One of the key sites to see when visiting the capital city of Bratislava in Slovakia is St. Martin’s Cathedral. For 267 years, the church hosted the coronations of Hungarian kings and queens making it a significant landmark in the region. The church itself is 800 years old and in 1291 it was rebuilt to be part of the city walls. Although the walls no longer fully surround the old town area, part of the wall still exists. The interior of the cathedral is quite large with many interesting pieces of artwork.
St. Martin’s CathedralImpressive ArtworkOrnate PewsOne of the Sculptures within St. Martin’s Cathedral Large Interior of the CathedralWall Connected to the St. Martin’s Cathedral
The current cathedral was built in 1452 and features four chapels. There is the chapel of Sophia of Bavaria, the chapel of St. Anne, and the chapel of St. John the Merciful. The portal of the southern antechamber is considered to be one of the oldest examples of Renaissance architecture in Slovakia. The dome on the clock tower of St. Martin’s Cathedral can be seen from throughout the area. The church is certainly a highlight of any visit to Bratislava.
Detailed ArtworkPulpit in the Main ChamberMemorial Reliefs in the ChurchCarving on a PewThe Organ PipesCathedral Ceiling
There are many cathedrals in Europe that were built in the gothic architecture and the Cologne Cathedral in Germany is definitely one of the more stunning examples. To say that the cathedral dominates the skyline of Cologne would be an understatement as it is clearly the focal point from wherever you are standing. If you enter or pass through Cologne via the train, you certainly can’t miss the cathedral as it is literally a few hundred meters from the train station. It is the tallest twin-spire church in Europe and draws thousands of visitors from around the world on an annual basis.
Beautiful Gothic ArchitectureAmazing DetailsLooking Up at the One of the Spires
The cathedral was undergoing renovations at the time of our visit as the stones of the church had turned black over time, but are now being renewed to their original luster. The details of façade are overwhelming as there are so many interesting features to see as you walk the grounds of the cathedral. Although the city has put height restrictions in place to ensure that the cathedral remains the highest structure in the area, the Museum Ludwig sits very near the cathedral. It is a strange juxtaposition between the historic cathedral and the modern buildings that house contemporary art.
Cathedral and MuseumDominating the SkylineSo Much to See
Construction began on the cathedral in 1248, but was not fully completed until 1880. There was no work done on the cathedral between the late 15th century and the 19th century, but when construction resumed, it was completed based upon the original plans. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site and certainly one of the most magnificent cathedrals in all of Europe. During the evenings, the sides of church are lit up so that it virtually glows against the night sky.
Cathedral at NightLit Up Against the Black SkyLooking Up at the Cathedral
There are many reasons to visit Cologne with its medieval old town, museums, and waterfront district, but the Cologne Cathedral or Kölner Dom is most certainly the highlight of any visit. Viewing the gothic architecture, the stained glass windows, and impressive buttresses is something that you will never forget. The Cologne Cathedral is certainly one of the finest examples of a medieval church to be found anywhere in the world.
So Many Amazing WindowsMain Entrance to the CathedralGothic DetailsButtresses
Caves have provided shelter and safety since the beginning of mankind, so it isn’t surprising that they have also served as places of worship over the centuries. Sometimes they are revered for the historical impact of the location and then become a place where people come to visit in the future based on their faith. Other places serve as actual places of worship just like any traditional temple or church. We have seen several different locations during our travels and each of them was unique and interesting in their own ways. There are so many fascinating places to discover when traveling and finding these caves that inspire people are certainly among them.
Cavern Where the Holy Family Stayed Well Where the Family DrankCrowds Enjoying the Church
Abu Serga Church (The Cavern Church) in Cairo, Egypt – Located in Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, the Abu Serga Church (also called the Cavern Church and officially the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church) was built over the cavern where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were supposed to have rested at the end of their journey in Egypt. Even during the offseason when we visited, there were long lines to make your way down to the cave and see the altar housed within. The church itself is also very interesting with many historical relics on display.
Altar Within Cave ChurchMain AltarWalking into Cave Church from the Entrance
The Cave Church in Budapest, Hungary – Located at the base of Gellert Hill, the hill that the Citadella (fortress) sits atop, is a system of caves. One of the caves was converted into a chapel in the 1920’s and even served as a hospital for the Germans during WWII. The atmosphere within Cave Church is interesting due to the lack of natural light and the rugged cavern walls. After its conversion to a hospital by the NAZI army during the war, it returned to serving as a church until 1951 when the Soviet Union had it shut down. The chapel was raided by the Soviet Army, the monks arrested, and the cave sealed up until Budapest regained their freedom in 1989. Today, the monks of the Pauline Order continue to operate the church and hold religious functions on the site as well as maintain it as a tourist attraction.
Temple Inside Huong Tich CaveMarker Within the CaveExiting Huong Tich Cave
Huong Tich Cave at Perfume Pagoda in Vietnam – Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples located about a couple of hours outside of Hanoi in Vietnam. At the heart of the complex is Huong Tich Cave and within the cave is Chua Trong or the Inner Temple. During the festival time, from late January through early March, thousands of people visit the temple and the 2.5 km (1.5 mile) path that takes you up to the cave is lined with vendor stalls selling food, gifts, and objects to use as an offering. In order to reach the Perfume Pagoda complex, you need to take an almost hour long boat ride (less if you take a motorized boat) through the beautiful countryside.
Shrine Inside of the Saint Thomas CaveHandprint Worn into the RockBleeding Cross
Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica in Chennai, India – After going to several Hindu temples during our stay in Chennai, going to the Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilica was a unique experience. The church is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, which is one of only three churches in the world to be built over the tomb of a disciple. For a small donation, you are able to enter the cave where Saint Thomas hid and there is even a rock that is supposed to have been worn down by his hand. There is also a spring that is just outside of the cave called the Saint Thomas Fountain, which supposed provided healing powers to those that came to listen to him and people still drink from it today in order to be cured. There is a cross carved into a rock that was believed to be carved by Saint Thomas and many believers report that it continues to bleed to this very day.
Regardless of your beliefs, seeing such unique places of worship is certainly interesting for a variety of reasons. The backdrop of the caves and caverns, some of them natural and some of them man-made add to the uniqueness of these locations.
