral in Denver on Colfax Ave, not far from East High School where a student shot several people not too long ago. It's the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception:
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I have visited here many times, including weekends in York itself. York City being know as Jorvik in Viking times, Eboracum in Roman Times.

York Minster is one of the most remarkable examples of Gothic architecture in the world, with a fascinating history that spans over 800 years. From its stunning stained glass windows to its imposing towers, every inch of this magnificent cathedral tells a story of faith, art, and human achievement. Build over previous religious sites, and over a Roman fortress.

The cathedral has seen many important events in English history, including the coronation of several monarchs, and has survived wars, fires, and political upheavals. Despite all this, it still stands as a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and devotion. Its beauty and grandeur are awe-inspiring, and it is hard not to feel a sense of wonder and reverence when standing in its shadow. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, York Minster is a must see destination. As is the walled city it sits within.

York Minster, York, North Yorkshire, England.

 
I love to visit magnificent cathedrals to admire the stained glass, the arches, the beautiful altars and chapels. I soak up the peace that I feel in a quiet place like that. I feel the same way about beautiful mosques and synagogues.

But sometimes, the most peaceful and holiest are the most humble. I visited El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico, which is about as humble as you can get, with folk art being the decorations. I went in for a brief visit, but as I stood there, I started crying and couldn't stop. I wasn't sad, but there I was bawling my eyes out. I have no idea why it affected me that way and I'm not what you would call an actively religious person but I do believe that there are holy places on earth.

I calmed myself down, and went out to tour the rest of the area. I came back a couple of hours later and went into the church again. Again, the waterworks. And again, I wasn't sad. Something just made me cry. Maybe it was the Holy Spirit coming into me, maybe it was evil going out of me.

The only other time I've cried like that was in St. Peter's in Rome, standing in front of the Pieta. But then, I was pregnant so it could be the hormones.
 
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The Hagia Sophia is a mosque and major cultural and historical site in Istanbul, Turkey.

The mosque was originally built as an Eastern Orthodox church and was used as such from the year 360 until the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453.

It served as a mosque until 1935, when it became a museum.

In 2020, the site once again became a mosque.

minarets added in the 15thā€“16th centuries when it became a mosque.
 
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RadishRose said:
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The Hagia Sophia is a mosque and major cultural and hwhen the originalistorical site in Istanbul, Turkey.

The mosque was originally built as an Eastern Orthodox church and was used as such from the year 360 until the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453.

It served as a mosque until 1935, when it became a museum.

In 2020, the site once again became a mosque.
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I visited Hagia Sophia back in the sixties when the original church, then mosque, had been turned into a museum, and the strikingly beautiful mosaic murals, real treasures of the ancient world, that were covered when it had become a mosque, were on display. Now that it is back to being a mosque those murals have no doubt been covered again. Sad.
 
Imagine the amount of effort needed to start building this abbey in the year 966. The island that this abbey sits on still gets cut off by the tide. The tides here are said to be able to outpace a galloping horse. Victor Hugo and Jules Verne have written about the island, and it has been the subject of paintings by artists like Claude Monet and Paul Signac.

Fortified to resist the attacks of the English, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is a remarkable piece of medieval architecture located on a tidal island. Its construction began in 966 and it has been added to and renovated over the centuries. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year, thanks to its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history.

Over the years, Mont Saint Michel has served as a fortress, a prison, and a place of pilgrimage. The abbey features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and enjoys stunning views of the surrounding bay.


Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France.

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I would recommend opening this video in full screen.

 
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Magna-Carta said:
Imagine the amount of effort needed to start building this abbey in the year 966. The island that this abbey sits on still gets cut off by the tide. The tides here are said to be able to outpace a galloping horse. Victor Hugo and Jules Verne have written about the island, and it has been the subject of paintings by artists like Claude Monet and Paul Signac.

Fortified to resist the attacks of the English, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is a remarkable piece of medieval architecture located on a tidal island. Its construction began in 966 and it has been added to and renovated over the centuries. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year, thanks to its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history.

Over the years, Mont Saint Michel has served as a fortress, a prison, and a place of pilgrimage. The abbey features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and enjoys stunning views of the surrounding bay.


Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France.

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I've seen photos of this amazing structure before, but the video made it come alive. Breath taking!
 

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