Today: Top 10 most beautiful churches in the world

In ancient times, churches were religious place where people could prayer and connect with gods. Today, churches remain religious places, although most people will only visit them for special occasions or for sightseeing. There are uncountable churches in this world, but only few with dazzle their visitors with eye-catching beauty and giant dimensions, making them so much more than just places of worship. From recognisable city icons to cathedrals-turned-museums, here’s my selection of the world’s most beautiful churches that should be on your travel bucket list.

There is more information (with YouTube videos) below the slideshow. What’s the world’s most beautiful church in your opinion? Leave a comment.

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10. HALLGRIMSKIRKJA, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík is both a parish church and a national sanctuary in Iceland. Designed by the architect Gudjon Samuelsson in 1937 and completed in 1986, the concrete structure took over 40 years to build. The soaring modernist church features a stepped concrete facade that was designed as an ode to modernism and a reminder of the basalt lava flows found in Iceland‘s natural landscape, especially the basalt columns around Svartifoss waterfall. The church is named after the 17th-century clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of Hymns of the Passion. Hallgrímskirkja is an Evangelical-Lutheran church and is a part of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Iceland. The iconic building is 75 m (240 ft) high, and a visit to the top will reward you with awe-inspiring views of Reykjavik and even Snaefellsjokull glacier on a clear day. Its wonderful acoustics and enormous pipe organ (designed and constructed by the German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn) make the church an ideal venue for classical music concerts.

9. SAINT BASIL’S CATHEDRAL, MOSCOW, RUSSIA

Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow is a proud survivor of the city’s tumultuous history. Rising majestically from Red Square, it provides a striking contrast to the monochrome buildings characteristic of the Soviet era that fill much of the city. It has remained standing despite several fires, Napoleon’s invasion and the demolition of other churches in Moscow like the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour under Stalin. Enchanting visitors with its vibrant mix of bright colors, the towers topped with differently designed onion domes – some swirled like ice creams, some textured with diamond patterns – St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous building in Moscow, offering an unforgettable postcard image for everyone who visits the city, whether at day or night. Inside the unique exterior is a small temple made up of a labyrinth of nine different chapels, one of which is topped by the central bell tower. Each small chapel is exquisitely decorated with Orthodox iconology, gilt details and colorful murals.

8. CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, UNITED KINGDOM

A breath-taking mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Canterbury Cathedral in Kent has been the seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for nearly five centuries. The imposing cathedral building, set in beautiful gardens, was built around 597 AD. The UNESCO World Heritage monument is often described as ‘England in stone’ as its history is intrinsically linked to the country’s history. From its first Archbishop, Augustine, who established Christianity in England to Archbishop Langton’s role in the Magna Carta negotiations and the power struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket, Canterbury Cathedral’s history is as rich as it comes. Whether you go on a tour or take things at your own pace, don’t miss the fantastic stained glass windows, – including one of England’s largest collections of early medieval stained glass – and the Water Tower from the 12th century (possibly earlier) with piping that has survived and is still functioning today.

7. CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE, FLORENCE, ITALY

Florence Cathedral was designed at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio and is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, a reference to the lily, the city’s symbol. The third largest cathedral of the world (after Saint Peter’s in Rome and Saint Paul’s in London), at the time of its consecretation in 1436 it was the largest in Europe. The building was erected on top of the earlier Cathedral of Santa Reparata, the remains of which are accessible via the nave. The exterior, now clad in polychrome marble, remained incomplete for a long time; the original façade, which had been partially built to the design by Arnolfo di Cambio, was demolished at the end of the 16th century, and the current one was only erected at the end of the 19th century. Inside, the nave and two side aisles end in a vast choir where the main altar stands, surrounded by the tribune on which the Cupola rests. The 44 stained-glass windows were the work of leading 15th-century masters, including Donatello, Andrea del Castagno and Paolo Uccello.

6. MEZQUITA CATHEDRAL DE CORDOBA, SPAIN

The Spanish city of Cordoba’s period of greatest glory began in the 8th century after the Moorish conquest, when some 300 mosques – including the Great Mezquita – and innumerable palaces and public buildings were built to rival the splendors of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, the Saint, Cordoba’s Great Mosque was turned into the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Although only the Christian religion is practized in it today, the official title of the Great Mosque of Cordoba as Mosque-Cathedral makes it the only religious monument in the world with this distinction. The integration of the cathedral, with its construction being carried out within the mosque in the 16th century by the Christians, lends the compound its unique and surprising combination. The building’s design – with its many horseshoe arches, domes, and decorative tile work – is the epitome of Moorish architecture. Because of its cultural and artistic value, UNESCO declared the Mosque-Cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1984.

5. ST PETER CATHEDRAL, COLOGNE, GERMANY

Cologne Cathedral – a building of superlatives – is the center and hallmark of this city on the Rhine. The cornerstone of this gothic cathedral was laid on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15 August 1248. The previous building was apparently no longer deemed impressive enough to house the remains of the Three Wise Men, which Archbishop Rainald von Dassel had brought to Cologne from Milan after the latter city was conquered in 1164. Because of these relics, the cathedral became one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Europe. Its two massive towers have dominated the city’s skyline since their completion in 1880.  Today the cathedral is Cologne’s second-tallest structure, surpassed only by the telecommunications tower, and can hold more than 20,000 people. Due to the building’s impressive Gothic architecture, the shrine of the Three Wise Men, the outstanding stained-glass windows and the many other important works of art, UNESCO declared Cologne Cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1996.

4. DUOMO OF SANTA MARIA NASCENTE, MILAN, ITALY

Milan’s famed cathedral, better known as Duomo or Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary of the Nativity), is the second largest church in Italy (second only to Saint Peter’s in size) and the fourth largest church in the world. It took nearly six centuries to complete, with more than 78 architects and engineers heading the project from its groundbreaking in 1386 to its completion in 1965. With its spires, pinnacles, gables and countless statues, the cathedral’s gothic exterior is a breathtaking sight, especially when the afternoon sun reflects on the light-white marble facade. The interior is sober bordering on the austere and is strikingly intimate for its very vastness. Don’t forget to head up to the cathedral’s rooftop terrace for sweeping views of Milan and to admire the cathedral’s architectural decorations up close.

3. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, REIMS, FRANCE

With a length of 150 m (492 ft) and two towers rising 80 m (262 ft) above the ground, Reims Notre Dame Cathedral is recognized worldwide as one of the defining models of Gothic art. The monumental building bears witness to the remarkable mastery of the new architectural techniques acquired in the course of the 13th century, and achieves a harmonious marriage of architecture with sculpted decoration. The perfection of the cathedral’s architecture and sculptures is so great that it influenced many later buildings all over the world. This gothic art masterpiece also played a major role in the history of France for 800 years, as it was the site of the coronation of the French kings of France. The cathedral hosted thirty-three sovereign coronations in just over 1000 years! Together with the adjacent 9th-century Abbey of Saint Remi and Tau Palace, the former archiepiscopal residence, the cathedral constitutes a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

2. ST. PETER’S BASILICA, VATICAN CITY

While Vatican City is home to the Roman Catholic Church’s governing body, this small sovereign city-state within Rome offers a wealth of attractions open to visitors of any faith. St. Peter’s Basilica is Vatican City’s top attraction and the largest church in the world. The most important building in Christendom is called after one of Jesus’s twelve disciples known as Saint Peter, one of the founders of the Catholic Church who was executed in Rome and buried where the Basilica now stands. The Italian Renaissance style church was designed primarily by Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. The construction of the new basilica began in 1506, when the old basilica had been torn down, and was finished in 1626.  A cultural, historical, and architectural landmark, the church holds within itself treasures from millennia including paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and more. This includes Michelangelo’s Pieta, the famous sculpture of Mary holding the body of her son, Jesus, and the tomb of St. John Paul II.

1. SAGRADA FAMILIA, BARCELONA, SPAIN

The world-famous Sagrada Familia Basicila, the construction of which began in 1882, is today one of the landmarks of Barcelona and visited by millions of people from across the world. Initially, the project was commissioned to architect Francesc de Paula Villar, but the legendary architect Antonio Gaudi assumed the position at the end of 1883. Gaudi’s project was much more ambitious and spectacular than that proposed by his predecessor. It included the construction of a giant temple with 5 naves, a transept, an apse, an exterior ambulatory, 3 façades and 18 towers. It was the most complex and unique project that Gaudi had carried out throughout his professional career, to which he dedicated 43 years of his life. The part built by Gaudi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The Construction Board hopes to finish the works in 2026, marking the centenary of Gaudi’s death. When completed, the Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church in the world.

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (June 18, 2018): Top 10 best luxury hotels in Russia.

For the next few weeks, Russia is capturing the world’s attention with the organization of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Held every four years, the international competition in football – obstinately referred to as soccer by Americans –  is expected to have a global audience of more than three billion viewers or about half the total world population. The heightened media attention on Russia as it hosts the World Cup will likely boost tourism in the world’s largest country. From the ancient fortresses of Moscow to the lavish architecture in popular Saint Petersburg and beyond, Russia offers a a lot of inspiration for a pleasant vacation. Ample history in politics, culture and people, the Soviet destination teaches visitors a thing or two with its many museums, palaces and churches. You can also take a dip in the Black Sea, ski at famous resorts like Krasnaya Polyana, or observe wildlife in the Kamchatka Peninsula. I hereby share with you a breakdown of the most exclusive places to stay in Russia.

There is more information below the slideshow. What’s your favorite hotel in Russia? Take my poll or leave a comment below.

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10. THE ST REGIS MOSCOW NIKOLSKAYA

At the heart of Moscow, with superb views of downtown, the Kremlin and Red Square, the St Regis Moscow Nikolskaya combines a rich history with impeccable service. Built in the 1870s, the building has a wonderful past as it was the residence of Count Orlov-Davydov until the early years of the 20th century. The historic façade of this architectural ensemble has been lovingly preserved and renovated, and the superb decorative mosaic was partially saved during the painstaking reconstruction (it is proudly on display today). The 210 rooms make a bold statement with rich, vibrant hues and evocative artworks. Hotel facilities include an elegant spa and several dining venues with food offerings ranging from authentic Italian to gourmet burgers.

• Hotel website: St Regis Moscow Nikolskaya
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at St Regis Moscow Nikolskaya when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).

9. THE RODINA GRAND HOTEL & SPA, SOCHI

The Rodina Grand Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Sochi, which is often referred to as the Russian Riviera because its landscapes and scenery are reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The central building of the hotel is designed in the best traditions of Stalin’s neoclassicism and set in a magnificent subtropical park of 15 ha. Giant cedars and larches, elegant maples and delicate rhododendrons, and other unique plants from all over the world spread down to the Black Sea as a gorgeous carpet. The property has 40 designer rooms in the grand hotel wing and 20 additional rooms in the villa wing. The Grand Hotel & Spa Rodina also has a luxurious spa for relaxation, and a movie theater, where guests can screen the latest national and international releases.

• Hotel website: Rodina Grand Hotel and Spa

8. THE RITZ-CARLTON MOSCOW

Moments from Red Square and the Kremlin, the Ritz-Carlton Moscow celebrates Russian culture and decadence at every opportunity. A gilded interior, reflecting the beauty of 19th-century classicism, houses 5-star hotel amenities including a spa inspired by European and Eastern traditions, a rooftop lounge and spacious accommodations in the city center. The hotel offers 334 of the largest guestrooms and suites in the city. The world-class dining options include O2 Lounge (its summer terrace on the 12th floor offers panoramic views over the Kremlin and Red Square), Café Russe (for international cuisine) and Novikov Restaurant & Bar (serving Pan-Asian specialties). The hotel became (in)famous after reports claim that Donald Trump met with escorts at the hotel’s presidential suite during his 2013 stay in Moscow.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Moscow 
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at the Ritz-Carlton Moscow when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

7. TALEON IMPERIAL HOTEL, ST PETERSBURG

The Taleon Imperial Hotel is the only lodging in St Petersburg providing accommodations in a czarist-era palace. Restored and modified by some of Russia’s finest artistic talent, the hotel opened in 2003 in time to celebrate the city’s 300th anniversary. The hotel offers 29 rooms in six standards of splendor. The most opulent is the Presidential Suite – of which there are only two apartments. Each suite and room has been individually designed and decorated with the finest Italian furnishings, and hand-painted reproductions of masterpieces from major art museums, such as the State Hermitage Museum, adorn the walls. Inside each suite and room you will find everything to meet your exclusive needs.

• Hotel website: Taleon Imperial Hotel
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Taleon Imperial Hotel when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 3-course lunch or dinner for up to two people per room, once during stay).

6. HOTEL BALTSCHUG KEMPINSKI MOSCOW

Enjoying an enviable location overlooking the Kremlin and the Moskva River, Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow has long been the hideaway of choice for politicos, business travelers and sophisticated globetrotters. The hotel’s classic façade dates back to 1898, but inside you’ll find a fully modern luxury environment with refined décor, large public spaces, and all of the contemporary amenities. You can choose from 227 spacious rooms and suites, many with a view of the Kremlin, Red Square or St Basil’s Cathedral (ask about the Design and Kremlin Suites). Dining is of particular note here: choices include the luxurious breakfast at the Baltschug Grill restaurant and exquisite international cuisine at the refined Cafe Kranzler.

• Hotel website: Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. ARARAT PARK HYATT MOSCOW

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is located in the very heart of the Russian capital, Moscow, within the immediate vicinity of the Bolshoi Theatre and only a few minutes walk from the Kremlin, Red Square, the Russian Parliament building and the central business district. The hotel is a newly renovated timeless, world-class, residential style hotel designed by gamous Tony Chi for the discriminating traveler who seeks privacy, personalized service and outstanding quality. The tastefully furnished 206 spacious and luxurious guest rooms include 35 suites with individual designs that project a cosmopolitan yet very residential feel, complemented by a range of modern features and technology which are available in each room.

• Hotel website: Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, guaranteed 4pm late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

4. BELMOND GRAND HOTEL EUROPE, ST PETERSBURG

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe offers a smart combination of historical ambience with modern facilities enjoyed by today’s discerning traveler. The hotel is set in the heart of St Petersburg, across from the Shostakovich Philharmonic, next to the Russian Museum and the Moussorgsky opera and ballet theatre and within walking distance of the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace Square. The hotel has 301 rooms and suites replete with handsome period furnishings, including the magnificent Lidval and Rossi Presidential Suites. The property’s seven restaurants and bars include the art nouveau splendour of L’Europe, serving French and European specialties beneath an original stained glass ceiling. The Lobby and Piano Bars are popular meeting places throughout the day and evening.

• Hotel website: Belmond Grand Hotel Europe
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room, once during stay).

3. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MOSCOW

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow offers a landmark location adjacent to Red Square and the Kremlin, with views of the Duma (Lower House of the Russian Parliament) and the domes and golden spires of St Basil’s Cathedral. Four Seasons is a modern replica of the legendary Hotel Moskva, originally built in the 1930s – connecting with history yet stylish and contemporary. Offering the city’s most spacious accommodations, the hotel’s 180 rooms and suites are naturally lit through floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have step-out balconies. With signature restaurants and bars, along with a chic day spa and lovely indoor swimming pool, the hotel attracts the local elite and introduces international guests to today’s upscale Moscow.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Four Seasons Hotel Moscow when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

2. ROCCO FORTE HOTEL ASTORIA, ST PETERSBURG

Located in the heart of St Petersburg, Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria combines Russian character with the elegant sophistication of an international luxury hotel. Contemporary design, original antiques and personalized service give the Astoria a charming and welcoming feel and create an intimate atmosphere. The property boasts 213 guestrooms, including 39 luxurious suites. All rooms and suites are comfortable furnished in the simple, but elegant style that is synonymous with the Rocco Forte brand. Many have stunning views over St Isaac’s Square, the Monument of Nicholas I and the Mariinsky Palace. Facilities at the hotel include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish steam room, fine dining restaurants and a caviar bar.

• Hotel website: Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

1. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LION PALACE ST PETERSBURG

Just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum and close to Nevsky Prospekt and the Mariinsky Theatre, Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg provides a dreamy luxury experience: living like Russian royalty in an authentic 19th-century palace. This fully restored, 19th-century royal palace showcases gilded ceilings and an elegant gold-and-cream color palette. Heritage hotel interiors, including the main stairway, vestibule and entry hall, have all been painstakingly restored to their original 1820 beauty, while newly appointed luxury hotel areas reflect imperial Russian style while feeling fresh, light and contemporary. The 183 guestrooms have been updated with a fresh, airy feel. The four-level spa features a glass-roofed pool and Russian steam room.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St Petersburg
• Tip: enjoy free VIP perks at Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

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