Europe Explored » church https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Milan Cathedral – the largest cathedral in Italy and 2nd largest in Europe https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/15/milan-cathedral-the-largest-cathedral-in-italy-and-2nd-largest-in-europe/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/15/milan-cathedral-the-largest-cathedral-in-italy-and-2nd-largest-in-europe/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:45:02 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5593 In the heart of Milan stands huge dome, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world – Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). At its widest point measures 92 meters and is 157 metres long. Construction started in the 14th century under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but finished up by more than 500 years later. […]

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In the heart of Milan stands huge dome, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world – Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). At its widest point measures 92 meters and is 157 metres long. Construction started in the 14th century under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but finished up by more than 500 years later. The last work has been performed in order of Napoleon in 1809. Facade of the Milan Cathedral is a dazzling combination of Gothic and Baroque styles.

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, Italy
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by schizoform

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).

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, 2, Italy
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

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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Winchester Cathedral – one of the greatest churches in the world | United Kingdom https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/14/winchester-cathedral-one-of-the-greatest-churches-in-the-world-united-kingdom/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/14/winchester-cathedral-one-of-the-greatest-churches-in-the-world-united-kingdom/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:26:12 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5584 Winchester Cathedral is located in the city of Winchester, in England. It is considered to be one of the greatest churches in the world. It is also the most magnificent cathedral in the whole England without any doubt. The beauty of this cathedral is enhanced by the setting of the magnificent streets of Winchester. It […]

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Winchester Cathedral is located in the city of Winchester, in England. It is considered to be one of the greatest churches in the world. It is also the most magnificent cathedral in the whole England without any doubt. The beauty of this cathedral is enhanced by the setting of the magnificent streets of Winchester. It is the city of delightful modest comprising of some of the beautiful narrow valleys and broad streets. These streets and valleys have been written with plenty of history on each corner of the city. The most magnificent part that gives more significance to this cathedral is that the city was the ancient heart of southern English countryside and was very important in the past.

Winchester Cathedral, United Kingdom
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Steve Cadman

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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Santa Maria del Popolo – notable Augustinian church in Rome | Italy https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/30/santa-maria-del-popolo-notable-augustinian-church-in-rome-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/30/santa-maria-del-popolo-notable-augustinian-church-in-rome-italy/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:40:46 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5293 On the edge of a Roman Piazza del Popolo you can find a Renaissance church of Santa Maria del Popolo. The square and the church was named after the parish, which stood here in the Middle Ages. The interior of the church hides real treasures, therefore you should include also this church into your tour […]

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On the edge of a Roman Piazza del Popolo you can find a Renaissance church of Santa Maria del Popolo. The square and the church was named after the parish, which stood here in the Middle Ages. The interior of the church hides real treasures, therefore you should include also this church into your tour through the streets of Rome.

Santa Maria del Popolo - notable Augustinian church in Rome | Italy
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ho visto nina volare

The church was founded in 1099 over the alleged tomb of Emperor Nero. This place was chosen in order to sanctify this place which was defiled by the pagan tyrant. For many years, allegedly haunted spirit of the emperor in the form of ravens.

Its recent appearance the church finally received during reconstruction works in the 16th and 17th century, which involved architects Bramante and Bernini. The church has elements from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The interior is decorated with the works of prominent artists of this time – Caravaggio, Raphael and many others.

Inside there are chapels of many well-known families. The most precious treasure within the church is the Capella Chigi of 1513, which was ordered at Raphael by banker of Siena Agostino Chigi. Its interior is decorated by altar painting “Birth of the Virgin Mary” by Sebastian del Piombo, and sculptures by Bernini and Lorenzetti.

Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli at Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy
Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (photo by admin)

You can see also other masterpieces here such as paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Pinturicchio located behind the main altar or two tombs by Andrea da Sansovino in the presbytery.

In the church of Santa Maria del Popolo are hidden additional beautiful chapels, for example the Cappella della Rovere or Cappella Ceraso with the paintings by Caravaggio. Stained glass windows in the church are one of the oldest in Rome.

Porta del Popolo Rome Italy
Porta del Popolo (photo by admin)

Piazza del Popolo was designed by Valadier at the beginning of the 9th century and today is considered one of the best urbanistic solutions in the city. In the middle of this great area is the second largest Roman obelisk, brought here by the emperor Augustus and placed at the local fountain. In addition to the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, there are two other churches at the square – Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Another characteristic feature of this large square is the Porta del Popolo, which used to be the most important approach to Rome.


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St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk – the largest Brick Gothic church in the world | Poland https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/25/st-marys-church-in-gdansk-the-largest-brick-gothic-church-in-the-world-poland/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/25/st-marys-church-in-gdansk-the-largest-brick-gothic-church-in-the-world-poland/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:08:08 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5221 One of the greatest landmarks of the Polish city of Gdansk is certainly a medieval brick church of the Virgin Mary. This church of red bricks (indeed almost all the churches in Gdańsk except for Oliwa Cathedral are made of red bricks) boasts world record: it is the largest brick church in the world. Its […]

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One of the greatest landmarks of the Polish city of Gdansk is certainly a medieval brick church of the Virgin Mary. This church of red bricks (indeed almost all the churches in Gdańsk except for Oliwa Cathedral are made of red bricks) boasts world record: it is the largest brick church in the world. Its construction started in 1343, but was completed 150 years later. Now it can hold up to 2,500 worshipers.

St. Mary's Church in Gdańsk - the largest Brick Gothic church in the world | Poland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Kristian Dela Cour

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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Cologne Cathedral – one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/21/cologne-cathedral-one-of-the-best-known-architectural-monuments-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/21/cologne-cathedral-one-of-the-best-known-architectural-monuments-in-germany/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:35:12 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5178 Close to the left bank of the River Rhine rises a massive construction of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). It is a Gothic cathedral built in the French style. It is a symbol of the city of Cologne and one of the largest cathedrals in Germany. More than a hundred columns support an extremely steep arch […]

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Close to the left bank of the River Rhine rises a massive construction of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). It is a Gothic cathedral built in the French style. It is a symbol of the city of Cologne and one of the largest cathedrals in Germany. More than a hundred columns support an extremely steep arch with the amount of colored light windows. The most valuable treasure is a magnificent reliquary of the Three Kings containing the relics of the Holy Three Kings. More than 500 steps leads to the South Tower, where you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the city.

Cologne Cathedral - one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jannis Andrija Schnitzer

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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Kerimäki church – the biggest wooden church in the world | Finland https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/31/kerimaki-church-the-biggest-wooden-church-in-the-world-finland/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/31/kerimaki-church-the-biggest-wooden-church-in-the-world-finland/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 08:03:32 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4248 There are lots of wooden churches in Finland, but just few of them are so impressive as this one – Kerimäki church – the largest wooden church in the world. It was built in 1847 with more than 3000 seats and can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors. It dominates the small village Kerimäki which is […]

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There are lots of wooden churches in Finland, but just few of them are so impressive as this one – Kerimäki churchthe largest wooden church in the world. It was built in 1847 with more than 3000 seats and can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors. It dominates the small village Kerimäki which is located in the south-eastern part of Finland.

The excessively large church was built deliberately according to original plans of local residents. At a time when the church was being built, in the parish Kerimäki were 12,000 residents and pastor thought that at least half of them should be in the church on Sundays. However there are also some other theories that the architect made a project in inches and builder worked with centimetres, and thus built 2.54 times larger church.

Believers went to Kerimäki church from the entire region, across the lake they used the kirkkovene (church long ship).

This stunning white-ocher church will stun you already from the outside, but you cannot realize its size as much until you get inside and see its vast interior – the height of the nave is 27 meters. You’ll soon understand that it must have been impossible to heat the building. Originally there were eight stoves inside (now there are four), but it was still not enough, and thus they had to built a smaller, winter chapel for 300 people.

You can take part in the liturgy that is still held here in the main church in summer.


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Beaufort – castle and popular summer resort in Luxembourg https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/28/beaufort-castle-and-popular-summer-resort-in-luxembourg/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/28/beaufort-castle-and-popular-summer-resort-in-luxembourg/#comments Sat, 28 May 2011 09:56:03 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4192 The former Roman village, now the town Beaufort, is situated in Luxembourg at an altitude of 409 meters above sea level. You can find here the ruins of Renaissance Castle Beaufort from the 17th century, which is situated in area of Luxembourg that is often referred to as a “Little Switzerland”. Furthermore, there is also […]

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The former Roman village, now the town Beaufort, is situated in Luxembourg at an altitude of 409 meters above sea level. You can find here the ruins of Renaissance Castle Beaufort from the 17th century, which is situated in area of Luxembourg that is often referred to as a “Little Switzerland”. Furthermore, there is also neo-Gothic church ruins from the 12th century.

The first mention of the original village dates back to the 12th century. Most of the monuments in this city, as well as throughout Luxembourg, were bombed during the war.

The village is now a popular summer resort with a swimming pool, camping and a youth hostel. You can follow any of the numerous trails which lead you through the forests of the Mullerthal valley.


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Ulm Minster – the highest church in the world | Germany https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/17/ulm-minster-the-highest-church-in-the-world-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/17/ulm-minster-the-highest-church-in-the-world-germany/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 12:25:30 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3919 Ulm Minster is the highest church in the world, located in the city of Ulm, in the state of Baden – Wuerttemberg, Germany. It is often referred to as Ulm Cathedral due to its great size, but Ulm Minster has never been a seat of bishop, therefore it is not a cathedral, but church. Ulm […]

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Ulm Minster is the highest church in the world, located in the city of Ulm, in the state of Baden – Wuerttemberg, Germany. It is often referred to as Ulm Cathedral due to its great size, but Ulm Minster has never been a seat of bishop, therefore it is not a cathedral, but church.

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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