Many cultures around the world hold worship in some of the most stunning architectural structures ever built. Contrary to what you may think, you don’t need to be religious to appreciate their beauty.
Originally built as a Christian church, Hagia Sophia is now a prominent historical and culturally significant mosque. Its Byzantine design represents its Eastern Orthodox influence when it was built in 537 by the Eastern Roman Empire.
With two twin towers standing 515 tall, the Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic-designed church in northern Europe. What’s interesting about its history is that for more than 500 years, it was still under construction.
This Catholic cathedral was designed by Antoni Gaudí, who combined Gothic and Art Nouveau styles to create its iconic steeples. Interestingly enough, the Sagrada Família is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world.
The pinnacle of Catholic religion and faith, St. Peter’s Basilica sits at the center of Vatican City. This Renaissance-inspired church features thick columns and a dome-shaped ceiling built over the resting place of St. Peter the Apostle.
Once called the Santo Rosario Church and known locally as Pisambang Maragul (“Big Church”), the Holy Rosary Parish Church was built by Roman Catholic Spaniards in the late 1800s.
5. Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles, City, Philippines