Even though I grew up [kind of] Catholic (got baptized and such), my family and I have never been religious. We 100% believe in God, and we would call ourselves spiritual rather than religious. Every now and then we enjoy churches and even mass but our beliefs are mostly spiritual matching those of Meher Baba.
I enjoy visiting historic churches and temples when I travel, there is so much past and culture in them. I especially enjoy being amazed by the architecture of centuries old. Although I have visited many religious buildings, I could only find pictures of a few. Please enjoy:
I remember seeing this religious building being restored as soon as I got out of a train and exited the train station in some city in Europe. I just can’t remember which! Do you know?
This Russian white church is found in Moscow and I am not sure what it’s called.
This stained glass masterpiece is found inside the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This French Gothic architecture cathedral was essentially complete by 1345 and is one of the most well-known church buildings in the world.
The Steeple of St Giles’ Church in Wrexham, is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. This Medieval Church was started to be built on 1506.
This beautiful Buddhist altar was all made in Japan but is located at the Oregon Buddhist Temple in Portland. We were invited to attend a service in 2013 and we gladly accepted.
A quartet playing just outside Trinity United Methodist Church located at Church St. in Durham, North Carolina. 1832 marks the beginning of the history of this church.
This is the Metropolitan Cathedral found at the historic zocalo in Mexico City.
And this is the Altar of Forgiveness found inside the Metropolitan Cathedral.
“There are two stories about how the name of this altar came about. The first states that those condemned by the Spanish Inquisition were brought to the altar to ask for forgiveness in the next world before their execution. The second relates to painter Simon Pereyns, who despite being the author of many of the works of the cathedral, was accused of blasphemy. According to the story, while Pereyns was in jail, he painted such a beautiful image of the Virgin Mary that his crime was forgiven.” quote source
This Russian church with a dramatic name, The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, is found in Saint Petersburg. This Church was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was severely wounded and died in March 1881. The church was built from 1883 till 1907.
This is Meher Baba’s Samadhi in Ahmednagar, India where people from all over the world come to sing and pray; a very peaceful place.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia is one of my favorite buildings in the world, I mean just look at it. It is located at the famous Red Square in the city and was was built from 1555–61 on orders from Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan.
And of course I couldn’t make a “religious buildings” post without including the Vatican. Above is Raphael’s fresco: Disputation of the Holy Sacrament inside one of the Raphael rooms which are the public part of the papal apartments in the Palace of the Vatican.
These are grounds of the Vatican Museums which were founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century.
Are you religious? Do you like visiting religious places?
A New Life Wandering 
Oh WOW! Talk about traveling the world of churches and religions and architecture. Marvelous entry. Thanks 🙂
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Thanks Cee! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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The “train station church” is, I believe, the Kölner Dom.
I like this post, and it reminds me of something I wrote on the subject just last week! Con permiso, here is the link: http://gringopotpourri.com/2015/04/03/what-religion-means-to-me/
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your own article in my comments section. And sorry for the hijack. 🙂
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Oh! It could very well be! The photo was taken during a eurotrip I took in 2008. I’m pretty sure I stopped by Koln simply to change trains.
Please feel free to share relevant posts any time. I’d like to read your post when I’m less tired. Thanks for sharing it and solving the church mystery!
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St Basil’s literally takes the cake
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hmm.. literally? hehe
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I too enjoy visiting historical churches and missions and share your sentiment regarding religion. Fantastic collection of photos that really showcases your travels.
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As usual I can’t choose just one. I love visiting holy, sacred spaces and places. I was raised Catholic as well and don’t consider myself religious at all. I love stained glass, the sun shining on the steeple, but the ones that stick out to me are the Russian Cathedrals. Looks like candy, lol. Saludos. Enjoy your trip “home” 😉
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As a Christian, I love to attend church with friends and family when we travel. (It is fun to see what their service is like and how it differs from what I am used to.) As your post showed, it is just as much fun from the outside of the church! BTW, it is too hard to pick a favorite!
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Congratulations! I have chosen this post to be featured on Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge.
http://ceenphotography.com/2015/04/14/cees-fun-foto-challenge-close-ups/
I sure hope your week is starting out fabulously.
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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I do enjoy your “around the world” posts. 🙂
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Wow! Some great photos of wonderful buildings there! 🙂
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Thanks Linda!
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Spectacular collection of religious buildings. You have inspired me to make a St. Basil’s Cathedral inspired mandala!
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That is so awesome! That’s sounds great. I’d love to see it 🙂
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Hey Mani!
It’s all steeples, painted glass windows, monasteries, tomes and sanctums. The best part is that you’ve compiled it well and it is all so readable…thank you for this compilation. Lucky you! Travelling with someone who shares your life and your dreams! Best wishes both of you!
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Hi Cyrus! Thanks for your kind words. I wish you the best as well.
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