Most Effective Places of Worship
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?
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Mass in Barcelona
Many years ago I attended mass in a large church in Barcelona. I don't even remember the name of the church, but it was full because it was Palm Sunday. The thing I remember most was how well dressed the locals were. The men were in suits, and the women in their best clothing. I was a tourist in t-shirt and jeans. I felt out of place because I looked like a slob. However, no one told me off or gave me a second look (as far as I could tell), so it was a great experience.
Ted
Australia 04/21/2008
Alexander Nevsky and Chartres
Even though it has stood only since the 19th century, stepping into Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral feels like a time transport back to the heyday of the Byzantine Empire.
Also, Chartres Cathedral. Like Mont St. Michel, it hovers on the horizon like a distant mirage. Inside... well, typical of most gothic cathedrals, but huge in size.
Tom <email>
Washington , DC USA 04/05/2008
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
This lovely blue and gold chapel in a busy part of Paris is the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity and the site of several apparitions of the Virgin Mary. It is always busy with Parisians and out-of-town visitors. The atmosphere inside is charming with mosaic portrayals of the Virgin and the young nun, St. Catherine Laboure whose body is preserved in the chapel There is a gift shop where one can purchase the miraculous medals and have them blessed by the Sisters. The chapel is located in an alley next door to the gourmet food section of the Bon Marche Dept. store. It is a quiet haven in the middle of a busy city. Treat yourself to a visit.
Names: Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal; La Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse
Type of site: Catholic shrine
Address: 140 rue de Bac, 7e, Paris, France
Métro: Sevres-Babylone or Saint-Placide
Bus: 39, 63, 70 84, 87, 94
La Chapelle Notre Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse
Paris, France 02/28/2008
Evensong at Westminster Abbey
Best 45 minutes of my life. Beautiful choir and lovely sermon by visiting rector. Plus, you get to participate in a daily tradition more than 1,000 years old. They seat guests right up front, too! We attended on a Sunday at 3pm. Web site is excellent and so is the gift shop.
Meridith
Cary, NC USA 02/12/2008
A rarity in England...
I've been to St. Anne's Lutheran Church in London a few times. It's mostly filled with American ex-pats. A welcome spot of familiarity, hearing the LBW liturgy!
Andrea
Laramie, WY USA 02/02/2008
Domfestner by Gerhart Richter at the Köln Dom
Domfestner by Gerhart Richter at the Köln Dom
a must see in koln
http://flickr.com/photos/melekalikimaka/2232555611/
Tom <email>
Dublin, Eire 01/31/2008
Churches in France
Okay, yes, Notre Dame is magnificent, but I've found that it is more enjoyable on the outside. Inside, there are *always* throngs of tourists wearing inappropriate attire and taking pictures (even during Mass). It's like Six Flags Over Jesus. Outside, on the other hand, there's plenty of elbow room, plenty of space to enjoy the flying buttresses and gargoyles, and there are usually interesting people in the park beside the west entrance: musicians, jugglers, performance artists.
For some actual worship in environments more conducive to prayer, there are some architectural gems within walking distance of Notre Dame. St. Severin is a superb gothic church only blocks away. St. Germain-Des-Pres is close as well, and worth a visit.
St. Sulpice sees more tourist attention these days (thanks to Dan Brown and Tom Hanks), but still maintains a prayerful atmosphere and has arguably the best organ in France.
St. Germain-L'Auxerrois (around the block from the Louvre) is another Medieval jewel, in the heart of everything, without constant crowds.
Matt
Athens, GA USA 11/10/2007
Cathedral music
If you are looking for good music then check out the local Cathedral and churches. Often they have free or low cost concerts. Also when I was in Austria there was usually a Mozart Mass every Sunday morning at the big churches. You can't beat it and it's free. Remember though that churches are primarily for prayer and worship, so make your trip a spiritual experience as well as a holiday.
Jim
Washington, DC USA 09/20/2007
Orthodox Cathedrals
Russia was definitely the most exotic and foreign destination I've been to. Although it was truly amazing, it felt very far away, and sometimes hard to understand what was going on around me (my first experience with a non-romance language). So, stepping into the Orthodox Cathedrals was very comforting! It's amazing to be halfway around the world and surrounded by a completely unknown language, and yet recognize the figures in the icons, the rituals, and the cadences of the music and prayers. There's nothing for a genuine travel experience like slipping under the ropes with "no tourists beyond this point" signs to light a candle and join a group of worshippers!
USA 06/16/2007
worshipping in Europe
I have been to Europe many times but the stand out experience ever was midnight Christmas eve mass in the Salzburg Cathedral. People line up outside in the snow 2 hours before the service starts, the Archbishop was attending and at the end of the service all the light were lowered, candles flickering and a trio with just guitar sang 'Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht' with the refrain from the choir loft behind us with a full choir, my goodness I thought I was there with the angels in heaven that night.
Chere <email>
Kelso, WA USA 02/27/2007
Stop in at any Polish Church
Go into any church in Poland and experience an epiphany of religion and
culture. Young people in lines for confession, young priests in cassocks and young happy nuns in full habit. It is like a Catholic Disneyland only its real. At anytime of day there will be young people praying in these glorious churches. I hear the Poles are rejuvenating the churches of England and Ireland also.
Dave
NY, NY USA 02/24/2007
A week of worship and music
One of my most memorable occasions was attending the opening service and the evensongs that were part of the Three Choirs Festival, held in Hereford, England in August 2006. The cathedrals of Hereford, Gloucester, and Worcester have taken turns hosting this festival since the early nineteenth century (it will be in Gloucester in 2007), and while the concerts, available all day and every evening for a week, are splendid, worship services are an integral part of the events. There's the cathedral's normal Sunday service, followed by a splendid afternoon service to celebrate the opening of the festival, and evensongs four days during the week, all featuring the music of the choirs of the three cathedrals. I was with a group from the Episcopal cathedral in Minneapolis, and we were all impressed with the quality of the music, as well as the quality of the preaching and the prayers, and the friendliness and approachability of the cathedral clergy and the people of Hereford.
Karen
Minneapolis, MN USA 02/16/2007
London's Kensington Temple, Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral
In addition to Holy Trinity Brompton (mentioned in another post), another wonderful contemporary church is Kensington Temple, near the Notting Hill tube station. The congretation and the worship were a soul-satisfying and diverse blend; just like modern London. Our family loved it - even seated in the front row! Around the corner to the east is an excellent Indian restaurant which advertised "Buffet" but was more "Family Style." We also attended Evensong at Westminster Abbey...they post a final schedule about two weeks ahead on their website.
Checking the site for Caterbury Cathedral allowed us to change plans and attend the Dec 29 service commemorating the 736th anniversary of the murder of Thomas Becket. More than 1,000 people attended and we carried lighted candles down to the spot where he was murdered. After conducting the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury graciously shook hands with everyone as they left. Then we met two of the monks from Canterbury -an amazing day.
Beth
Huntsville, AL USA 02/16/2007
Off the beaten track in Wales
Cheating a bit, I suppose, giving Wales as a European destination when I live in England only 12 or so miles from the Welsh border! However, just over an hour's drive from where I live is a tiny church perched on a hillside in the Black Mountains along a single track road that ends at a farm gate.
If peace and silence are your "cup of tea", make your way to Partrishow. You'll need a decent map to find it. Below the church is a Holy Well dedicated to St Issui. The legend is that he was a hermit in these parts, but was murdered by one to whom he gave shelter. Where Issui fell, the life-giving water sprang up. The way to the well is marked by an ancient stone carved with a Maltese cross, possibly a place from where Gerald of Wales - Giraldus Cambriensis - preached the crusade in the 12th century.
The church is a little further up the hill, and is surrounded by wild flowers for most of the year; paricularly white snowdrops in early spring, yellow daffodils, the national flower of Wales, in March. Inside the church is an ancient and beautifully carved rood screen, probably hidden during the Reformation and believed to be local work, as the Red Dragon of Wales is carved into the corners. Just take in the utter silence of the place and its location. The only sounds you might hear will be the sighing of the wind, the bleating of sheep on the hillside or the mewing of a buzzard soaring in the sky overhead.
Celtic Christianity stressed links with the natural world - there at Partrishow you can experience the mystery and delight of this fusion.
Keith <email>
Bristol, UK 02/11/2007
Awesome contemporary worship in London
My daughter lived in London for all of last year. She attended Holy Trinity Brompton Church (HTB) which is near the V&A. When we visited there with her, we were blown away by the amazing, fervent worship. They have an incredible musical team, led by Tim Hughes, who has written some of the most popular contemporary Christian songs on the radio. But mostly, the wholehearted worship of the congregants (most of whom are in their 20's & 30's) was what moved me. We heard 2 of their several pastors speak, and they were excellent. It's well worth the visit to HTB for a worship experience that you won't soon forget!
joy
new port richey, fl USA 02/08/2007
Two very different churches
Two churches really stick out in my memory, though I drag my husband into just about every one we pass. First, the Kolner Dom in Cologne is amazing. My German is fair and I understood most of the afternoon prayer service. The voices raised in prayer echoing through the incredibly tall space was amazing, especially after the organ thundered to life. The Wells Cathedral in southern England is also something special. The golden afternoon light shining off the the west face is lovely and the choirs from the Wells Cathedral School add a special element to Evensong. It was magical.
PJ
Catania, Sicily Italy 02/01/2007
Ancestors' church
Twice we have attended services at St. Mary's (Church of Ireland) in Shinrone, Co. Offaly. What adds extra significance for us is that my ancestors worshipped there in the 18th and 19th centuries. My 6-greats-grandfather, John Robinson Sr., was the parish clerk at St. Mary's for 52 years, until his death in 1779. Worshipping there (aside from the spiritual benefits) greatly increased my sense of personal connection to Ireland. On top of that, the clergy and congregation were friendly and welcoming, with true Irish hospitality.
My suggestion: if you know where your ancestors came from, consider worshipping where they worshipped. It will give you more insight into their lives, and may give you the same "coming home" feeling it gave me.
Steve Moore <email>
Claypool, IN USA 01/25/2007
St Martin in the Fields Church London
A must see and do while in London, I have just returned. Choirs are wonderful, Basement cafeteria is great and well-priced for London. All proceeds go to social causes+++ It is across the street from National Gallery at Trafalgar Square.Also brass rubbing center is in basement.
Js
USA 11/22/2006
Cathedrals
Canterbury Cathedral is so peaceful at Christmas time. Evening mass at Notre Dame is good during low tourist times and if you stay for the whole mass. St. Stephen's cathedral in Budapest is also wonderful. Although these are famous cathedrals, I also worshipped at many other smaller churches that were inspiring too. Even when you don't understand the priest, you feel united to the people through God.
USA 11/04/2006
Meryama - Ephesus Turkey
A wonderful atmosphere at the very small church of Mary at Ephesus. Reputed to be the home of the Virgin Mary following her departure from the Hly Land after the Cruxifiction. Mass in 7 languages.
USA 10/09/2006
Worshipping in Exeter, UK
In Exeter, England, Riverside Baptist Church is the place to worship! It is just above the historic Quay right inside the city wall and easy to find. The building is over 250 years old and has an intriguing past! A convert of George Whitfield built the church and was it's first pastor (Tabernacle Church back then). His alcoholic wife would pawn his "go-to-meetin'" clothes for booze money and he'd have to go buy them back! It is currently pastored by an American missionary.
USA 09/09/2006
Cathedral in Monserrat
When i was in Barcelona, I went on a trip to see the Cathedral in Monserrat. The drive up the mountain was scenic.Going to the Cathedral was certainly one of the high points of my trip.
Jaime O.
Houston, Texas USA 09/06/2006
Feels like coming home
When the organ started playing it felt like I was coming home to my childhood. We had to choose between evening services at Bath Abbey (a cathedral like building) and St. Nicholas church in Bathampton. I am so glad we opted for the local church. The priest was forthright and loving. The people welcomed us as their own family. The church itself is beautiful. If you go tell the Ray Bennett and Fr. Paul I said , "HI".
Tracie <email>
Redding, CA USA 08/06/2006
Churches in Paris and Hampton
We took Rick's advice and visited St. Sulpice in Paris, and it is one of our favourite cathedrals in Europe. The sculpture of the Virgin behind the altar brought me to tears. It was a very reaffirming sight for me, on the same day I found out that my grandfather was very ill.
I also loved the chapel at Hampton Court Palace outside London. It was very peaceful, and there were pieces of paper on which you could write the name of a loved one for the congregation and other visitors to pray for. It really made me feel that my pop was looked after, especially when he passed away 6 months later.
Ashley
Victoria, BC Canada 06/18/2006
Canterbury Cathedral
Four years ago, I was in an international children's choir that sang several times in Canterbury Cathedral. One night, we sang the Evensong service. I must say that that cathedral absolutly sends chills up my spine. It is so gorgeous. I suppose that I am partial to that one because I have personal memories of singing there, but I think everyone should attend a service in canterbury.
The town surrounding the cathedral is darling as well and is worth a train ride to visit.
Ashley <email>
Johnston City, IL USA 06/14/2006
High Mass at the Duomo, Florence, Italy
On April 1,2006, we attended Mass at the Duomo in Florence. It was a High Mass, in the Catholic Tradition and I was tremendously moved with the entire experience. As a life long Catholic, I had hoped to attend Mass in both Rome at St. Peter's--which we did--and at the Duomo as well. The Mass at the Duomo, a high mass, was very moving. The small congregation, the reading of the "Good Shepard"--which I learned from elementary classes in a local language class--the piety of the celebrants--all contributed to a memorable experience that will remain with me forever.
Solemnity, piety, fidelity--they all came to life in a Mass that I barely could understand--but will hold in my heart forever.
D. Ann
Lakewood, CO USA 05/29/2006
Church of the Reformation
Tears came to my eyes as we sang "A Mighty Fortress" at the Stadtkirche in Wittenberg, Germany (60 miles south of Berlin) This was the church where Luther wrote the hymn. I was overcome with emotion and could not sing the first verse of the hymn as I became deeply aware of the significance of the words and context of when it was first played. On Saturday evenings from May through October 31st., English speaking services are held in either the Stadtkirche or the Schlosskirche in Wittenberg. People from all over the world were present for the service.
Steven Rice <email>
Columbus, Ohio USA 03/25/2006
Franciscan church, Krakow
I have two favorites for Catholic services:
Krakow's Franciscan church: St. Mary on the main square has the history, and the more ornate altarpieces. But Franciscan has incredible energy. What I remember most is not the amazing Art Nouveau stained glass windows (see http://galeria.klp.pl/p-7154.html) but that on a Sunday morning the pews were packed absolutely full, with lots of college students, an energetic and seemingly charismatic priest (I don't speak Polish), and everyone singing the rafters off with traditional hymns.
Also, Corpus Christi at Peterskirche in Munich began with a 10-minute procession that hits all the main churches in the old city. The organ there really puts the "fear of God" in you.
Most disappointing: Brussels' big cathedrals are very sparsely attended. There was an interesting Congolese choir at Michel-et-Gudule that almost made it worth it, but a huge cathedral with 15 gray haired people in it and maybe two married couples is too depressing. I went to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Palm Sunday last year and there were so few of us they had Mass in the basement. It is a really cool building to look at though -- not too many Art Deco basilicas in the world.
Mark Houser
Pittsburgh, PA USA 03/22/2006
Definately St Martin in the Fields!!!
USA 02/22/2006
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London
While most people are heading for St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey while in London, don't miss a service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. I have been there for services on Ash Wednesday, Christmas Day, and other Sundays. It's a beautiful, peaceful church, very involved in social issues, and the services are lovely. And there is some of the best music in London.
PS St. Paul's Cathedral also does a wonderful Thanksgiving Day service for homesick Americans...I cried through the whole thing!
Cindy
St. Paul, MN USA 02/15/2006
Sunday Mass in english at the Berliner Dom.
During the 10 am Mass each Sunday, an English translator is on duty at the Berliner Dom in Berlin.
It meant sitting in a rear alcove but enhanced my Christmas experience to understand the sermon.
Steve
Bellevue, WA USA 02/04/2006
Sacred Sacre Coeur
The stunning white cathedral looking out over Paris on Montmartre is our spiritual home when we travel in Paris. I visited twenty years ago as a student and felt an instant connection to it. When I brought my husband to mass there last year, he felt overwhelmed by it, too. More inspiring than Notre Dame.
Sara E.
Raleigh, NC USA 01/09/2006
Candles for Loved Ones
We traveled to Europe in both 2000 and 2004--we visited multiple churches--we are Catholic and most of our visits were to Catholic Churches, however, Westminister Abbey was equally impressive. We have lost several beloved family members in the last few years and decided to light a candle in each church that we visited in their memory. Our loved ones are remembered in churches throughout Ireland, England, France, Italy and Vatican City. We dearly hope to return to Europe in the next few months and fully plan to light candles in every church we visit.
This year, we will be remembering our lost loved ones and especially praying for our dear Marine who may be serving our country in Iraq. I plan to light several candles at the Vatican; our Marine and all of our military members need every prayer that we can offer on their behalf. The best Place of Worship? St. Peter's in Rome is unquestionably the most impressive place I have visited--but then, I have the rest of the world to visit.
Anne
Denver, CO USA 11/19/2005
Paris, France
We attended the American Church of Paris for an English Sunday morning service. I believe the church was built in the 1920's. Very much like attending a traditional Protestant church in the States. That afternoon at 4:00pm we were at Sacre Coeur and heard the nuns singing. The acoustics were wonderful, a very uplifting experience.
nl <email>
Bellevue, WA USA 10/27/2005
San Miniato al Monte, Florence
Above the Piazza Michelangelo, on a hill overlooking Florence. Lovely exterior mosaic work; a beautiful, intact fresco series of the life of St Benedict in the sacristy; breath-taking aspe mosaic; dates from ~1000. The Lord was very close. After vespers in the crypt of the church, heading off to a quiet, closed-off section of the crypt for Mass.
Shari
Burlingame, CA USA 10/05/2005
Santa Maria Maggiore- Rome
Don't go without binoculars. Rick must have eyes like an Eagle. That church is huge. Oh yes it has tons of Mosaics but since they are hundreds of feet up, you better pack binoculars and lay on your back like Michael Angelo.
Marie
Verona, NJ USA 09/28/2005
Attending Local Church Services
We always try to attend at least one scheduled church service of some type on every trip we take....no matter where. It seems to always be enlightening when a new slant is cast upon one's personal religious, or even nonreligious, beliefs. Something about the difference between standing OUTSIDE of a church building and taking a picture of the building versus going INSIDE wearing appropriate apparel, sitting down in the pews with local people, and enjoying their service. That's definitely the "back door" way to travel. Been to: Westminster Abbey Evensong Service, Sunday's at 15:00, followed by an organ recital concert at 5:00pm. Also try the Berlin Dom (Cathedral) which sits on the former East side of Berlin....right in the middle of what used to be a communist area. Amazing. Try it right here in the US too.
AT
Portland, OR USA 09/25/2005
Jewish Holidays in Paris?
I will be in Paris during Rosh Hashanah. Has anyone ever been to a welcoming synagogue there? It seems to me that could be a wonderful experience.
Liz <email>
Hyattsville, MD USA 07/27/2005
Salzburg and London
I just left Salzburg. On Sunday I attended mass in the cathedral and thrilled to Mozart's "Missa Solemnis." Although I am not catholic, it was a very moving experience. In London I went to matins at the Temple Church. It was just the priest and I. A very moving experience of a different sort. After the service I got to wander the church on my own, even though it wasn't officially open for visitors until much later in the day.
Robert Harrell
Long Beach, California USA 07/27/2005
Synagogue in Roma
We showed up in Rome on New Years Eve, completely overwhelmed by the crowds since we had just spent a relaxing couple of days in Cinque Terre.
It was Friday night, so we headed to the Great Synagogue.
It was the highlight of our trip to Italy. The community welcomed both me (who sat with the other women in the balcony) and my husband (who sat below). While the tunes were different, we knew what the congregation was singing and could follow the prayers using the siddur.
It was a great way to welcome Shabbat and the New Year!
Susan
Atlanta, GA USA 07/21/2005
Methodist church & Museum
Wesley's Chapel, 49 City Rd. in London, is very nice. It's the home of Methodism and the church is much like it was when it was first built in the late 1700's. When I went the pastor was very nice and accomodating - there were a few other tourists there as well, even though it was the middle of November! In addition, there was a museum in the basement that was free of charge. I don't know if it's always free (on some websites I see admission price listed) - it may have only been free because I had attended the service. Either way, it was very nice and I look forward to going again later this year.
Kris
MD USA 07/02/2005
Synagogues in Italy
We visited the synagogue in Rome which is beautiful and opulent. Ursula was very nice, giving us a tour, even though she was late for a staff meeting.
There were several things we wanted to purchase from their gift shop, but we were low on cash and they did accept credit cards. P.S. They have a very clean bathroom!
If you are in Siena, I recommend stearing clear of the synagogue there. We tried 2 times and were turned away for a tour, even though it was the the alloted time as posted on the door. Because it was during Passover, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and went for services. Wrong move, we were treated like lepers. They didn't offer us prayer books, so we were lost during the whole service. No one spoke to us afterwards or even offered us a glass of wine for Kaddush service. It was very disapointing, to say the least and not very much in keeping with our faith.
Holly <email>
Lower Gwynedd, PA USA 05/08/2005
Churches in France
St Germain Des Pres in Paris, becase it's ancient and peaceful; Sacre Coeur, though not old, I happened to visit early in the morning and heard the nuns(?) singing matins - perfect acoustics brought me to tears; Cathedral at Bayeux for its ancient beauty ; Cathedral at Albi for the gorgeous choir rood,the altar, and the beautiful chapel of Ste. Cecelia; finally, Chartres, the beautiful windows, the huge scale of the cathedral, its' perfection.
S <email>
Long Beach, CA USA 03/30/2005
Assisi, Italy
While St. Peter's was the most breath-taking church building, my most spiritual experience in an European church was at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Assisi. (A Christian church built on a Roman temple) A priest came up to me and my friend and asked if we would go inside the little chapel to spend 5 minutes with him and with God. He then read scripture and prayed with us. It was a personal and uplifting experience.
Amy <email>
CA USA 03/05/2005
Knock Shrine
Our Lady of Knock Shrine in Knock Ireland is lovely. It is a sacred place with a fascinating history and well worth the visit.
Julie <email>
Ellicott City, MD USA 01/31/2005
The Cathedral in Trier
The Cathedral in Trier is a beautiful place to be. It is very large and when you get to the case where the Shroud lies, you can feel chills running up and down your spine!
Alexandra Fischer <email>
Heidweiler, Germany 01/27/2005