What’s your favorite part of an old church? The domes, spires and columns? Or maybe it’s the arches, buttresses, or grounds? Whatever it may be, it’s hard not to be amazed by the hard work that went into the creation of these holy buildings. At the end of the day, church buildings are a beautiful place where all people can gather under one roof in the name of God, where we can serve Him and the community.
So, without further ado, let’s explore 4 of some of the most beautiful churches!
1) Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens
Located in Amiens, this cathedral is the tallest complete cathedral in all of France. It overlooks the Somme, and currently serves as the seat of the Bishop of Amiens. It’s a favorite subject of study by architects and art historians–and for good reason. There’s so much to see! 126 pillars support a massive interior, the largest in Western Europe. If you visit the church today, you may not think much about its white stone facade. But in the 1990’s it was discovered that the structure was actually painted with many vibrant colors!
2) Duomo di Milano
This Milan cathedral is the 5th-largest church in the entire world. What sets this particular one apart? The time it took to complete it! Ground broke in 1386 and it wasn’t formally finished until almost 600 years later, in 1965. The church actually has historical roots that stretch back to 335. However, in 1075, the old structures caught fire. In 1386, construction began on the current structure. Centuries of warfare, changes in aesthetic and architectural direction, and civil unrest set back full construction. Napoleon Bonaparte brought it to the edge of completion, and between the early 19th century and 1965, small details like spires and statues were finished.
3) Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is a museum now, but before that, it was a church. Most recognizable for its astonishingly large dome, the Hagia Sophia remained the world’s largest Cathedral for 1,000 years. Unlike the Duomo in Milan, the church was built in five years, from 532-537, under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Earthquakes and fires damaged the columns and domes over the years, but the Church was always repaired and stands strong today. Mosaics depicting Jesus, Mary, and the apostles bring a most holy decoration to the sacred space.
4) Cathedral of St. John the Divine
At 232 feet, this church towers towards the heavens from New York City’s Morningside Heights neighborhood. It holds several distinctions, including largest cathedral, fourth largest church, and largest Anglican Church (depending on who you ask). However, it’s defining characteristic is the glacial pace at which it is being built– lending it the nickname “St. John the Unfinished”. Economic hardship and two World Wars have set back its completion. More recent years have seen the church use its funds for the higher priority of community service and charitable work. Unfinished or not, it’s still a sight to behold, and services are regularly held there. The church is a combination of several schools of architecture, including Gothic (as seen in the facade) and Byzantine (the dome). The grounds are also home to three peacocks and a hive of honey bees.
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