Churches, Mosques and Temples.

[Tank]

I live 20 miles from York and it's Minster. When you drive towards York it dominates the ancient city and you can see it from miles away. I try, and fail, to put myself in the shoes of my ancestors walking to the place for the first time. The building must have been literally awe inspiring in a way I doubt anything we see today could be, except possibly the Great Pyramid or the Grand Canyon.

The work and effort put in by the builders is magnificent, while we may doubt their motivations one can not doubt their skill, determination and commitment.

York Minster virtual tour

[Dretlin]

York itself is a fascinating place. Truly ancient.

I remember a school trip we took. I very much enjoyed it and envied it's heritage.

Most Cathedrals, are spectacular on the outside and then seem to expand enormously on the inside.

Thanks for bringing back that memory, I am quite fond of it.

[The Magic Pudding]

Where I live now the oldest building is an 1820s convict built church, a curiosity but not awe inspiring.

 As a kid living in Sydney I'd occasionally make a train trip into Sydney town centre.
The train travels underground for quite a while and then emerges into brightness with Sydney Harbour, the bridge and opera house seeming larger than life.  I think awe is the right word.

[AtheistInEden]

I live 20 miles from York and it's Minster. When you drive towards York it dominates the ancient city and you can see it from miles away. I try, and fail, to put myself in the shoes of my ancestors walking to the place for the first time. The building must have been literally awe inspiring in a way I doubt anything we see today could be, except possibly the Great Pyramid or the Grand Canyon.

The work and effort put in by the builders is magnificent, while we may doubt their motivations one can not doubt their skill, determination and commitment.

York Minster virtual tour

Wow, that is just incredible. Thank you for sharing that link.

[Tank]

Lincoln cathedral is a wonderful building, the acoustics are mind numbing! Hearing a Gregorian chant there is indescribable, like being transported to another world. 24 years ago when my eldest daughter was 2 1/2 we went there and were just wandering around. It was totally silent and we came across a large low stone bowl a couple of feet high a yard across, it was full of sand and lit candles. Claire was looking at the candles and her face was lit by them, she smiled and at that very instant the choir started to sing. If ever I had to put a feeling to the word 'spiritual' that moment would have been it. I have carried that moment in my heart ever since.



Image from here http://www.wwowens.com/Lincoln_Cathedral.htm and believe me, they don't do the place justice.

[MariaEvri]

Those are so beautiful. OUr churches here are orthodox architecture and personally I find these very boring!

[pinkocommie]

I like the dome.  I'm a fan of domes.

[Tank]

I liked this one



St Lazarus church Lanaca

[SSY]

Unfortuantley, gothic architecture is an area where the French have us beat





When you see images like this, it's is easy to understand how an ignorant illiterate peasant from the 13th century, used to eating turnips all year could be easily convinced of god's power.

[Tank]

Unfortuantley, gothic architecture is an area where the French have us beat





When you see images like this, it's is easy to understand how an ignorant illiterate peasant from the 13th century, used to eating turnips all year could be easily convinced of god's power.

Imagine if the largest building you had ever seen was a barn two stories high and then you walk into a building like that. I'm not sure a modern westerner could ever really and truly understand that feeling.

[karadan]

I've never really been a fan of opulence which is why I generally think nonchalantly about churches, cathedrals, mansions and palaces.

I'm a fan of bridges, modern architecture and thatched cottages.  

[MariaEvri]

I liked this one



St Lazarus church Lanaca

boooringgggg
but then again.. if you see something for 26 years of your life can become boring XD