Most Effective Places of Worship: 2003
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?
Milan, Paris, Rome
The Duomo in Milan is rather wonderful. I also liked the fact that it isn't
just frequented by tourists, but by business people stopping by to pray.
The excavations show the baptismal font in which Ambrose baptized Augustine,
which made those long dead saints seem very near.
St. Germain de Pres in Paris is also one of my favorites. It isn't the biggest or the most decorated, but it made my spine tingle. The statue of the Blessed Mother is one of the best anywhere, and the small chapels around the main altar are stripped back to their Merovingian era bricks. You are looking at church walls built before Charlemagne.
In Rome, visit San Clemente. The mosaics from the 12th century are wonderful, but even more special are the excavations underneath. You can walk through the 4th century basilica built after Constantine, and then go down another level to the first century street on which Clement lived. Besides feeling like time travel, I got this overwhelming rush when I realized how small the church was at the very beginnings.
Ravenna (Italy) and Chartres (France) are also wonderful, as is Ste.
Chapelle in Paris.
Catherine Crino
Chicago, IL USA Sun 11/09/2003
Unique Churches in Portugal
Portugal: Bom Jesus de Mont in Braga, just north of Porto - An enormous
outdor staircase zigzags up to the church. Along the way side chapels with
life-size terra cotta figures dipicting the Passion of Christ highlight
the walk. The interior of the church is spectacular with a dramatic, life-size
terra cotta crucifixtion scene at the main altar.
Marzagao, a small, sleepy village in the mountains of north eastern Portugal,
offers a tiny church originally buit in the 16th century. Its ceiling
is a patchwork of paintings of over a hundred saints. It boasts three
altars painted in gold leaf. You won't find it on the map - look of the
town of Carazeda de Anciaes. Marzagao is about 2 kilometers outside this
wonderful little town with restaraunts and sleeping accomodations.
Paul
Elk Grove, CA USA Fri 10/24/2003
Frankfurt's Baha'i House of Worship
While in Germany last I visited the Baha'i House of Worship just outside
of Frankfurt near the village of Hofheim. For a truly international experience
I recommend a visit. Scriptures from all the worlds major religions are
read there daily. It has a very spiritually unifying effect. Take the underground
to Hofheim and then up the hill to Langenhain about a mile. The Temple is
set in a clearing in the Tanus mountains, a gorgeous setting.
Steve Paschal
Mililani, HI USA Sun 10/12/2003
Awesome churches in the UK
I agree with the evaluation of Wells Cathedral but have never attended a
service. The guide who led our little group was not only enthusiastic about
the history and relics and humor, but excited about the worship which made
me think there was living as well as dead stones there.
I would add to the list Coventry Cathedral. It was all but destroyed by bombs in WWII and they chose not to raze it but instead left the bombed-out shell with a small altar and cross and built a new church right next to it. I understand some of the locals don't really care for the untraditional look of the "new" church but it has a contemporary history of its own. I have heard one of the vicars speak elsewhere and plan to attend when I go over in November; it sounds like it is alive indeed. There is just something wonderful in the symbolism of the bombed out church and the resurrected body next to it.
Last, I can't say enough about Kensington Temple. It is in Notting Hill
area, an old traditional church, but the people inside are from possibly
every nation on earth. I attended a performance of Heaven's Gates/Hell's
Flames (a morality play) last year which I had seen in the US before,
and it was so delightful to hear the same parts spoken in such a variety
of accents amidst an audience (some in national costume) of more flavors
than Baskin-Robbins.
Diane Yaghoobian
Pottstown, PA USA Sat 10/04/2003
Stephansdom in Vienna
I have to agree with earlier posts about this cathedral. When I walked in,
I got goosebumps. It was much more a holier experience for me than others
I visited, including Notre Dame. It affected me so much that I bought a
silver cross pendant from the church's shop across the square from it.
Suzanne
IN USA Tue 09/23/2003
Munich Mass
During the spring of 2002, my family and I were visiting Germany. We thought
we would visit at least one church in every town and city that we stopped
in. During the trip, our Sunday found us in Munich and we decided to go
to the 8:30 Mass at the Frauen Kirche. When we arrived, we found the main
church all but empty. Concerned that we had somehow misunderstood when Mass
was, I asked an older Germany lady where Mass was (in German) She smiled
and said to follow her (in English) We went to the front of the church along
a side aisle, then down a set of stairs behind the alter. There was a basket
of hosts to make certain there were the right number for communion, and
Mass shortly began.
Following the service in German was interesting, a little tough at times
(high school was so long ago) Following the service, we saw our guide
walk up to the brick wall, cross herself, and begin to pray. It was then
that we noticed the stone tablets inset into the wall. They are the stones
sealing the crypts of the departed bishops of Munich. My daughter freaked
a bit when she realized that we had just had Mass in the presence of "dead
people" To complete the experience, and do a true "back door" we went
upstairs after the Mass and found the choir, orchestra and organist warming
up for the 10am Mass. We stayed for the next service and enjoyed the wonderful
music and celebration.
John
Derry, NH USA Sun 08/24/2003
St. Stepen's, Budapest
I can answer this one quickly. Those of you who have been to Budapest will
no doubt agree. Those who haven't, you need to see it!
Don Niemeyer
Jacksonville, AR USA Sun 08/24/2003
Hildegard of Ruedesheim?
In late September 2002 my husband and I stopped for a couple of days in
Bingen am Rhein. Our goal: to visit the Abbey founded by Hildegard of Bingen.
As we finally learned, it's on the other side of the river from Bingen,
in Ruedesheim. (so why is she called "Hildegard of Bingen? Alas, I do not
know.) A short trip across on the Personenfaehre ("person ferry") brings
you to the riverfront of Ruedesheim. You can visit the tourist-information
place for directions, then head up the hill on foot. You'll pass through
the attractive old heart of town, a suburban area, and finally--as the hillside
becomes nearly vertical--vineyards.
Up at the top of a ridge is the Abbey. It's a working Benedictine foundation for women, and like all Benedictine places, self-supporting, apparently by means of a gift shop and wine garden. The church building is large, old, simple and beautiful, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and giant murals telling the story of Hildegard, an early-mediaeval mystic who seems also to have had the kind of practical good sense which a religious foundation sorely needs. In the peaceful silence of the empty church, we lit candles for friends back home, viewed the murals, said silent prayers, and felt something of the spirit of this remarkable long-ago woman.
The church's courtyard is also lovely, a walled garden containing some
surprising plants including a fig tree; ths is the "banana belt" of the
Rheinland. Through a door I saw a large vegetable garden, complete with
super-practical compost heap. Up there on the high hillside, in the early
autumn afternoon with the ripe grapes all around us, the Rhein valley
below us, and a light rain falling, we felt as if we were, on the one
hand, close to heaven; on the other, firmly anchored on a beautiful corner
of this old earth where many a spirited woman had found her way to God.
Meg Rosenfeld
Santa Rosa, CA USA Sun 08/17/2003
Connect with Family
My favorite church was the one that my ancestors worshipped in. Thanks to
work done by my uncle, I was able to be the first one in my family -- in
125 years -- to attend the church where my great-great-grandfather was baptized
and confirmed. They even had a picture of his pastor! It gave me a deep
sense of peace and connection with my heritage. Old church records are a
major source of info for geneology-hounds. If you get the chance, attend
worship where your ancestors did. Who knows...you may sit by a distant relative!
Rachel
Hopkins, MN USA Thu 08/14/2003
Oberammergau, Germany
My most interesting church experience in Europe was at a small church in
Oberammergau, Germany, on Halloween, 2001. We wanted to attend a Bach organ
recital, but had to wait in the churchyard for a service to finish. There
were candles on every grave, a full moon and an approaching snowstorm. The
concert turned out to be pretty good too!
J. Schake
USA Sun 08/03/2003
Send Away for Information
If you are planning a trip to Europe and want to attend church with your
denomination you can easily find churches by contacting your denomination's
headquarters and asking. I had to send one note to the head of UK and Europe
(London address) and he sent back an extensive list of all churches throughout
UK and Europe. Many of these pastors will also write back (I had 75% response
rate) and tell you service times and any special events. Great way to connect
with the locals and find stuff to see and do that is not always listed with
the tourist board. I also picked up a book on Catholicism so I could better
understand the services when I attended the cathedrals. Very helpful.
Kimberly Coast
Smith Center, KS USA Mon 07/28/2003
Very Effective Churches
Brugge, Belgium: The Basilica of the Holy Blood (gothic)/ St Basils (romanesque).
st bails is dark, broody, mystical--fab!!. met someone who was at the
basilica when they brought out the holy blood relic (a small siver box
containing christs blood, brought back by thierry of alsace during the
crusades in 1150 AD) they werent religious at all, but just there as a
tourist. she said she was walking slowly from the front door, viewing
the series of tiles which depict the life of christ, and as she looked
at the last one, with christ on the cross, she heard a tiny bell being
rung. only then turned to see that the room was full of people, kneeling
and waiting to kiss the relic. she said she got chills, and the church
was filled with a presence,and she could feel the belief of the kneeling
pilgrims. she fell silent, and the hair on the back of her neck was standing
up--pretty moving account for someone who doesnt believe in god!!
Paris, Notre Dame de Paris: its always a great place, but its worth it to see if any events are being held during your stay. i only had one day in paris, but walked into to notre dame at sunset, and paid every franc i had to see a gregorian chant and grand organ concert--turned a routine tourist stop into a once in a lifetime experience.
Brugge, Belgium, The Church of Our Lady: they apparently play chants
out of invisible speakers, so when you walk in, instead of hearing whining
babies, coughing, and echoing footsteps, you feel enveloped in the holy
presence. best part--at the back left hand corner, was a little sign,
calligraphy, old, it said: You citizen of this old town, Or pilgrim from
far away Looking for some tranquility Here you may come silent At the
well of all beauty and life No one is a stranger, In this old church Where
God, as a loving father Is waiting Only for you. made me feel all warm
and fuzzy inside, hadnt gone to church in years. also houses michelangelos
brugge madonna,the only marble to leave italy in mich's lifetime. dont
miss the jerusalem church, pretty mindblowing. a tomb for a medival noble.
has to be seen to be beleived. *very* unusual.
Elizabeth
Houston, TX USA Sat 07/26/2003
Nost Effective Places of Worship
I'm not especially religious, but three of my favorite places on our recent
trip to Europe included Westminster Abbey in London, Notre Dame cathedral
in Paris, and the abbey at Mont St. Michel in Brittany. Take the 1.5 hour
tour in Westminster Abbey, and you will learn more about English history
than you ever thought you knew. To appreciate Notre Dame, sit through a
mass like we did; the acoustics are incredible. During summer, the abbey
at Mont St. Michel has a spectacular sound and light show in the evenings;
we were even interviewed for French TV!
Chuck
Phoenix, AZ USA Fri 07/25/2003
Ste. Chappelle in Paris. The first time I visited the chapel, the "Crown
of Thorns" was on display (something that apparently doesn't happen very
often).The "Crown" was purchased by Louis IX from the Emperor of Constantinople,
and is the reason the chapel exists at all. Frankly the size of a hula hoop,
there are definite doubts (mine) about whether it's genuine. Surrounded
by the French Court System, Ste Chappelle is magnificent. The stained glass
leaveft me speechless. We attended a trumpet oratory concert there one night,
and the acoustics were marvelous. Czestochowa in Poland, in the monestery
of Jasna Gora, about 80 miles outside Cracow. The home of the Black Madonna,
Poland's greatest national relic. A Byzantine icon of the Maddona and the
Christ Child, it is "dressed" in covers of gold, silver and precious gems
that change with the seasons. I was amazed to see tens of thousands of rosaries
hanging from the walls, left by pilgrims who's worshipped there. Also, hanging
on one wall, were thousands of small silver objects in the shapes of body
parts, which were donated by people who'd prayed for healing of arms, legs,
etc. and had they requests granted. St Peter Ad Vincula (in Chains) in the
Tower of London. Only accessible when you take the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
Tour, I was able to visit the graves of Anne Boleyn and Kathryn Howard.
Since I am a Tudor history aficionado, this was incredibly memorable for
me.
Judy
Mahwah, NJ USA Thu 07/24/2003
Hearing the monks at Sant'Antimo chant daily prayers is goose-bump
inducing. The services are real, and are done throughout the day. We attended
Nonce...sincere, haunting and lovely.
Gini
Grand Ledge, MI USA Sun 07/20/2003
During my last 20 years of travel I have worshipped and visited in
many different churches and found these to be the most memorable: The Sainte
Chapelle in Paris is without equal, an absolute gem in sunlight. Bayeux
Cathedral with few tourists since they are all looking at the embroidery
created for this cathedal. St. Jacob's in Rothenburg was very cold during
a Christmas service but I will always remember singing carols in German.
Evensongs at York Minster any time of year. The Catholic Church on Waikiki
Beach with a visiting Tongan choir. I enjoy visiting as a tourist and then
returning for services. It is awesome to contemplate those who have worshipped
in them long before me.
Renee
Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA Fri 07/18/2003
I attend the St. Como, Italy so it's most effective.
Chris
Dallas, TX USA Tue 07/15/2003
Most Effective Churches
In June we stopped to visit Madrid's rather modern Cathedral Almudena, across
the street from the palace. A notice was posted about an organ recital the
following evening (when we would be on the night train to Barcelona). Our
time there was used to observe the beauty, then sit, relax and catch up
our journals. Suddenly, that lovely organ resounded, when obviously, the
recitalist did his practicing. I can't begin to tell you how much this church
organist enjoyed that preview of what was to come. That memory will always
remain with me.
Evie
Shoreline, WA USA Fri 07/11/2003
Sweetheart Abbey
There's not much left of it after 800 years but the Sweetheart Abbey near
Dumfries Scotland definitely is worth the trip! Georgeous location, not
many tourists, beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a cute little
cafe just across the street! Loved it.....
Renee
CO USA Thu 07/10/2003
Ely and Coventry
Ely cathedral is one that doesn't get mentioned much but it is very impressive
and less crowded than St.Paul's or Westminister. The remains of Coventry
are very moving. The original church was destroyed by German bombs. Instead
of tearing them down they built the new church next door and left the ruins
as a dedication to peace. Definitely worth a visit.
Stephanie
Algonquin, IL USA Wed 07/09/2003
Chartres
The Cathedral of Chartres is amazing! Don't rush through it, sit inside
and let your eyes adjust to the stained glass and darkness. Also, be sure
to take the walk to the St. Pierre's church near the Eure river. It is much
lighter and more open than the Cathedral. When we were there, there were
no other tourists and Gregorian chant was being played quietly.. quite a
moving experience. St. Aignan's, a short walk from St. Pierre's, is also
well worth a stop. Again, no tourists, and a beautiful experience.
John Hickey
Wrightwood, CA USA Sun 07/06/2003
Wells is the Best
St. Paul's Cathedral in London is undergoing massive cleaning and there
are scaffolds everywhere. We were very disapointed in what we couldn't see.
In Westminster, we felt like cattle being herded along and the price of
parking in Salisbury (6 pounds for 2 hours, plus a parking ticket because
our ticket wasn't displayed perfectly enough)really diminished our enjoyment
of the cathedral there. The York Minster evensong was uninspiring... O.K.
I sound whiny, but maybe if we hadn't gone to Wells Cathedral first, we
wouldn't have been so picky! Wells Cathedral was our favorite by far. It
was obvious that the people that worked and worshipped there love God. Evensong
was "brilliant" and the cathedral itself was mind boggling. We came away
feeling refreshed, restored and very blessed. If you visit, search out the
chapter house. The stairs are amazing enough, but the room itself is incredible!
There's no "guard" by the door, so you can sing and hear the acoustics for
as long as you want. If you want a terrific "modern" worship, drop into
Chipping Campden Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. Warm, loving people
will welcome you as family.
Glenna
Othello, WA USA Thu 07/03/2003
Rome Byzantine/Orthodox
I really like the S Maria in Cosmedin church, the Bocca della Verita' site.
One word to describe it is "humble". Of course this 6th century AD church
has its own characteristics, and if you have time to attend a unique Byzantine
mass (Orthodox), you definately need to check out this church on Sunday.
It seems like you step back couple centuries behind, sitting there watching
Byzantine ornaments and listing Orthodox chants.
Mike
Ames, IA USA Wed 07/02/2003
Gaeta, Italy
One of the best sights I have seen is in the "backdoor" wonder of Gaeta,
Italy. Having moved to the area courtesy of the United States Navy, we have
discovered its beauty (Serapo beach is one of the most beautiful beaches
in Italy) and some unusual sites. The Montagna Spaccata or "split mountain" as it is called by the Americans is a natural wonder. It is situated on
top of Monte Orlando. Legend has it, that at the time of Christ's death,
there was a great earthquake. At that time, the mountain split. The Benedictine
monastary is on top of the mountain and a the church of the crucification
lies 35 steps below within the split. There is another legend that says
a Turk did not believe the mountain split at the time of Christ's death.
He laid his hand on the wall of the split and said that if it was true,
the wall should turn to liquid. According to legend, it did. You can see
a very clear hand print in the wall of the split. This is a very cool place
to visit and is famous with the Italians. Many Saints, Popes, and Kings
have visited this site also. The cost is free and only a donation is requested.
While you are there, check out the Turk's Grotto. For 1 Euro, you can walk
into a grotto that the Turks used to hide in during the day for so they
could raid Gaeta and Formia. Warning.. it is 277 steps down and back up.
There is an observation deck that isn't too far down for those who cant
do stairs.
Tami Ward
Gaeta (formerly of Indiana), Italy Sat 06/28/2003
Bath
The cathedral in Bath (right next to the Roman Baths) was our favorite.
You can tell that people still worship there. One thing that we enjoyed
was seeing an album & display that the youth group had put together. It
was funny that the teenagers thought about the same things as the teens
back home. Wouldn't it be cool to have a cathedral as your home church?
Karen
Denver, CO USA Fri 06/13/2003
Churches through fiction
First, thanks to all who have posted previously, your comments have helped
me to savor my upcoming UK trip all the more. I just finished Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code" which has also helped me anticipate my visits to England
and especially Scotland. Rosslyn Cathedral outside of Edinburgh is now on
my itinerary just because of Brown's description of its history and architecture.
Being youngish, bookish and exitable, I think that preparing for my once-in-a-lifetime
tour of churches by reading fictional as well as non fictional accounts
of these famous places is a great idea! If you experienced travelers know
of any books that have brought these places to life,I'd love to hear from
ya.
Beth Ann
Columbus, OH USA Mon 06/02/2003
Santa Croce en Gerusalemme
This church is old, quiet and off the beaten path in Rome; the J5 bus will
get you there, just go past the Santa Scala and Laterano church- and the
rewards are Holy Relics- when Constantine's mother brought the Sacred Steps
to Rome, she also brought thorns from the crown of thorns, the INRI sign,
and nails from the crucifixion. They're all in a small side chapel in this
Church; not to be missed on a pilgrm's tour of Rome!
tony caliendo
denver, co USA Fri 05/30/2003
There seems to be a lot of questions of what Rick means by "effective
Churches". My take on it is that the church, or cathederal (the church that
a bishop of the region officiates from) is an excellent place to get a sense
of the history of the region and what was going on during the years after
it was constructed. We never fail to visit as many cathederals as possible.
We went out of our wasy recently in a 3 day trip to paris to see Chartres
a hour outside. We were not disappointed. Even modern cathederals like Barcelona's
Sagrada Familia are very interesting and reflect what is going on; although
I must admit when I first saw it I thought the originator was a little shy
on his lithium.
Jim Meehan
McLean, VA USA Tue 05/27/2003
Salisbury cathedral
No question that Salisbury cathedral is impressive, especially its dominant
spire (one of the tallest if not the tallest) in Europe and the fact that
this cathedral really can be seen for miles around the flat Salisbury plain.
d. Luz
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 05/26/2003
gilded mosaics in Italy
Speaking of gilded mosaics, St Marks in Venice and St Apollinaire in Classe
in Ravenna are outstanding examples of Byzantine architecture. Bernini's
gilded Cattedra altar and monument to Alexander VII inside St. Peter's basilica
was also very impressive.
d.Luz
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 05/26/2003
Cathedrals in Spain
While in Spain and Cordoba, one should visit the famous La Mezquita cathedral
which was originally a Moorish temple. Charles I(I believe) simply ordered
that a cathedral be built around this, so one can see a mixture of Moorish
and Renaissance architecture. It is reputed that the complex at one time
could accommodate 10,000 worshippers.
D. Luz
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 05/26/2003
Effective Churches
I agree with Allen. The Stephansdom in Vienna is special. It is so full
of life. I attended a concert of Beethoven's Mass in B Minor (I think it
was B but could have been C). I also attend Mass. I loved the Cathedral.
john d. pringle
austin, tx USA Mon 05/26/2003
Stephansdom, Vienna
Of all the hundreds of churches I've visited, the one that brings tears
to my eyes is Stephansdom in Vienna (St. Stephen's Cathedral). It is not
the biggest or fanciest cathedral, but all I can think of doing here is
dropping down on my knees and praying. I have sat in this cathedral for
hours.
Allen
USA Sat 05/17/2003
Churches
Ste. Chappelle in Paris. The most beautiful stained glass windows. It is
often overlooked because of Notre Dame, so the crowds are minimal. Notre
Dame. What can I say? It felt as though I had been on a pilgrimage. An amazing
experience. Sacre Coeur. This church, without a doubt, has the most beautiful
altar I have ever seen. We attended mass there on Sunday and it was an experience
I will never forget.
T
VA USA Thu 05/15/2003
Don't miss!
The Cathedral in Metz, France, is incredible. The locals call it "the lantern
of God" because of its size. The windows range from the 15th century to
the 1970's (Marc Chagall). All I can say is "WOW!" Another favorite is in
Rothenburg, Germany. Wonderful wood carvings.
Liz
CO USA Thu 04/17/2003
While in Rome
When my husband and I were in Rome in January we went to visit the Pantheon.
I had no idea until we go there that the Pantheon was still used as a Christian
church so we were surprised when we got there and found a mass taking place.
Tourists were still allowed in half of the place while the other side was
roped off for worshippers. They simply requested that tourists keep quiet
so as not to disturb the mass. I didn't have the courage to join the few
people seated in the chairs but ended up sitting against the wall, soaking
in the whole experience of this Protestant enjoying a worship service in
Rome. I didn't understand the language, nor did my husband but as we sat,
we were both touched by the experience, each in our own way.
Libby
Philadelphia, PA USA Tue 04/15/2003
Sant'Eustachio, Rome
The first time I stayed in Rome, I used a hotel near Piazza Navona and the
Pantheon. The neighborhood church is Sant'Eustachio (St. Eustace). They
have mass every weekday evening at 7 p.m. The worshippers are mostly locals,
plus a few tourists. It is worth working hard on learning Italian just to
hear the priest's sermons, which are super! I was just in Rome for my birthday,
so to celebrate I went to mass at Sant'Eustachio and then ate at a great
Chinese restaurant in the next block.
Tom
Durham, NC USA Sat 03/29/2003
Chartres Cathedral, France
We visited Chartres Cathedral in the first week of March and it was extremely "effective." The chairs were removed after the Friday service, revealing
the Labyrinth. It was especially effective since we had visited Versailles
the day before and the contrast between the two was amazing: V. being an
expression of one man's gilded, trompe l'oeuil insecurities versus Chartres
being the highest expression of what is most beautiful about all mankind.
I would highly recommend visiting them in this sequence; it's better than
a collegeful of classes.
Sherry B.
Seattle, WA USA Fri 03/28/2003
St. Matthias
St.Matthias, on Castle Hill, Budapest, was a stunning surprise. Every surface
is painted in the Hungarian-Deco style, especially beautiful at night when
the soft lights bring out the glow of the gold paint.
And, oh, the windows of Ste. Chappelle in Paris--unsurpassed beauty.
Joan
Chicago, IL USA Thu 03/27/2003
Chartres Cathedral, France
Sorry to report that if you want to see or walk the Labyrinth on the floor
of the cathedral, it is covered by chairs. What a shame. Also the Chapel
of the Veil of the Virgin is being re-done and the veil is covered. The
stained glass is outstanding. Work on the chapel should be compeleted in
early June. But the Chartres visit was still worth it and it was nice to
get out of Paris for a few hours.
robert
Clemmons, NC USA Sat 03/08/2003
Churches of Spain
Spain has a profusion of beautiful churches. The Cathedral of Seville is
magnificent. Another that isn't often mentioned, and that Rick should check
out, is the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza. It is beautiful
and has Masses almost every hour of the day. It is a great place to see
people making their devotions. Also the Abbey of Montserrat is simply a
stunning location. Don't forget to hear their world famous boys choir. And
a little secret is the Abbey of St. Mary Poblet. The community is wonderful
and the architecture is Cistercian simplicity at it's best. Take your time
in the churches and don't forget to say a prayer.
Jim
ND USA Wed 02/19/2003
Melk Abbey, Austria
My jaw literally dropped when I walked into the main church at Melk Abbey
-- on the Danube in the Wachau west of Vienna. Given how many dozens of
churches I've seen over the years, this was quite a stunner! Melk itself
is a lovely little town -- and the stunning position of the Abbey on a promontory
above the town and the Danube is what drew me to visit in the first place.
In addition, you can rent a bike and ride along the river through the Austrian
vineyards, or hop a boat to travel further down.
Elaine
VA USA Mon 02/17/2003
Basilica in Bruges
I found the Basilica of the Holy Blood, in Bruges, to be really interesting.
There is a 12th century church at sub ground level, very dark, where you
can almost feel the Middle Ages. Above it, entering through a wide cricular
staircase, is the new church, built much later. A small silver box is kept
inside and is said to hold the blood of Christ, brought back during the
Crusades.
USA Sun 02/02/2003
Churches
The Chapel at Ronchamp by Corbusier is worth the travel from Paris. (I drove).
I arrived at noon exactly and was the ONLY person in the chapel. I can't
begin to explain the spiritual energy I experienced. The cool concrete and
quiet. Tres Tres bien!
DLA
Tampa, USA Thu 01/23/2003