Throughout our time in Europe, we have visited many churches, some ancient, some more recent; some massive and grand, and some small and simple. Many have been ravaged over time by the whims of religion and politics, while others have been protected and/or carefully restored. Importantly, churches are much more than places of worship. While our visits are not for religious purposes, churches are peaceful places for reflection.
It is the fascinating history and architecture that attracts our interest. Many churches contain beautiful works of art, as well as rich, and sometimes, gruesome histories. Their role as seats of faith, politics, and power has often protected them to some degree, and yet it is those same characteristics that have often led to their destruction. For us their place in the public domain allows access for exploration and their extensive chronicled history provides a rich backdrop to the communities where they reside and beyond.
Cathedrals, as well as many basilicas, abbey churches and parish churches, were often built over places considered important to the older pagan religions of the areas. The pagans believed that the location was a place where spiritual energy emanated. It is thought that the Christian structures were built on top of such sites to take advantage of the genius loci – the prevailing atmosphere, spirit or character of a place, as well as to show dominance over the more ancient culture.
The architecture that emerged above the ground was dictated upon local materials and local techniques. The styles developed and their fashion was spread by the increasing importance of the monasteries, the diffusion of church hierarchy, and by the master stonemasons, who also served as architects and travelled from job to job.
As construction might span decades or even centuries, it was rather unlikely that anyone present at the laying of the foundation would ever see completion of any of these great structures.
The architectural periods of the great church buildings throughout France and England are progressively known as Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, Norman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and so on. But this is not the place for art or architectural discourse, or for discussions of their religious purpose, but rather a celebration of the diversity, beauty, and details of these sacred buildings from our past year of travel (2017).
Butch
13 Feb 2018Lots of beautiful pictures both inside and out. I’ll bet you’d have loved to get up in the bell towers for a view of the countryside or cityscape. Make it a Fear Factor challenge conquering the faint of heights and bats-in-the-belfrey showdown. Maybe ring in 2018 inside a coupla bell towers….?
Bats or no bats still love your blog!
Jeannie
28 Feb 2018He does drive me batty some days:) I do have a limit to the heights I’ll climb, but there’s plenty to see and explore at street level. Wish you could join us on one of our journeys!
Neona Daugherty
7 Feb 2018Beautiful and very interesting. I have had the pleasure of visiting a few of the many cathedrals and churches. Keep up the good work. Love to you and Jeannie. Hope to see you soon.
Linda Tisdale
6 Feb 2018Very lovely, feel peaceful jus reviewing your shots.
Linda
6 Feb 2018Amazing pictures. You certainly have seen more churches, abbeys and cathedrals than most people. Thanks for sharing.
Jeannie
7 Feb 2018And these were just from our travels in 2017, I am surprised at how many we visited. Such spots of community, and peace. Glad we can share, and that you pause to send us a comment!
Wayne
6 Feb 2018Fabulous!
Jeannie
7 Feb 2018Even better in person!
missy ortega
6 Feb 2018As always beautiful photos accommodating excellent writing.
Jeannie
7 Feb 2018As always, Chris’s handiwork. Though I contributed the title, and a little editing!
Nancy L Philman
6 Feb 2018I love how your eye knows how to represent the grand and the small. Perfect aspects to view the object of your subjects. Thank you!
Jeannie
7 Feb 2018Chris finds great angles to capture the sense of the place. I am able to just sit and enjoy the peace.
Cathi
6 Feb 2018A collage of richness in color & history, at the very least.
Jeannie
7 Feb 2018So glad you enjoy what we share!
Linda Link Pina
5 Feb 2018Thank you. Such a tour,
Jeannie
7 Feb 2018Thanks for traveling with us.
Alice Mathias
5 Feb 2018Wow! Thanks!!
Bonnie Blackman Baron
5 Feb 2018Ages of Cathedral, coursera course I am taking!! And now your photos, and writings! I have tears in my eyeballs!! So beautiful