Most Effective Places of Worship: 2000
Throughout the centuries European communities have devoted the sweat and wealth of generations into building their churches. Some are cold and empty. Others inspire worship and make it easy to praise God. Which do you find most successful or effective?
Located off a souvenir-laden street in Chania, Crete lies a small Catholic cathedral overshadowed by the Greek church. It is a very quiet oasis perfect for reflection and prayer. The interior is a calming pink & white, very light, spiritual and comforting.
The most awe-inspiring,jaw-dropping moment for me was entering Notre
Dame in Paris. Some may feel it overrated, but the overall sense of history
and spirituality there is overwhelming.
Tina
Hartford, CT USA 12/09/00
Just back from France. While there we visited Chartres, and had the good
fortune to arrive just in time to take part in a Malcolm Miller tour.
What an experience that was — 40 francs per person for a wonderful tour
of the cathedral and great explanations of the glass windows and the building
itself. This is a wonderful church.
ed
USA 12/04/00
My favorite is a small mission-style church in Ronda, Spain. There were two beautiful altars and backdrops at either end of the church. The most magnificent was the altar and backing carved entirely of California redwood that was brought back to Spain by the early Spanish explorers.
Another of exceptional interest is the cathedral in Barcelona (not the
Gaudi's).
jeff <email>
minneapolis, mn USA 12/02/00
Visiting Santa Croce in Florence was one of the most moving experiences
I have ever had. Being just a few inches away from Michelangelo, Galileo,
Machiavelli, Fermi, Marconi, et al., was mind-boggling. The best church
in Florence. No question.
Steve Altishin <email>
West Linn, OR USA 11/28/00
Sainte Chapelle in Paris still amazes me, even on my third visit there.
Rosslyn Chapel outside Edinburgh was also great — what Sainte Chapelle is to stained glass, Rosslyn Chapel is to stonework.
Best exterior goes to Strasbourg Cathedral, France.
And I would have to add the Rock of Cashall in Ireland. Although a ruin,
I found my visit to be very spiritual and moving.
Dan <email>
Arlington, VA USA 11/03/00
I've visited hundreds of churches here in Europe. I have lived here for almost 15 years. But my favorite is Speyer Cathedral in Germany. It is not highly decorative like most Rococco or Baroque churches. Instead it is Romanesque and, therefore, far older. It is massive, plain, noble, and filled with history.
Plus, one of my more special memories in Germany is Christmas Eve Midnight
Mass there in 1998. The church was filled with people. There were dozens
of celebrants. The church was decorated in typical European fashion with
tall live evergreens and white lights, some of them real candles. At the
end of Mass, the Bishop lead his entourage down into the floor of the
church. Turned out all the lights, elevated the processional cross and
we sang Silent Night a capella. It was absolutely beautiful!
J. Casey <email>
Germany 10/29/00
I agree with Sara from Ben Lomond, CA, that Weiss church in Germany
was a "WOW!" We could not believe how wonderful it was. My favorite vacation
picture is the one I took of the big "door" painted on the ceiling. I
keep an 8 x 10 of it on my desk at work.
Barbara <email>
Concord, CA USA 10/29/00
I'm Catholic, but I thought St. Paul's Cathedral in London was the most beautiful church I've ever seen in my life. It makes my eyes tear just thinking about it.
I thought Notre Dame was okay (& bought a rosary), but it was a little
too dark and gothic for my tastes.
Chris <email>
Gilbert, AZ USA 10/28/00
Another "WOW" for Chartres. It is indescribable. Leave time to explore
the town, too.
USA 10/14/00
I've seen a lot of churches on European trips, and have gotten to the
point where I'm sometimes not willing to cross the street to see another
duomo, maybe because I can appreciate religious beauty but am not very
religious myself. But, the church at Weiss (on Rick's guidebook's "Bavarian
Castle Day" loop), 30 kms from Fussen, was a moving experience for me.
After about 90 minutes sitting inside taking in the beautiful frescoes,
statues, and bright sunlight painted throughout that makes this church
shine even on gloomy days, I didn't want to leave. I will go back, planning
several days to just loiter around that church. And I can't beleive it's
me who feels this way about a church!
Sara Keenan <email>
Ben Lomond , Ca USA 10/04/00
On Christmas day, 1999, my wife, a few friends and I fought famous weather, making our way to Dornach, France (6 miles south of Basel). We braved the "storm of the century" to visit the Goetheanum. This magnificient structure stands as the worldwide center for the activities of the Anthrosophical Society.
The what? Rudolf Steiner founded the society in the early part of the 20th century, describing Anthrosophy as a path of knowledge which guides spiritual man in the spiritual universe. It proceeds from the inner experience of a modern critical consciousness and an age oriented towards technology and science.
Why see it? The Goetheanum standing today is the second main building, the first having burnt down in 1922. The new building has an "organic" style of architecture, in which - as with a plant - each part, each form, each color has an inner connection to the whole.
Find your way into the main hall, which will greet you with an entirely different experience. And listen to your host - it's much different than the typical church. They don't see many tourists, so keep your mind open.
See more pictures at www.goetheanum.ch/orte/goethenm.htm. Read about
the movement at www.goetheanum.ch/english.htm
Erich Young <email>
Arlington, VA USA 10/02/00
The chapel designed by Matisse in Vence, France is well worth the short
trip from Nice. Matisse considered it his masterpiece and I agree! It
is tiny, strikingly simple and very powerful. I've never experienced a
greater sense of peace in any church. Go in the winter a.m. The sun streams
through the stained glass windows at the perfect angle to completely paint
the all-white interior with blue, green and yellow. Matisse's Stations
of the Cross (completed right before his death) are incredible.
LeAnn <email>
Seattle, WA USA 09/15/00
Chartres cathedral about 80 km outside of Paris — easy day trip. Make sure you get there around late morning, so you won't miss the first tour around noon. Malcolm Miller is one of the most fascinating people I have ever met. I say be there for the first tour of the day, because you can't help yourself but stay for the second tour around 2 p.m.
Check before you go, especially if it is in the off season...no tours will be given. Mr. Miller travels in the late fall and winter months.
Chartres is a fun little town as well; everything is within walking
distance to the station.
Jennifer Flemons <email>
Rancho palos Verdes, CA USA 09/11/00
Chartres. Enough said.
Brian Hendricks <email>
Springfield, IL USA 09/01/00
I visited the Basilica in Vezelay, France during the summer solstice
this year. I was fortunate to see the points of light down the nave. I
had been there last year in the fall and was really inspired to go back
to see the points of light. It was a beautiful, almost miraculous experience.
There were many things scheduled at the basilica, as it was the feast
of Saint John the Baptist. And I happened to be there when there was a
Mass sung a capella by nuns. It was heavenly.
Arlene Leal <email>
Petaluma, CA USA 07/23/00
I was fortunate to be in Rome for ten days. The 4 Patriarchal Basilicas
- St. Peter's, St. Paul's Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St.
Mary Major - were phenomenal! Look from a rooftop somewhere in Rome and
any direction you look you will see a church. Many are nothing spectacular
on the outside, but inside - WOW! Many have side chapels with an ongoing
Mass, confessionals in use, etc. so respect for God's house is recommended.
If you want to see churches, go to Rome!
Cathy Stafford <email>
Baltimore, MD USA 07/12/00
The best place to see great churches that are close to 1000 years old
is in Bamberg, Germany. I lived in Bamberg for a year and I looked all
over town every free chance I got. I still could not see everything. Due
to it never really being bombed in the wars (it is a university town)
nearly everything is still around. You can use a 500-year-old map of the
city and still find your way. Although it is highly overlooked, Bamberg
is the BEST city in Germany.
Al <email>
Tampa, FL USA 07/03/00
Having just returned from Northern Italy and having seen dozens of gorgeous churches, I believe my favorite was the tiny 12th-century Rotunda di San Lorenzo in Mantua. No crowds, just peace and space for reflection in a lovely, simple setting.
Of course the Siena duomo was fantastic, as were the mosaics at San
Vitale Basilica in Ravenna.
Anne Twitchell <email>
Asheville, NC USA 06/29/00
In Florence, when you have tired of Santa Croce, Santa Maria Del Fiore, and Santa Maria Novella, try Santa Trinita, where you can see a wonderful Ghirlandaio, including his self protrait, Ognissanti for another Ghirlandaio.
Also a special experience: Chiesa di Dante, presumably Dante's and Beatrice's
church, where you can see each parish priest's name listed from 1200 on!
Alan Greenhalgh <email>
Marlboro, NJ USA 06/28/00
The Exeter Cathedral in England, when approached by foot at night, is terrifying! I have never been afraid of a building before, but the enormity of this cathedral against the moonlit night sky stopped me dead in my tracks. It was similar to the feeling of entering the underwater section of the Museum of Natural History in NYC as a child and seeing the gigantic whale hanging overhead.
By day the Exeter cathedral is lovely - not scary at all. But for the
whammy effect, you must approach the Cathedral Cross (front of building)
very late at night. See if you get spooked too!
LW <email>
Rutherford, NJ USA 06/28/00
Santiago de Campostella (Spain) is the most moving of the experiences
I've had in a European cathedral. To see the "botafumeiro" incense burner
swing from the ceiling during the Mass of the Pilgrims was truly a religious
experience.
Laurie Chappelle <email>
Reno, NV USA 06/21/00
Thanks to Rick's suggestion in the London guidebook, we asked to attend
church at the Chapel Royal in the Tower of London. What a wonderful experience!
It was Easter Sunday, and the music was beautiful. It also happened to
be St George's Day (the patron saint of London), so the Beefeaters provided
a special ceremony before the service. The members of the small congregation
were very friendly. Best of all was being able to walk right past the
long lines waiting to get into the Tower! After the service, we were free
to visit all the Tower sights without a ticket. Another great experience
was an organ concert at Westminster Abbey. Check the signs just outside
churches for special music programs. Most are inexpensive and many are
free.
Carol Elder <email>
Palm Beach, FL USA 06/21/00
In Britain, one of my favorites was the cathedral in Chester. The stained glass windows, and the mosaics on the walls are so beautiful and unforgetable. I love the fan ceilings that you see throughout England's cathedrals. We visited Westminster Abbey and St Paul's in London. Both over run with tourist groups and tour guides talking very loudly, as they must , in every different language.
We were able to attend four different evensong services. What a beautiful
and inspiring experience. Kings College in Cambridge is at the top of
my list. If you are planning a trip to Cambridge, plan to attend, you
will never regret it.
N. Canady <email>
Springfield , Il USA 06/19/00
I stayed in Castelnuovo dell'Abate for one week in March. It is right
next door to Sant'Antimo which is a lovely abbey and has a thriving (albeit
small) monastic community. While taped chanting is played during visiting
hours there are frequent services during the day starting at 5 a.m. and
continuing throughout the day until evening prayers. Those who wish to
celebrate the mass or other services, complete with gregorian chants,can
go (I believe) to services to worship as it is not a show. They have just
opened a new hostel (tabor) in Castelnuove dell'Abate for pilgrims as
well - I went to the inaguration. The abbey's web address is http//w3.to/antimo
and their e-mail address is antimo@iname.com
Sherry <email>
Kaleden, BC Can 06/09/00
When I went to Westminster Abbey in 1995, I had a wonderful experience — my friend and I had all the time in the world after our tour to wander through the cathedral and spend time in contemplation at Poet's Corner and the tombs of Elizabeth and Mary Queens of Scots.
However, I was a little disappointed when I took my husband there in the fall of 1999. Large sections of the cathedral were roped off, and the tour rushes you through some of the areas with the most interesting memorials and tombs. (We did, however, have a detailed and interesting introductory lecture on the history of the British monarchy from the verger leading our tour.)
We went back to the abbey that night for the evensong, and it was an
ENTIRELY different experience — the cathedral was virtually empty, no tourists,
and we were able to sit right up in the choir and participate in the service
(don't worry, they have instruction cards for non-Anglicans so you can
follow along with the order of service). Not to mention the music — absolutely
heavenly! We really got a sense of the living church, and not just a rush-rush
tourist version of things. If you possibly can, do try to attend an evensong
in a British cathedral (we also went to one in Salisbury). They are spiritually
moving, and help show you the true character of a place (plus, they don't
cost a dime).
USA 05/23/00
On the way to Haarlem from Bruges, we stopped in Antwerp to see the
Reubenshaus and the cathedral with his paintings of Christ on the cross,
removed from the cross, and the Ascension. The stained glass and the dome
are spectacular, too. What a peaceful, meaningful place — with Reubens
to boot!
Joe Mayhew <email>
Charlotte, NC USA 05/22/00
As a lover of medieval/gothic/renaissance architechure, I am always
looking for the perfect photo to add to my walls of stone angels, celtic
crosses, and the like. My absolute favorite (besided Edinburgh's Holyrood
ruins) is Rosslyn Chapel in Roslyn, Scotland, a short drive from Edinburgh.
Built around the 1000-1100, it encompasses everything amazing in one small
package. Intricate, INCREDIBLE, stonework, especially for that time period.
Each piece on the wall has an incredible story to tell. There are two
beautiful stone columns in the front of the church; one built by the master
mason, the other built by the apprentice. It has been said that the second
column (by the apprentice) was so much more masterful and beautiful, that
in a fit of rage and jealousy, the master mason killed his apprentice!
Look for each carved head somewhere in the church. I will never forget
that day, that chapel (which is still in use today), and the town of Roslyn,
Scotland.
Noel Tylla <email>
Milwaukee, WI USA 05/19/00
For a stunning church experience, head 15-20 minutes north of Cambridge by car (and also on the main rail line) to Ely. The Ely Cathedral was built over many centuries, has several architectural styles and ruins, and has at various times been a monastery and convent as well as its current role as an Anglican cathedral. As you drive north across the East-Anglian countryside into Ely, you can see the Cathedral rising in the distance long before you see the village, and the views are striking.
Inside, the main body of the cathedral is flooded with light due to an unusual feature. Rising above the main roofline of the cathedral is a "lantern" — a window-filled cupola on a grand scale that filters beautiful light from all directions down into the building. Your photos will contain stunningly lit features due to this natural light effect in the church.
Don't miss the Lady Chapel off to the side! It is one of the oldest sections of the cathedral complex and stands where the original (and much more primitive) early medieval chapel would have been. As it is, it too is a medieval wonder in its simplicity and scale. It is starkly simple when compared to the grandeur of the cathedral. Yet it takes my breath away every time from the essence and vibration of spirituality that simply hums in the air and from the quality of light that floods through the windows.
The bookstore contains a wonderful selection of books about the founder, St. Etheldreda, the wife of a very wealthy and powerful nobleman who left her husband, with his blessings, to found the order of nuns and monks who established this place when it was no more than a cluster of crude buildings in the mucky swamp-like fens that surrounded this one high spot in the landscape.
One more thing — don't miss the labyrinth! It's in the tiled floor in the entryway and is easily missed as you simply walk through and are immediately "grabbed" by the quality of the light flooding into the cathedral. The labyrinth was an 18th- or 19th-century addition, but it is true to the spirit of the more ancient ones that were placed in cathedral floors for the pilgrims to traverse.
The small town of Ely has several nice tea shops and small gift and
book shops as well to round out your Ely experience. Happy travels to
all!
Deborah Harmes, Ph.D. <email>
Chattanooga, TN USA 05/03/00
My boyfriend and I are ecclesiastical architecture queens! Every town
we visit, we make a beeline for the local church or cathedral. Our faves
in Britain are Durham, York, Wells, and Exeter. Other British cathedrals
worth mentioning are Coventry, Lichfield, and the two Liverpool cathedrals
(both modern, both huge, one is Catholic and radically designed, the other
is Anglican and quite traditional in appearance). As for parish churches,
we really like Gawsworth in Cheshire (a county with tons of great churches),
and Warwick. Heptonstall and Bolton Abbey are two churches in Yorkshire
that are connected to or are near some atmospheric ruins. St Pauls and
Westminster Abbey in London are overpriced and overrun. We prefer Westminster
Cathedral near Victoria Station and Brompton Oratory in Kensington.
robert macrae <email>
Manchester, UK 04/25/00
It was well, well, worth the dizzying cablecar ride to the top of Montserrat,
just an hour or so by local train from Barcelona. This is a shrine of
Catalan culture, indeed its heart, since Mother Mary of Montserrat "lives"
here in her image as a Black Madonna. It is thrilling to see the filial
devotion of the Catalan people, but the heart swoons to hear the choirboys
come out to sing. And you can pray the Our Father with them in about a
dozen languages. There are many paths to walk upon the mountain itself,
and many persons too — but obviously mostly pilgrims as Cervantes and Columbus
once were. Light a candle for me if you go.
LA Marrero
White Plains, NY USA 04/04/00
St. Mary's Cathedral in Krakow, Poland. There is so much for your eyes
to absorb, you won't believe it. A work of art!
Stacy Davis <email>
Houston, TX USA 03/31/00
I know that this cathedral is mentioned in every guidebook, but the cathedral at Chartres (France) is absolutely the most breathtaking sight I have ever seen in my life. Experts say that the blues in the stained-glass windows cannot ever physically be replicated! The two different towers give the cathedral an off-balance look, but it is definitely worth seeing. You can see the cathedral from far away as you enter the town. For me, the neatest things about the cathedral were all the scupltures on the outside. I bought a book explaining what each one represents — I could have spent hours looking! Make sure you walk all the way around the cathedral. The other thing that got me was standing inside the cathedral, looking up at a building that was built centuries before. In the United States, there is nothing nearly that old!
Another neat sight — the ruins of the abbey at Holyrood House Palace
in Edinburgh, Scotland. With the mist in the hills in the background,
the sight is unbelievable. Definitely worth a look.
Jenny <email>
IA USA 03/26/00
I was dragged by a devout Catholic (and current monk) to Kloster Ettal
in Bavaria, not far from Oberammergau and Schloss Linderhof. Try to be
there when the monks make their traditional chants. It is truly a spiritual
experience. Several years ago, the monks made their chants every day at
1700 (5PM). You might want to do some research and find out what the current
times are. I assure you, the experience will not disappoint, regardless
of your religious persuasion. Thank you for dragging me, Brother Dunstan,
wherever you are.
Mark Adair <email>
Belmont, MA USA 03/20/00
One of my favorite European churches is the cathedral in Segovia, Spain. I saw this one the day before I saw Toledo's and Toledo was a bit of a letdown after Segovia's. Many fewer tourists, so the place was very peaceful, I felt like a little bug in there amongst those giant pillars!
A smaller church I love is the little cathedral in Blois, France, where the sunlight through the blue stained glass gives an almost underwater feel to the place. Beautiful!
The great cathedrals of Orleans and Tours, France are also worth a look
and have fewer visitors. In Tours, I was the only person in the place
besides the lady doing the morning's vacuuming — after the crowds in other
churches, that was a nice change!
<email>
USA 03/20/00
The cathedral that is the centerpiece of Helsinki, Finland, has just become my favorite European church. It is the complete opposite of the typical heavily-decorated European church — instead, this one has limited decor, and most of the walls and dome are simple, clean, empty — yet beautiful — space. The inside is all white and light gray, giving a calm, cool, peaceful feeling. It was definitely a surprise, but one I liked immediately.
Outside the church is gorgeous. Painted white, it shines brightly in
the sun, especially when viewed from the harbor. It sits atop a BIG flight
of steps and is topped with blue-green domes and shiny gold stars. In
all my wandering through Helsinki, I kept returning to that cathedral.
I couldn't take my eyes off it.
Charles Buchanan <email>
Birmingham , AL USA 03/13/00
We found the most amazing church: St. Michael and All Angels Church in Berwick, Sussex. Before you venture into the church you must go to the Cricketers Arms Pub and have lunch; the food is fabulous. Then walk up the road to the church.
It was built in the middle of the 12th century. During the 2nd World War many of the windows in the church were destroyed by bombs and Bishop Bell decided to hire some "local" artists to paint murals on the church walls, and he also replaced the destroyed windows with plain glass so the church would be "brighter." The artists he enlisted were Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell & Quentin Bell...all of whom were part of the "Bloomsbury" group of artists! The paintings are beautiful!
When my husband and I were in London we were disappointed that we had
missed the Bloomsbury exhibition at the Tate Gallery, so you can imagine
our excitement when we came across this fantastic church! We were there
late February of this year and we were the only people in the church — we
had it all to ourselves to sit and marvel at the paintings, the beautiful
landscape around the church and the building itself. For 1 pound offering
you can pick up a lovely brochure that gives you the history of St. Michaels
and it includes color photos of the Bloomsbury paintings. St. Michael
And All Angels Church was the "FIND" of our trip! Go and see it, you will
not be disappointed!
Joy Austin <email>
Victoria, BC, Canada 03/11/00
The Church of Saint-Jacques sur Coudenberg in Brussels is a no-miss
sight. Its simplicity and elegance are absolutely stunning. The Cathedral
is part of the Royal Palace and I believe it is used by the Royal Family.
Take the time to see this church, it's very peaceful and elegant.
Joy Austin <email>
Victoria, Canada 03/10/00
I have visited many churches all over Europe. The ones that I enjoy
the most are the ones that are actively being used for worship, not just
as a museum of the past for tourists. I always try to schedule my church
trips when an actual service is going on to get the most out of my visit.
It's a great free way to enjoy outstanding architecture, art, music, and
local culture.I have even been fortunate enough to have attended services
with a full orchestra and choir.
Felix Dawson <email>
Baton Rogue, LA USA 03/08/00
For great views of almost any town, take the steps up to the
bell tower of the central church. They usually charge $1 or so, and it
is always worth it. Just don't make the mistake that a friend and I made
in Freiburg, Germany a few years ago. We climbed up the stone spiral to
the top and spent some time enjoying the view and the fresh breeze. We
then when inside to see the bells, which were the size of my living room!
I looked down at my watch, and before I could get the words, "We'd better
go," out of my mouth, the bells struck. My body vibrated for hours! Thank
goodness it was only 2 o'clock!
Sharon <email>
NC USA 02/19/00
In all of my years traveling, the most beautiful and inspiring church
I have ever been to is Oplenac in Topola, Serbia, Yugoslavia. The mosaics
are extraordinary. The colours, detail and opulence are mind-boggling.
The mosaics are all replicas of important Byzantine icons found in monasteries
all over Serbia. No words can truly explain the magnificence of Oplenac.
If there is one church to see in all of Yugoslavia, it would have to be
Oplenac. It is definitely worth a trip!
k.
Canada 02/15/00
on a recent trip to rome, we went to the vatican one morning with guidebook
in hand, prepared to try and make sense of it all. while buying stamps
in the vatican post office, we overheard a priest talking about his tour.
we walked out of the post office, and my husband turned to me and said,
"i'm going to go back and ask about that tour." he came back 5 minutes
later and said that we had a personal tour of st peters with a priest!
we were so thrilled and so lucky to have such an insightful experience,
thanks to my husband's unique ability to ask anyone anything! the lesson
of this message to other travelers is: do NOT be afraid to talk to people
when you travel. you need only be polite and respectful, and wonderful
opportunities will open up for you. (p.s. if you are interested in taking
advantage of this wonderful opportunity, check at the vatican post office
for information.)
mark farris <email>
cliffside, pk, NJ USA 02/08/00
Nothing brings back memories of travels in Europe more than when I hear
those cathedral bells. For example, St. Stephen's in Vienna and the Freiburg
Germany cathedral have large, awe-inspiring sets of bells that produce
a majestic, deep, lingering tone that is unforgettable.
A. Aubert <email>
Lafayette, LA USA 02/06/00
One very historic and still very much alive church is London's Orange
Street Congregational Church, by Tralfagar Square behind the National
Gallery. It was built in the late 17th century by Hugeunot refugees. The
building was once attached to Isaac Newton's house and was the first church
where the hymn "Rock of Ages" was sung. Best of all, it is a place where
you can see the Holy Spirit still moving in a Europe which has sadly turned
away from Chist.
Brady Dillon <email>
Irving, TX USA 02/03/00
I really enjoyed St. Vitale cathedral in Ravenna, Italia. The mosaic
collection there is outstanding! St. Vitale is much brighter than most
the cathedrals in Italy...there are a lot of light colors within the mosaics
inside. Che bella!
Jolene Becke <email>
Fairbanks, AK USA 02/02/00
I agree with Tom from LA's comments (see below) about the Cathedral
in Reims (pronounced "Rhance" with a lot of spit in your nose). The cathedral
is built in a warm golden stone, and the sculptures are smiling! What
a concept, a church at peace! It just made me feel all peaceful and warm
and welcomed. The smiling angel has become the symbol of the city.
seattle, wa
USA 01/30/00
We visited San Antimo, 6 km south of Montalcino, Italy, where we'd read
that the Benedictine monks have services there throughout the day featuring
Gregorian chants in one of the only Romanesque churches in Italy. It's
a lovely church in a beautiful setting. Unfortunately the only chanting
we heard was from prerecorded tapes that played continually (for sale
at the small shop inside). If the monks have services open to the public
we saw no information on times or frequency. The church itself has fascinating
old carvings inside and out and is well worth an hour or so.
Dawn
CA USA 01/19/00
I recommend St.Stephans cathedral in Vienna, Austria. It's located right
in the heart of the city (Stephansplatz). It's a huge gothic church. There
is a tour of the catacombs underneath it. When I spent some time in Vienna,
I frequently found myself in there. I admit that the main reason was because
it was 95 to 100 degrees everyday when I was there and it was the only
cool place I could find relief. (Nothing there is air-conditioned). Still,
it's a place that should definitely be checked out when vacationing in
Vienna.
Karie <email>
Rochester, NY USA 01/12/00
The island of Malta! If you love churches, you will adore the Island
of Malta, 90 miles south of Sicily in the Mediterranean. With over 800
churches in this tiny island nation, you will find resplendent baroque
cathedrals (St. Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta) created by the Knights of
Malta, to the Neolithic Temples which are the OLDEST standing stone structures
in the world (which PREDATE Stonehenge by thousands of years)! There is
also the third-largest freestanding dome in the world (Mosta Church) which
miraculously survived a German bomb in WWII.
Ann Marie Morales-Ear <email>
New York, NY USA 01/11/00
Though Notre Dame in Paris is a must-see due to its scale and exterior
architecture, the more impressive interior and stained glass we found
at Saint Chapelle. It's just a few blocks away from Notre Dame and by
far the most beautiful stained glass we saw in our travels through France
and Italy. A great find thanks to Rick's guidebook.
Dawn <email>
San Diego, CA USA 01/06/00
Visit the chapel about eight miles south of the little town of Roslin,
Scotland. If you're interested in the Templar Knights, rumors of location
of the Holy Grail, or just incredible architecture and carvings, this
is a must-see. There is a bus route taking you into the town and from
there it's a brief walk to the chapel. Or do what we did: there were four
of us so we rented a taxi for 20 pounds for half a day — he took us from
Edinburgh to Roslin, then to Leith and back to Edinburgh.
Maudeen <email>
Bainbridge Island, wa USA 01/04/00