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Florence Cathedral is the fourth largest in Europe. Its construction started in 1296 by architect Arnolfo di Cambio. The main task of the architect was to create a huge cathedral, which size would express the growing importance of Florence, and overshadow the cathedrals in the competing cities, such as Siena and Pisa. Finally, there was built a huge, 106 meter high building that really can not be overlooked. Moreover, it is complemented by the largest dome since antiquity period. This masterpiece of medieval architecture was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dedication of the cathedral was in 1436. The original facade, of which only a quarter was completed by Arnolfo di Cambio was removed in 1587. The present appearance dates back to 1887, when the Florence Cathedral got the colourful Neo-Gothic facade.

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Rich outdoor decor contrasts markedly with, at first sight, a simple interior. The building is so obvious that the main aim of the architects was the size. However, if you look carefully, you discover a surprising number of art treasures. One of them is the crypt, where can be seen remains of the former church of Santa Reparata, and the dome, which is a masterful architectural work of Brunelleschi, and which offers a beautiful view of Florence.

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In Florence Cathedral you can also admire great paintings. On the left side you can see such as Dante and the Divine Comedy by Domenico di Micheli, equestrian portraits of Sir John Hawkwood by Paolo Uccello or Niccolo da Tolentino by Andrea del Castagno.

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The real treasures of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore include two sacristy. Sacrestia Nuova, which is the work of Michelozzo and Luca della Robbia, is paneled with wood and protected by a bronze gate. Above the entrance is a blue and white terra-cotta roundels from 1442 also by Luca della Robbia. By contrast, there is Sacrestia Vecchia, which is adorned with a similar roundels from the same artist. Between those two sacristies is the central apse, which houses the magnificent bronze reliquary in which are deposited the remains of the first bishop of Florence, Saint Zenobius.

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The most striking feature is the unusual dome’s roof with 135 towers and innumerable statues and gargoyles. In clear weather you can see the Alps with the Matterhorn from the towers. For the lovers of Gothic architecture, the Duomo is a masterpiece of perfectly made ​​decorations.

Cathedral windows dating from the 15th century, are among the largest in Europe. In the nave, near the entrance, you can see the largest sundial in the world (dating back to 1786).

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Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the most popular buildings in the whole European continent. It is also known to be the largest cathedral of all cathedrals in Italy and the second largest one in Europe (just after Seville Cathedral). It consists of five naves, which supports 52 columns. The highest point of the cathedral is La Madonnina (the statue of the Virgin Mary) from the 18th century, which is now the symbol of Milan.

The project of cathedral was meant to help all those who are helpless and ordinary people who are suffering or suffered under the ruling of tyrant Bernabò. During the construction of this cathedral a large amount of donations were collected from people and soon the news of construction spread with the people.

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The Winchester Cathedral is considered to be the worship place for Christians on the present cathedral for more than two millennia. According to the research on history of this church, the building was built on the same place already in AD 169, when Lucius, king of the Britons, was converted to Christianity. As per these evidences the Winchester Cathedral is measured to be far older cathedral than the Canterbury.

It is found that the church has been destroyed several times and have been rebuilt the same number of times. The most popular bishop of the Winchester cathedral was St. Swithin. He was considered to be named as the bishop of Winchester cathedral in the early 852 and was very popular for his services to the poor and helpless in the name of humanity. There is also not a lot of information about him to be known. The present-day building of Winchester cathedral was built in the year 1079 in the Baroque style.

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Final finishing works were carried out under the guidance of architect Henry Hetzel. From 1529 until 1945 it served to the Protestants. It was destroyed during the World War II and then undergone extensive reconstruction, just like many other monuments in Poland. The interior of the church is furnished with a Gothic, manneristic and baroque furniture. You can see here also several memorial plaques of the leading local families.

This truly monstrous Gothic building has the shape of the cross and features a great nave and huge windows along the entire perimeter. You should visit it early in the morning when the sun is still low – it’s worth to wake up early!

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Five naves cathedral rises to a height of 36 meters and there are also 45 side chapels. Most important element in the interior is incredible golden altar Capilla Mayor containing the biggest altarpiece in the world. At its 220 m2 containing more than 1000 figures depicting the biblical history worked 26 artists.

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Its middle part was completed in 1521, side parts in the years 1550 to 1564. The altar consists of 45 paintings of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary and is accompanied by paintings of the major Saints of Seville. Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) was built at the north-east corner in the years 1551 to 1575. There are tombs of prominent ruling figures of Seville like Alfonso X (King of Castile, León and Galicia) and his mother Beatrice of Swabia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and his mother. There is also a symbolic tomb of Christopher Columbus from Melide Arthur, which was moved here in 1899 from Havana. Patio de los Naranjos is the only paradise garden of the cathedral. In the middle of which you can find a fountain from Visigothic cathedral.

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The cathedral was built over 600 years. Its eastern part with the chorus and part of the two towers were built in the year 1300. In the 15th century there was added the second floor to the south tower where was placed a bell. Towers were connected with the chorus through a long low building. Cathedral, as we know it today, was built in the 19th century of neo-Gothic style.

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Its official name is Hohen Dom zu Köln. The total length of the cathedral is 144.58 m, width is 86.25 m, and height of tower is 157 m. The median nave is 119 meters long and over 45 m wide, the higher one is the only cathedral in Beauvais, France (48.5 m). The church could accommodate 4,000 people and all windows cover an area of 10,000 m².

Everything that was newly built since 1842, was built according to the original medieval plans.

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The city was founded in the early 13th century, when the bishopric was moved from Old Sarum, an ancient Iron Age fort, which now stands on the northern outskirts of town, about 3 km from the city centre. This place was inhabited already 5000 years ago. The double ditches of this fort are still visible, however there was nothing left from the city inside the walls. Old Sarum was settled by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and the bishops of Sherborne. But over time, they seemed uncomfortable, as this place was plagued by drought and strong winds, therefore, they requested the pope to move to Salisbury. This city is still called New Sarum. In the 19th century Old Sarum had been completely abandoned.

Domination of the city is its Cathedral, which is situated in the beautiful and peaceful district of The Close. There are also located schools, hospitals, theological colleges and hostels clerics. Salisbury cathedral, also known as Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built between 1220 – 1258. Today it is a beautiful example of early English Gothic architecture, characterized by high lancet windows. The uniqueness of the cathedral is primarily in its perfectly uniform architectural concept. The only exception is a majestic tower that was built in the years 1280 – 1310. With its 123 meters it is the tallest spire in the United kingdom. It is quite surprising that the tower still stands, its foundations are only about 2 meters deep and the measurement found that the tower leans up to 77 cm.

But it is not everything that Salisbury Cathedral can offer. You can also see here the oldest working clock in the world from the year 1386, which are exposed on the left side of the cathedral. However the most important monument is the English charter Magna Carta from 1215, which is stored in the Chapter House. It is the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta.

Salisbury Cathedral is famous also for its organ choir. The List of all Organists sorted chronologically in a row from the very beginning can not be overlooked in the cathedral. I must say that the cathedral has much to be proud of. I was lucky enough to hear the choir which was an amazing experience. I definitely recommend you to listen to (they do practice about 1 hour before Mass).

More info you can find at Salisbury Cathedral official website.

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Ulm Minster is the Lutheran church built in the Gothic style with a rich and unique decor. Its construction lasted from 1377 until 1890. Upon completion, about 320 singers met here and sang.

Ulm Minster is a city symbol. It can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Its length is 123.5 meters and width 48.8 meters. Its dominant is 161.5 meters tall tower, which made it the tallest church in the world. From the tower you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city of Ulm. During the nice weather you can even see the Alps.

Fortunately, during the World War II the church was almost not harmed, despite the fact that all the surrounding area was bombed and more than 80% of the buildings were totally destroyed.

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Santa María de León Cathedral was built of golden sandstone, in the Gothic style in the 13th Century. Master Cathedral architect was Enrique. It was built in the place where originally (in the 2nd century BC) stood Roman Spa, which was about 800 years later converted into a palace.

León Cathedral was completed in the 16th century. Today it is a wonderful building and since 1844 it is Spanish National Monument.

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Right at the entrance of the León Cathedral there are three decorated portals. Inside the cathedral there are more than 250 magnificent stained glass windows and a large circular window. Stained glass windows occupy more than 1800 m2.

In León Cathedral you also find cathedral’s museum. You can see there La Virgen Blanca, which is a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. Then the treasury of the 16th century and the cloister decorated with frescoes by Nicolás Frances. Cathedral Museum is in the summer (July-September) open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. On Saturday it is open from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Cathedral is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

But the museum is open all year round, however opening hours are changing, it is better to look at the official site of the León Cathedral. Basic admission fee is 4 €.

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The town of Monreale has today around 25 thousand inhabitants. Thanks to its location near the Sicilian capital city, Monreale has almost become one of the turbulent suburbs of Palermo. But if you visit this site, you should definitely visit The Cathedral of Monreale, which is thanks to its mosaics one of the greatest treasures of this Italian island.

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The Cathedral of Monreale is a kind of monument to Arab, Norman and Byzantine art and architecture. Its construction began in 1172 at the instigation of King William II, who wanted to use the cathedral as his tomb, after his death. Therefore, a court architects tried to overcome other royal temples. Not only the building itself, but also the decor was influenced by French, Islamic and Byzantine designs. The cathedral is a massive three-nave building, 102 meters long. However, it looks quite modest from the outside. West facade is, except of the portal to the ornate gates, very curt. Cathedral is in addition covered by a largely urban area with an adjacent monastery.

You can see the beautiful bronze door from 1186, which are decorated with 42 biblical scenes. There are features of a lion and a griffon here, which were symbols of the Norman royal family. On the left side of the church you can see another bronze door from the year 1179, which are mainly influenced by Byzantine art. But the main attraction is the cathedral’s interior.

So if you’re interested in art and history, the Cathedral of Monreale should really be included on the your must-see list.

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