Marvels Of Peace

Whenever we feel apprehensive or our mind can’t be at rest, we often resort to visit or venture into places that can make us feel easy and exhilarating. So, what’s better than monuments engraved in architectural beauty and inspiring imagery? Churches are some of the most beautiful institutions of design aesthetics, often set against flattering backdrops. They are the pillars and marvels of peace and tranquillity. Built to honour the creator of the Universe, various churches around the world can give a tough competition in matters of charming the audience with their structural manifestations.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

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Have you ever thought how an unfinished building can be a feast for the eyes? Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia’s construction began from 1882 by architect Antoni Gaudí. Although, it is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church yet it remains as an unforgettable part of Barcelona’s skyline. Taking years longer than the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, this towering building is stuffed with ornate sculpture and mosaics. The Sagrada is a matter of cultural significance and symbol of inspiration. Its stunning ceiling reaches 200 feet in height which presents a mesmerising view of spiritual forests with incredible colour tones. This masterpiece resembling Gothic architecture is the most visited attraction of Barcelona. Of course, why wouldn’t people come back to a magical atmosphere to get hold of good and positive vibes?

Borgund Stave Church, Norway

Going back in time and reliving history can be anybody’s favourite. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to visit an 800-year old building still standing tall with all of its majestic stature? Built around 1180 with only wood, Borgund Stave Church still manages to captivate everyone with its splendour. Being the most distinctive church of Norway, the area surrounding it is rich in historic cultural heritage. One can take advantage of the church's location at Vindhellavegen, a part of the ancient Kongevegen (King's Road) over the mountains which have been long used as a bridleway and packhorse track and now, offers magnificent walking grounds. Some of its finest features are the lavishly carved portals and the crosses and carvings of dragon’s heads on the roofs, a reminiscence of the old Viking tales. Norway's stave churches are truly iconic ones.

Cathedral of St. John The Divine, New York

For anything to be in New York, it got to be the grandest affair. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the world's largest church. A building made in the revival style of Romanesque architecture with stained-glass windows, gardens and wandering peacocks remains the most visited place in New York. Also standing as one of the most fascinating marvels, this historic cathedral has many secrets, from a gold triptych by Keith Haring to a very unusual sculpture featuring the Archangel Michael, the decapitated head of Satan, and nine giraffes. A landmark open to all people of the world, Saint John the Divine is a refined exercise of the 13th-century high Gothic style.

St Sophia’s Cathedral, Ukraine

Time can come to a standstill whilst looking at a masterpiece of art and architecture. This 18th-century wonder - St Sophia’s Cathedral with astounding interiors stand as one of the oldest churches of Ukraine. Although, many of the mosaics and frescoes date back to 1017–31, the building's gold domes and 76m-tall wedding-cake bell tower are 18th-century baroque additions. It's worth climbing the bell tower for a bird's-eye view of the cathedral and 360-degree panoramas of Kyiv, Ukraine. Apart from standing as a praying ground, it also works as a museum and contains archaeological artefacts and architectural displays. It's old doomed shaped silhouette on the exterior yet the modern and contemporary styles on the interiors have been an inspiration for many later churches and monuments.

Church of Seven Martyrs, Greece

Churches, be it big or small, can be seen scattered everywhere in Greece. The Church of Seven Martyrs in Sifnos island is on a rocky, isolated islet that emerges from the sea. The elegantly simple, sacred place is located in a picturesque setting and voted as one of the most photographed locations on Sifnos. For good reasons, it is. Although Sifnos is famous for its little chapels and monasteries filled all around, this beautiful Cycladic-style church painted with scenic hues of white and blue stands out against the pristine aqua nearby. Built a little afar from the main island, it is linked by some stairs along the rock. When the wind blows strong, the church is hit by the strong waves and creates a wild, picturesque scene.