Most Effective Places of Worship: 2002
European communities have devoted the sweat and wealth of countless generations into building their places of worship. Some are cold and empty; others inspire prayer. They are "effective" in that they produce a very definite and powerful response. Which European churches, mosques, temples, or other places of worship affected you the most?
gilded mosaics in italy
We were recently in Italy and were pleasantly suprised by the amount of
gilded mosaics encountered on a walking tour of s.w. Rome. From the train
station area: S.Maria Maggiore-apse,nave,exterior narthex, S.Giovanni Laterano-apse,
5thC baptistry, S.Maria Domnica- 9th C apse, S.Maria Cosmedin-apse, floors,fresco
chapels, S.Maria Trastervere-12th C apse and S. Clemente-12th C apse, 15th
C chappel frescos over viewable 4th C basilica and roman temple. Also if
in Palermo, Sicily, make sure you see the 12th C cathedral in Monreale.
The entire 12th C building is guilded and if you have liked S. Marco in
Venice or Ravenna you must see this church.
ars
Park Ridge, IL USA Sat 11/30/2002
St. Stephen in Mainz, Germany, on the Rhein.
While not the most striking church from the outside, walk inside and
gaze upon the magnificent blue stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Truly
a hidden treasure in a city few tourists see.
Pam
Chicago, USA Tue 11/19/2002
A no miss in Rome
Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva in the piazza Minerva, it is so deceiving
on the outside, one of the highlights of our trip, I would skip other attractions
just for this one. Venture through those doors, ignore the over-flowing
trash cans outside. Catherine of Siena is buried in the altar. the magnificent
windows and frescos by the masters and vibrant blue hues, and go right up
to the left of the altar and hug the huge statue of the risen Christ by
Michelangelo. The best tucked away secret in Rome. A spectacular gem of
a church.
Marie
Verona, NJ USA Tue 11/05/2002
Latin Mass in Venice
For people who are interested in attending a Latin mass, there are two churches
in Venice that have them: San Giorgio Maggiore (with Gregorian chants) at
11:00 on Sunday and San Simeone Piccolo (across the Canal Grande from the
railroad station) at 10:30 on Sunday.
Kathy H.
Beaverton, OT USA Thu 10/17/2002
Vienna
On every trip to Vienna, I return to my favorite church, Karlskirche. It
is a perfectly proportioned baroque masterpiece with an unusual oval dome.
Right now, it is undergoing massive restoration which provides for a unique
experience. For a small fee, you can actually ride a construction elevator
from the floor in the center of the church to the rim of the dome. From
that dizzying height you are then allowed to climb (sturdy)scaffolding steps
straight up the center all the way to the tippy top inside of the cupola.
It's worth the spaghetti legs to do it. I don't know if this counts as "effective
church", but I'm sure more than a few prayers have been said on the way
up those steps. It's very scary; my husband chickened out part way up. It
inspired profound awe for the original ceiling painters to see their point
of view.
Angela
Sammamish, WA USA Sat 09/07/2002
Beautiful Cathedral - St. Florian, Austria
The Stiff St. Florian, burial place of Anton Bruckner, outside Linz, Austria,
is an awesome sight. The murals on the ceiling are almost three dimensional
and the carvings/statuary on the side chapels is breathtaking. Right next
door is the International Firefighters Museum. A must see if in the area.
Dave Baumann
Saginaw, TX USA Fri 08/02/2002
Churches
The previous poster who commented on churches asking for money must not
know that the donation boxes are there to help with the upkeep of these
beautiful (but extremely old and expensive to maintain) cathedrals and abbeys.
I'm more then happy to drop in a donation so these beautiful buildings will
be there in the future for my grandchildren and their grandchildren to enjoy.
If people are offended by the donation boxes, then they should not go inside.
Robin
Oh USA Tue 07/16/2002
Simple Beauty
My favorite in sheer beauty and heartfelt simplicity would be the Wies Church
near Fussen in the Bavaria region of Germany. Very ornate with a stunning
interior. Also, Sacre Couer in Paris is unbelievable and much prettier than
Notre Dame.
matt
oklahoma city, ok USA Fri 07/12/2002
Two favorites
Two of my favorite churches in England are Chichester Cathedral and St Hubert's
at Idsworth in W. Susex just outside Rowlands Castle. Chichester is a small
cathedral, and feels like you could easily fit in and be a member there
without being overwhelmed. St. Hubert's is a small church built in 1050?
(pre conquest) with 14th Cent. wall paintings. It sits out in the middle
of a field full of flint. The lord of the manor moved the village and his
house away when the railroad was put through. Only thing he didn't own was
the Church, that is all that is left.
Gene Martin
Los Gatos, CA USA Fri 06/21/2002
Two "awe"-some churches
St. Stephen's in Vienna is really unbelievable. We went there at night on
Mother's Day and the aura was simply amazing. Also Sainte-Chappelle, on
the Ile de la Cite in Paris (near Notre Dame) is often overlooked but is
a true gem. After going there, you will laugh at people who think Notre
Dame is THE chuch to see in Paris!
USA Wed 06/12/2002
Cathedrals
After visiting England, France, and Germany, my two favorites are Durham
and Salisbury. I was very impressed with the (relative) architectural cleanliness
of Durham and Salisbury just awed me, I'm not sure what it was but it was
great.
Steve Cox
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 06/04/2002
Effective churches
I've seen a number of very impressive cathedrals in the German countries,
but the most worshipful church I've come across in Europe was a small, modern
church in Wengen. We ducked into St. Paul's Chapel between services on a
rainy afternoon, and it was very welcoming. It had nice stained glass windows
and a lovely wood carving of St. Paul, but it was the quiet atmosphere which
encouraged meditation and prayer. I look forward to returning there.
Cathy
Seattle, WA USA Tue 05/21/2002
Modern churches
I have only put entries previously about old churches but I have recently
been most impressed by the post-war churches of northern Norway, The cathedral
in Bod?, the Ice Cathedral in Tromso and Hammerfest church. The stained
glass is terrific and gives plenty of light.
David Cross
Todmorden, Yorkshire UK Sun 05/19/2002
Salisbury Cathedral
Although I may have missed it, I don't believe anyone has mentioned the
glorious cathedral of Salisbury, UK. Take the tour up into the uppermost
structure of the spire, Attend evensong. Hang out in the Cathedral Close---great
peoplewatching. The Wiltshire Museum is well worth a visit, as is the newly
redone refectory. As a nice little side trip, the site of Old Sarum is c.
1.5 miles away---walkable if you like----where the fortifications can be
tramped over and where the the footings of the original cathedral can be
seen in the chalk. The bishop seems to have had some serious difficulties
with the secular authorities and felt safer moving his seat to a less-menacing
environment. And a slendid job of it he did too! Salisbury itself is a very
nice place, as well as a base for exploring Wiltshire. But the cathedral
remains, as it has for centuries, the heart of the matter.
k-b
Seattle, USA Tue 05/14/2002
Speyer Cathedral
The Speyer [Germany] Cathedral is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture.
It is well worth the visit, and is off the beaten path of American tourists.
Andreas Mueller
Cleveland, OH USA Sun 05/05/2002
People
St. Peter's in Winchcombe, is much like any other church you will find in
the Cotswolds of England. However, if you are lucky enough to meet the grounds
keeper there, he will tell some great stroies about the history of the church
and the town in general. Also take time to read the memorials on the walls.
My favourite was one man's description of his departed wife: "She was...
but words fail to describe what she was. Just think of all that a good wife
should be and she was that." With any Church, its true glory lies in the
people who meet under its roof, not in the building itself. For that reason,
the most effective Church I have experienced in Europe was not at Chartres
(certainly the most impressive building I've seen so far) but in the back
waters of England.
Aaron
Vancouver, BC Canada Wed 05/01/2002
Madrid cathedral
For my wife and I one of the most impressive churches is in Madrid. I don't
know the name but it is easy to find. It is right next to the royal palace
and has a statue of Pope John Paul II in the front. The things that impressed
us was the beautiful multicolor ceiling. The colors were bright and vibrant,
yet warm. The church itself didn't have that over decorated feel that many
European churches have. I enjoyed it more than the stuffy Royal palace next
door.
Steve Zavocki
Lewisville, TX USA Wed 05/01/2002
Duomo Milan
On 4/14/02, still groggy from an overnight flight from NYC, I had the good
fortune of stepping inside the Duomo of Milan sometime around 12 noon. I
was in awe of the statues, windows etc, but most of all, I was transported
to another level by the Latin Mass celebrated by several priests, and by
the choir and the sung responses of the participants. The remainder of the
14 day tour, I continued to hope to duplicate this experience. From Siena,
to Assisi, to Padua, to Rome, I was not to have the experience repeated.
In Siena, with 4 organs available in the Duomo, the Mass was accompanied
by guitar instead. I want to thank those who make such an experience as
the Latin Mass in Milan's Duomo possible.
Fran McManus
Whitney Point, NY USA Sun 04/28/2002
Missionary School in Germany
The Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany is a school for children of
missionaries who follow Jesus serving all over the world. They have a church
service every Sunday throughout the school year. We attended one and found
it to be a blessing.
Aledra Hollenbach
Hamilton, VA USA Thu 04/25/2002
Effective churches
Europe has many splendid churches, large and small. What Europe does NOT
have (in general; exceptions noted) is large numbers of regular church-goers
to pay the freight. In England, for example, C of E communicants on a Sunday
morning are regularly outnumbered by Roman Catholics despite the fact that
RCs are a distinct minority opf the population. So most churches, most of
which are pretty old by our standards, run constant appeals for funds, usually
for a new fooundation, roof or walls to separate the two. But there is a
good reason why tourists and travelers abound in these places: can you think
of anything being built in the US today which visitors a thousand years
hence will wish to visit? A sports stadium, perhaps? Bill Gates' maxi-house?
k-b
Seattle, USA Tue 04/23/2002
I have long been curious about what Rick means by the term "effective" in this category. All I know is that every church i see in Europe, big or
small, urban or remote, has donation containers and souvenier racks right
in the entrance, so if their aim is to collect money wherever tourists may
stray, they are darn effective.
Carol
CA USA Mon 04/15/2002
Churches
I think cold and empty churches are the best due to that fact this shows
me the people of the world are begining to free themselves from "the book".
Sammy
chattanooga, TN USA Mon 03/18/2002
My wife and I have seen most of the major European churches including
Notre Dame, St. Peters, West Minster Abbey [I prefer nearby St. Margarets]
and Cologne. We have also visited many overlooked beautiful churches from
Durham Cathedral and St. Pierre in Caan to the often overlooked abbeys in
Reims, Chartres, Gourdes and Rouen. We have been to Chartes three times
and also heard Malcom Miller lecture on the relationship of the windows
and sculpture to the building. Yes, Chartres is a beatiful piece of art
and architecture, however, the reason it was built was to educate the medieval
population and pilgrims through the readings of the wonderful windows and
sculpture. Listen to Mr. Miller's discussion of the old and new testament
as a history lesson and as a portion of the blueprint of the building. After
hearing Mr. Miller, please take the extra two hours to walk the cathedral
and experience the wonderful volume of the structure. But, also visit the
north tower to view the buttresses, see the crypt and the treasury and then
walk the streets and absorb the city.
ars
Rark Ridge, Il USA Wed 03/13/2002
Churches
St. Meinrad's is a magnificent baroque church and monastery in Einsiedeln,
Switzerland. A fountain dedicated to the Virgin Mary in front of the church
has 14 spigots. Those wishing good health and healing drink from all 14
as they pray. St Meinrad himself was supposedly murdered near the natural
spring which feeds the fountain, hence the healing powers of the water.
The stations of the cross climb up the mountain to a magnificent crucifixion
scene. Inside the church is a black Madonna and Child are surrounded in
flowers and dressed according to the liturgical year in a variety of 17th
century costumes. The monks have chanted the same order of worship since
1576. It is a step back into history to worship here. I recommend the vesper
service at 8 PM. It is a lovely small pilgrimage site with hotels, pensions,
and Zimmers. We have stayed at the Hotel Sonne (good restaurant and pizzeria)
and the Hotel Skt. Georg. The local bakeries specialize in pilgrim bread
and chocolates in the shape of the church.
Karlyn McPike
Edgerton, OH USA Mon 03/11/2002
Memorable Churches
I (have seen many of the holy places that your visitors mentioned. For me
it will always be Notre Dame of Paris because it was the first that I was
able to light a candle in memory of my father. Each time I return to Paris
I do the same.
Alex Accomando
Fairview, NJI USA Wed 03/06/2002
Beverley Cathedral
Just visited eight churches in England. While St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey,
Bath Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, Wells, York, and Durham are all documented
by Rick, the Beverley Cathedral near Hull was also well worth a visit. Within
sight of the train station and about a five minute walk, the folks there
were friendly and the church itself was impressive. I definitely recommend
it!
Ray Sturges
Burke, VA USA Tue 02/26/2002
holy buildings
the most beautiful holy building for me has to be St Vitus Cathederal in
Prague, with the most stunning stained glass windows, followed by the Dome
of the Rock in Jerusalem, for its sheer magnificence, and the most awe-inspiring
church is the Church of the Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Be inspired and visit
these places, you will never regret it.
jules
leeds, uk Sat 02/23/2002
Three churches in Rome
Two of these churches are listed in Rick's 2002 Rome book. Santa Maria sopra
Minerva near the Panthenon in Rome is a full experience. Besides Michelangelo's "Christ Bearing the Cross," there are side chapels that defy description
and a Filippo Lippi's fresco. In its piazza there is a Bernini statue of
an elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk.
The second church is Michelangelo's Santa Maria Degli Angeli, which is
at Piazza Repubblica on the A Metro line. There is a wonderful feel about
this church--not so much any one thing, but the overall feeling one gets
there. The third church is St. Paul's Outside the Walls which we went
to on a Catacombs tour. It is a Vatican property and awesome in its decoration.
While St. Peter's is overwhelming, I liked these churches better.
J. King
Fayetteville, GA USA Sat 02/16/2002
most effective churches
If you are in Cambridge, England be sure to take the short trip to the village
of Ely to see its magnificent cathedral. Also, Chartres cathedral in France
is spectacular. Obvious choices I know, but often overlooked.
rob sisson
gainesville, ga USA Mon 02/11/2002
Quo Vadis
By far the most beautiful church I have seen in Italy is the small church
on the Appian way "Quo Vadis" - traditionally, this is the point where God
sent Peter back to Rome where he met his martyrdom - it is small and plain,
compared to the massive churches in the city, but is profoundly peaceful
and sweet. It was a gave us a needed break from the monstrously scaled churches
we had visited during our trip and was a nice end to a nice vacation. I
recommend it highly.
Amy Mytnik
Omaha, NE USA Sun 02/03/2002
Churches to spend a lifetime in
Meeting people in God's house is always wonderful. Church is about the finest
opportunity to meet a diverse group of people. If you visit Vatican City,
you may wish to attend a papal public audience. Last audience the Holy Father
spoke in 7 languages. Dress properly if you are able; it IS noticed & appreciated.
Remember all of these lovely places of worship are just that.
Go, if not for mass, perhaps for another service. Mass in St. Peters is an experience. I used to serve mass at St. Paul's in London; and St. Peters is by far more grand. However, the choir of the Minster in York, UK sound like angels, the organ at Lincoln cathedral (UK) is amazing, St. Giles has a special place for all. Visit the church and meet not only new friends but perhaps meet someone else. Yes, you may give confession at St. Peters, and yes it is appropriate to leave a donation. Please respect those who are there for worship. Tours, remember you are on holy ground.
Please remember each of these places is there for a very important reason, the worship of our God. Churches you may find worth your time: St. Peters, Vatican; St. Paul's, Westminster,London; St.Giles, Edinburgh, Lincoln Cathedral, Ampleforth Abbey/Church, UK; Bristol Cathedral UK; Canterbury Cathedral, UK; Kings College Chapel,Cambridge,UK;Salisbury Durham Cathedral, UK;Cathedral of St. Louis, Missouri USA, Hong Kong, Lantau Island & the world's largest Buddha 26 meteres high, Ko Shan in Hong Kong, Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong, National Cathedral, Washington D.C., St, Patricks, New York City USA, Notre Dame, Paris and so many others,.
Basilica di San Pietro(Saint Peter's Basilica): This is it. This is the
one piece of architecture that is universally considered to be the crowning
achievement of everything the Renaissance has to offer. To this day, it
is the largest church on Earth. They all fall inside Saint Peter's walls.
If you do go, be sure to look for the bronze statue of Saint Peter. Catholics
have been kissing his big toe for centuries. Go with God
Father Christian
Vatican City, Vatican Rome Italy Sun 01/13/2002
Favorite churches
Bath Abbey - called the Lantern Cathedral because of all the clear glass
windows which fill the interior with light
Donna
Seattle, WA USA Fri 01/04/2002