SHORT REVIEW
Russia, St. Basil's Cathedral
This religious building of the century is the most popular temple on our planet. It was built by Italian architects. In their work, they used Russian folklore, decorated the temple in the form of "arrows", "kokoshniks", "crosses", etc.
Each dome of the temple is decorated with baked bricks and colorful mosaics. If you look at the cathedral from above, you will find that all of its eight domes form an eight-pointed star, which is a symbol of Holy Mother of God. It is located in the capital of Russia - Moscow.
Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica
This is the heart of the Roman Catholic Empire. The most famous Italian artists were engaged in its architecture, one of them was the famous Michelangelo. Its construction lasted for many centuries.
The walls of the cathedral amaze with a variety of biblical characters; inside there are many sculptures made of marble. The interior of the cathedral is gilded altars and painted frescoes.
Spain, Sagrada Familia
Its chief architect is the great master of his craft - Antonio Gaudi. The construction of the temple began at the end of the nineteenth century, and continues to this day. The expiatory temple of the Holy Family consists of high columns, between which there are biblical sculptures.
The most difficult thing in its construction is the stone itself, as it is made using the most complex technology. Completion of construction is scheduled for 2026. Located in Barcelona.
Türkiye, Hagia Sophia
Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) is unique cathedral, years of construction 537 -1453. Since ancient times, it was considered the "heart" of the Byzantine state.
Numerous worship services were held within its walls, during which precious materials and relics were used. Around the temple are numerous sculptures of biblical saints. The fate of the building is interesting: at first it was a church, then a mosque, and now it is a museum.
Italy, Milan Cathedral
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is a cathedral in Milan. Built of white marble in the Gothic style. Construction began in 1386, completed at the beginning of the 19th century. Some details were completed before 1965. Dedicated to Christmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Milan. The building contains many spiers and sculptures, pointed turrets and marble columns. There are 3400 statues in the cathedral.
Israel, Church of the Holy Sepulcher
This is the most important and significant shrine not only of Israel, but of all the inhabitants of the world power. Date of foundation 326. Located in Jerusalem. It is within these walls that every year, in honor of the great Resurrection of the Son of God Jesus Christ, a miracle occurs - the descent of the Holy Fire.
The legend says that it was erected exactly on the spot where Jesus Christ was crucified and then buried.
UK, St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Anglican Church, located in the high point London, is the seat of the Bishop. Built by architect Christopher Wren. Years of construction 1675-1708.
Here lie the ashes of two hundred of the most famous citizens of Great Britain. The following are buried in the cathedral: its architect Christopher Wren, Admiral Nelson, Duke of Wellington, Sir Alexander Fleming, artist Henry Moore. In this temple, Winston Churchill was buried, Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married.
Video
This video contains interesting and additional information.
The architecture of temples has a very rich and ambiguous history, which, however, shows that it was with the construction of temples that all architectural innovations, all new styles and trends all over the world began and spread. The majestic places of worship of great civilizations have survived to this day. ancient world. And also there were many modern examples of amazing architecture of religious buildings.
(Total 28 photos)
1. Hallgrimskirkja
The Lutheran Church in Reykjavik is the fourth tallest building in Iceland. The project of the church was developed in 1937 by the architect Gudjoun Samuelson. It took 38 years to build the church. The church is located in the center of Reykjavik, and is visible from any part of the city. It has become one of the main attractions of the city, and is also used as a lookout tower.
2. Las Lajas Cathedral
One of the most visited temples in Colombia. The construction of the temple was completed in 1948. Neo gothic cathedral built directly on a 30-meter arched bridge connecting the two sides of a deep gorge. The church is cared for by two Franciscan communities, one Colombian and the other Ecuadorian. Thus, the Cathedral of Las Lajas became the key to peace and union between the two South American peoples.
3. Notre Dame du Haut
Concrete pilgrimage church, built in 1950-55. in the French city of Ronchamp. The architect Le Corbusier, not being religious, agreed to take on the project on the condition that Catholic Church will give him complete freedom of creative expression. Initially, the non-standard building caused violent protests from local residents who refused to supply water and electricity to the temple, but by now the tourists who come to see it have become one of the main sources of income for the Ronshans.
4. Jubilee Church
Or the Church of the Merciful God the Father is a community center in Rome. It was built by architect Richard Meyer between 1996 and 2003 to revitalize the lives of the area's residents. The temple was built of prefabricated concrete on a triangular platform on the border of the city park, surrounded by 10-story residential and public buildings with a population of about 30,000 inhabitants.
5. St. Basil's Cathedral
The Orthodox church is located on Red Square in Moscow. A well-known monument of Russian architecture and one of the most famous sights of Russia. It was built in 1555-1561 by order of Ivan the Terrible in memory of the victory over the Kazan Khanate. According to legend, the architects of the cathedral were blinded by order of Ivan the Terrible so that they could no longer build a similar temple.
6. Milan Cathedral
The world-famous fourth largest church in the world is located in the very center of Milan and is its symbol. It is a late Gothic marvel that contains a forest of spiers and sculptures, marble pointed turrets and columns. The white marble cathedral was built over 5 centuries.
7. Church of the Holy Family
Built on private donations since 1882, the church in Barcelona is Antonio Gaudí's famous project. Unusual appearance The temple has made it one of the main attractions of Barcelona. However, due to the difficulty of manufacturing stone structures, the cathedral will be completed no earlier than 2026.
8. Paraportiani Church
The dazzling white church is located on the Greek island of Mykonos. The temple was built in the 15th-17th centuries and consists of five separate churches: four churches are built on the ground, and the fifth is based on these four.
9. Stave Church in Borgunn
One of the oldest surviving frame churches is located in Norway. Metal parts were not used in the construction of the Borgund Stave Church. And the number of parts that make up the church exceeds 2 thousand. The strong frame of the racks was assembled on the ground and then raised to a vertical position with the help of long poles. The Stave Church in Borgunn was built presumably in 1150-80.
10. Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Cathedral The Catholic Archdiocese of Brasilia was built in the modernist style by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 1988 Oscar Niemeyer received the Pritzker Prize for the design of the Cathedral. The building consists of 16 hyperboloid columns, symbolizing hands raised to the sky. The space between the columns is covered with stained-glass windows.
11. Grundtvig Church
Lutheran church located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of the most famous churches in the city and a rare example places of worship built in the style of expressionism. The competition for the design of the future church was won in 1913 by the architect Peder Klint. Construction continued from 1921 to 1926.
12. Cathedral - small basilica of the Glorious Mother of God
It is the highest Catholic cathedral in Latin America. Its height is 114 m + 10 m cross on top. The shape of the cathedral was created under the impression of Soviet satellites. The initial project of the cathedral was proposed by Don Jaime Luis Coelho, and the architect José Augusto Bellucci designed the cathedral. The cathedral was built between July 1959 and May 1972.
13. Church of Consolation
Located in the Spanish city of Cordoba. A very young church was designed by the architectural bureau Vicens + Ramos last year according to all the rules of strict minimalist canons. The only departure from the strictly white color is the golden wall in place of the altar.
14. Church of St. George
The cave church, entirely carved into the rocks, is located in the Ethiopian city of Lalibela. The building is a cross 25 by 25 meters and goes underground for the same amount. This miracle was created in the 13th century by order of the king of Lalibela according to legend for 24 years. In total, there are 11 temples in Lalibela completely carved into the rocks and connected by tunnels.
16. Church of St. Joseph
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. Joseph in Chicago was built in 1956. Known in the world thanks to 13 golden domes, symbolizing the 12 apostles and Jesus Christ.
17. Cathedral of Our Lady of Tears
The cathedral in the form of a concrete tent towers over the Italian city of Syracuse. In the middle of the last century, an elderly woman lived on the site of the cathedral. married couple who had a figurine of the Madonna. Once the figurine began to “cry” with human tears, pilgrims from all over the world rushed to the city. In honor of her, a huge cathedral was built, perfectly visible from anywhere in the city.
18. Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
The Cathedral of Zipaquira in Colombia is carved into a solid salt rock. A dark tunnel leads to the altar. The height of the cathedral is 23 m, the capacity is over 10 thousand people. Historically, this place was a mine used by the Indians to obtain salt. When the need for this disappeared, a temple appeared on the site of the mine.
20. US Air Force Academy Cadets Chapel
It is located in the state of Colorado on the territory of a military camp and a training base of a branch of the US Air Force Pilot Academy. The monumental profile of the building of the chapel is created by seventeen rows of steel frames, ending with peaks at a height of about fifty meters. The building is divided into three levels, and in its halls services are held for the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish denominations.
21. St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in Kyiv. It includes the Newly Built St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, a refectory with the Church of St. John the Evangelist and a bell tower. It is assumed that St. Michael's Cathedral was the first temple with a gilded top, from where this peculiar tradition went in Rus'.
22. Crown of Thorns Chapel
The wooden chapel is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA. The chapel was built in 1980 by architect E. Fay Jones. There are a total of 425 windows in the light and spacious chapel building.
24. Arctic Cathedral
Lutheran church in the Norwegian city of Tromsø. As conceived by the architect, the exterior of the building, consisting of two merging triangular structures covered with aluminum plates, should evoke an association with an iceberg.
25. Painted Church in the Arbor
Painted temples- the most famous architectural sights of Moldova. Churches are decorated with frescoes both outside and inside. Each of these temples is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
26. Mosque in Tirana
The project of a cultural center in the Albanian capital Tirana, which will include a mosque, an Islamic Cultural Center and the Museum of Religious Accord. international competition The project was won last year by the Danish architectural firm BIG.
27. Farmers' Chapel
A concrete chapel at the edge of a field near the German town of Mechernich was built by local farmers in honor of their patron saint Bruder Claus.
28. Inflatable Church
The Dutch philosopher Frank Los came up with the inflatable Transparent Church, which can be built anywhere in the world and under any conditions: at festivals, private parties and other mass events. The inflatable church easily fits in the trunk of a car and, when disassembled, can accommodate about 30 parishioners.
It is not for nothing that Orthodox Rus', referred to in historical sources, can boast of hundreds of ancient temples and monasteries, whose artistic value is enormous. In every small village, in every town, there is certainly a church. The history of many of them dates back several centuries, so it is not easy, and unreasonable, to judge which is more important.
We present to your attention a dozen temples known for their artistic, architectural and historical value.
Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
This UNESCO heritage-listed white-stone cathedral is top of our list for a reason. Before the rise of Moscow, it was he who was the main temple of Rus', and it was built and painted even before the Tatar-Mongol yoke.
Now this temple also houses a museum, and you can visit it at any time when church services are not going on.
Kazan Cathedral
The famous temple of Nevsky Prospekt, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is known to every tourist.
This Empire style building does not look like a typical Orthodox Church, however, services are held in it. Cathedral, modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, in Soviet years served as the Museum of Religion and Atheism and was significantly damaged, but by 2000 it was completely restored and re-consecrated.
Saint Isaac's Cathedral
There are still legends about the construction of the cathedral in the middle of the 16th century, because if the customer is known, then three people at once claim the role of the performer. The well-known version of the blinded master is not documented, but is very common among the guides.
Having become a museum in the USSR, the temple was in distress for a long time, but in 1946 it was completely restored. Recently, services have begun to be held here again, but you can also visit it as a museum.
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
Founded in 1165, the modest temple over the river is widely known for its exquisite beauty, simplicity and elegance of form. Unlike the magnificent metropolitan temples, it is small, not covered with carvings and patterns, but is appreciated by historians and artists.
The reflection of the temple in the water of a quiet river has been depicted and photographed thousands of times and never ceases to attract tourists who are not too lazy to walk a couple of kilometers from the nearest village to admire the temple at sunset and dawn.
Cathedral Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Rebuilt in 1997, the temple has become the most controversial religious project in Russia. On the one hand, this is just a restored cathedral of the 19th century, on the walls of which the names of soldiers and officers who died in battles with the Napoleonic army were written. On the other hand, it is a fashionable place where it is “customary to appear” at Russian politicians and businessmen.
By the way, many parishioners of the temple note that putting less than 500 rubles in the urn for donations is considered bad form here.
Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord on about. Kizhi
The wooden octagonal church on the island of Kizhi was built in early XVIII century and is now in a deplorable state. Architects insist on its complete reconstruction, but can not decide how to do it.
In the meantime, while they argue, tourists who go to the island to admire the 22-domed church risk their health by approaching the emergency building.
Ensemble of the former Ferapontov Monastery
Founded at the end of the 14th century by St. Ferapont, the monastery stands on a hill between two lakes in the Vologda region. It is included in the list of UNESCO cultural heritage and especially valuable historical sites of Russia. For several centuries he was the most large monastery in this region, but with the advent Soviet power did not escape the fate of the museum.
Litigation about the fate of the former monastery is still going on between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ministry of Culture.
St. George's Cathedral in Yuryev-Polsky
The massive, squat white-stone cathedral was built in 1230 by order of Prince Svyatoslav.
It was distinguished by architecture unusual for that period and numerous carvings on the walls of the temple. The frescoes that decorated it from the inside were repeatedly erased from time to time and restored by local masters, so now they differ from the original ones, although the plots have been preserved.
Church of the Savior on Nereditsa
Not far from Veliky Novgorod, on the banks of the river, stands a 12th-century church built by order of Prince Yaroslav in memory of his two dead sons. Erected in less than a year, it is characterized by a massive structure and unique frescoes that cover all the walls from floor to ceiling.
The church was badly damaged by the Nazis during the Second World War and was completely restored only in 2004. Now it is open as a museum object, but services are held there on holidays.
Each of these buildings is beautiful in its own way, and worth a visit even if you are not a religious person.
At all times, religion was considered the main motivator of mankind for accomplishments, and people thanked the deity for help in all matters. Temples in different religions were built with chic and for centuries, so today they have become objects of the cultural heritage of mankind. In addition to pilgrims, they are often visited by tourists who want to become part of history and enjoy the splendor of the buildings. Next, consider most famous temples built around the world.
10. Sacré-Coeur Basilica, France
The building is considered one of the most famous churches in France, where millions of believers from all over the world come every year. The temple was built to honor those who died in the Franco-Prussian War. It took about 40 years to build it. At the gate of the attraction, a beautiful view of Paris opens up. But you will not have time to admire, because all attention will be riveted to the temple. The building was erected from an unusual mineral mined in the town of Chateau Landon not far from the capital. The material becomes lighter when in contact with water. The temple is beautiful on the outside and inside, striking architecture.
9. Lotus Temple, India
This building is considered to be one of the most original temples in the world, as it visually resembles a blossoming flower. This is one of the most visited places in New Delhi, which is why it is called the modern Taj Mahal. temple complex spread over an area of about 10 hectares. It is made in the form of a lotus, consisting of 27 petals. For the implementation of the project, white concrete was used, additionally covered with Greek marble. The height of the temple reaches 34 meters, and its length is twice as long.
Like other sights of India, the building inside is striking in its minimalism. There is no luxury here, and 1300 people can fit in one hall at the same time. The architects gave the building excellent acoustics and ventilation, so the temple is cool in summer and comfortable in cold weather.
8. St. Mark's Basilica, Venice
One of the most famous temples in Italy - St. Mark's Cathedral - was built in just 30 years, but almost 5 centuries had to be spent on its reconstruction. According to the status among the monuments, it corresponds to the Hagia Sophia, which is located in Istanbul. The building is made in the form of a basilica with a cross dome, similar to the Church of the Holy Apostles. During its existence, architects changed its style to Romanesque, Gothic and even Oriental.
Each of the elements interior decoration corresponds bible stories. When creating them, colored marble and various church utensils are used, located on an area of about 4 hectares. Cancer, in which the relics of St. Mark are hidden, is located under the throne of the main altar.
7. Temple of Truth, Thailand
The Temple of Truth is the most famous religious building, which continues to be built today. It has been erected for 32 years, and according to the builders, no nails are used for this. In fact, they are driven in halfway, and at the end of the work they plan to pull them out. It is too early to talk about the completion date of the work, but they are being prepared for 2025. The construction started in 1981, and the old buildings are gradually dilapidated.
In the Temple of Truth there are carvings and ornaments that speak of mythological stories. The 105-meter height of the structure is surprising. Every part of the building has its own meaning. Therefore, tourists will be able to learn a lot about the Thai religion.
6. Wat Rong Khun, Thailand
Another representative of Thailand in our list of famous temples of the world. Wat Rong Khun differs from other religious buildings in the country with glass mosaics and white constructions. The founder of the temple was a famous Thai artist, who collected funds for 20 years. The focus on white is associated with the purity of the Buddha. The foundation was laid back in 1997, and at the end the complex should include 9 buildings, including a chapel, a pavilion, a monastery and others. The complex is still under construction, but today Wat Rong Khun is becoming a place of pilgrimage for tourists. The White Temple managed to combine Buddhist culture with current design solutions.
5. St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia
St. Basil's Cathedral is located on a cult place - Red Square. During its existence (especially during the Soviet period), the issue of demolition of the building was repeatedly raised, but he was lucky to survive. An unusual multi-colored temple attracts the attention of tourists, contrasting with the monotonous colors of the center of Moscow. During the 20th century, the cathedral was restored many times, which allowed it to maintain an attractive appearance.
Construction began in 1561 and lasted 5 years. Its initiator was Ivan the Terrible, who thus immortalized the capture of Kazan. On the territory of the temple there are nine churches and a bell tower, installed on the same foundation. Today, a branch of the Historical Museum has been opened on its territory, and since 1990 divine services have been conducted there.
4. Sagrada Familia, Spain
Barcelona is a unique city, glorified for centuries by the great architect Gaudi, whose work delights tourists. The Sagrada Familia Cathedral began to be built in 1882, and after 9 years of work, the great Antonio was entrusted with the work. The master implemented ideas for 43 years, but during this time only a third of the idea was built. The design of the building resembles a Latin cross, many elements of which even now make it a futuristic object.
According to Gaudi's idea, the facades of the temple should symbolize the Resurrection, Christmas and the Passion of Christ. Their height was about 112 meters, and the number of towers had to correspond to the number of apostles. Five other towers signified Christ surrounded by evangelists. According to the architects, the work on the temple should be completed in 2030. But even in its unfinished form, the Sagrada Familia is one of the most recognizable temples on the planet.
3. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
The central attraction of the Vatican, which can be called the heart of the Catholic Church. Climbing onto the building, you can see Ancient Rome in all its glory. You can get acquainted with the surrounding area from the top of the dome. Dozens of famous architects and designers had a hand in the construction of the religious building. The basilica in its place appeared in the 4th century, and for the next 1100 years the building was of no interest. Grandiose work began only in 1506.
The height of the church reaches 146 meters, so many churches in Europe could be placed on its territory. On the facade there are statues of John the Baptist, Christ and other biblical characters.
2. Notre Dame de Paris, France
Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris gained wide popularity due to the mention in the books of Victor Hugo. Apparently, the writer managed to kindle in the French a love for the sights, which has not faded to this day. Under Louis the 16th, the stained glass windows of Notre Dame were destroyed, and the building was badly damaged. During the revolution, the building was also not interested in the government. But over time, reconstruction began, which gave the temple famous chimeras.
It took about two centuries to build the cathedral, so its Romanesque style is complemented by Gothic. Hence the unique appearance of the building. The size of the cathedral is huge, so you can hide a 12-story building in it. The building lacks internal walls, replaced by columns.
1. Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Israel
It is without a doubt the most famous temple in the world. main shrine Christianity is made in the form of a complex of buildings that grew up on the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Golgotha. The cathedral is located in Old Jerusalem. Twice (1545 and 1808) the building experienced cataclysms. But even more difficult inside were relations between confessions, which with difficulty divided among themselves the rights and obligations regarding the use of the relic.
The main facade is made in the Romanesque style and is located on the south side of the building. Here is the entrance, previously decorated with bas-reliefs and frescoes, which are now on display in the Museum of Jerusalem. The temple consists of three components - the Temple on Golgotha, the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of the Resurrection.
Temples all over the world are distinguished by amazing architectural diversity.
The architecture of temples has a very rich and ambiguous history, which, however, shows that it was with the construction of temples that all architectural innovations, all new styles and trends all over the world began and spread. The majestic religious buildings of the great civilizations of the ancient world have survived to this day. And also there were many modern examples of amazing architecture of religious buildings.
Hallgrimskirkja
The Lutheran Church in Reykjavik is the fourth tallest building in Iceland. The project of the church was developed in 1937 by the architect Gudjoun Samuelson. It took 38 years to build the church. The church is located in the center of Reykjavik, and is visible from any part of the city. It has become one of the main attractions of the city, and is also used as a lookout tower.
Chesme Church 
Or the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist - active Orthodox church in St. Petersburg, located on Lensovet Street, an architectural monument in the pseudo-Gothic style. The building of the church was built to commemorate the victory of the Russian fleet over the Turkish fleet in the Chesme Bay of the Aegean Sea in 1770.
Cathedral of Las Lajas 
One of the most visited temples in Colombia. The construction of the temple was completed in 1948. The neo-gothic cathedral was built directly on a 30-meter arched bridge connecting the two sides of a deep gorge. The church is cared for by two Franciscan communities, one Colombian and the other Ecuadorian. Thus, the Cathedral of Las Lajas became the key to peace and union between the two South American peoples.
Lotus Temple 
The Lotus Temple is located near the city of New Delhi in India. The construction was carried out from 1978 to 1986, for the most part at the expense of the imprisoned Baha'is of Iran. Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba.
Notre Dame du Haut 
Concrete pilgrimage church, built in 1950-55. in the French city of Ronchamp. The architect Le Corbusier, not being religious, agreed to take on the project on the condition that the Catholic Church would give him complete freedom of creative expression. Initially, the non-standard building caused violent protests from local residents who refused to supply water and electricity to the temple, but by now the tourists who come to see it have become one of the main sources of income for the Ronshans.
Jubilee Church 
Or the Church of the Merciful God the Father is a community center in Rome. It was built by architect Richard Meyer between 1996 and 2003 to revitalize the lives of the area's residents. The temple was built of prefabricated concrete on a triangular platform on the border of the city park, surrounded by 10-story residential and public buildings with a population of about 30,000 inhabitants.
St. Basil's Cathedral 
The Orthodox church is located on Red Square in Moscow. A well-known monument of Russian architecture and one of the most famous sights of Russia. It was built in 1555-1561 by order of Ivan the Terrible in memory of the victory over the Kazan Khanate. According to legend, the architects of the cathedral were blinded by order of Ivan the Terrible so that they could no longer build a similar temple.
Milan Cathedral 
The world-famous fourth largest church in the world is located in the very center of Milan and is its symbol. It is a late Gothic marvel that contains a forest of spiers and sculptures, marble pointed turrets and columns. The white marble cathedral was built over 5 centuries.
kailash temple 
The Hindu Temple Kailash, entirely carved out of the rock, is located in India, the state of Maharashtra. The architectural feats of the Indian builders involved in the creation of the Kailash temple are staggering. Work began in the 8th century and continued for more than 100 years. As a result, the structure covers an area twice the size of the Athenian Parthenon in Greece. This is one of largest temples in the world, rivaling even the Taj Mahal in Agra. It rises more than 30 meters and almost its entire surface is covered with intricate carvings.
Church of the Holy Family 
Built on private donations since 1882, the church in Barcelona is Antonio Gaudí's famous project. The unusual appearance of the temple made it one of the main attractions of Barcelona. However, due to the difficulty of manufacturing stone structures, the cathedral will be completed no earlier than 2026.
Church of Paraportiani 
The dazzling white church is located on the Greek island of Mykonos. The temple was built in the 15th-17th centuries and consists of five separate churches: four churches are built on the ground, and the fifth is based on these four.
Stave Church in Borgunn 
One of the oldest surviving frame churches is located in Norway. Metal parts were not used in the construction of the Borgund Stave Church. And the number of parts that make up the church exceeds 2 thousand. The strong frame of the racks was assembled on the ground and then raised to a vertical position with the help of long poles. The Stave Church in Borgunn was built presumably in 1150-80.
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
The Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brasilia was built in the modernist style by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 1988 Oscar Niemeyer received the Pritzker Prize for the design of the Cathedral. The building consists of 16 hyperboloid columns, symbolizing hands raised to the sky. The space between the columns is covered with stained-glass windows.
Church of Grundtwig 
Lutheran church located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of the most famous churches in the city and a rare example of a religious building built in the style of expressionism. The competition for the design of the future church was won in 1913 by the architect Peder Klint. Construction continued from 1921 to 1926.
Cathedral - Minor Basilica of the Glorious Mother of God 
It is the highest Catholic cathedral in Latin America. Its height is 114 m + 10 m cross on top. The shape of the cathedral was created under the impression of Soviet satellites. The initial project of the cathedral was proposed by Don Jaime Luis Coelho, and the architect José Augusto Bellucci designed the cathedral. The cathedral was built between July 1959 and May 1972.
Church of Consolation 
Located in the Spanish city of Cordoba. A very young church was designed by the architectural bureau Vicens + Ramos last year according to all the rules of strict minimalist canons. The only departure from the strictly white color is the golden wall in place of the altar.
Church of St. George 
The cave church, entirely carved into the rocks, is located in the Ethiopian city of Lalibela. The building is a cross 25 by 25 meters and goes underground for the same amount. This miracle was created in the 13th century by order of the king of Lalibela according to legend for 24 years. In total, there are 11 temples in Lalibela, completely carved into the rocks and connected by tunnels.
Church of Saint Joseph 
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. Joseph in Chicago was built in 1956. Known in the world thanks to 13 golden domes, symbolizing the 12 apostles and Jesus Christ.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tears 
The cathedral in the form of a concrete tent towers over the Italian city of Syracuse. In the middle of the last century, an elderly couple lived on the site of the cathedral, who had a statuette of the Madonna. Once the figurine began to “cry” with human tears, pilgrims from all over the world rushed to the city. In honor of her, a huge cathedral was built, perfectly visible from anywhere in the city.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira 
The Cathedral of Zipaquira in Colombia is carved into a solid salt rock. A dark tunnel leads to the altar. The height of the cathedral is 23 m, the capacity is over 10 thousand people. Historically, this place was a mine used by the Indians to obtain salt. When the need for this disappeared, a temple appeared on the site of the mine.
United States Air Force Academy Cadets Chapel 
It is located in the state of Colorado on the territory of a military camp and a training base of a branch of the US Air Force Pilot Academy. The monumental profile of the building of the chapel is created by seventeen rows of steel frames, ending with peaks at a height of about fifty meters. The building is divided into three levels, and in its halls services are held for the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish denominations.
Mikhailovsky Golden-Domed Monastery 
One of the oldest monasteries in Kyiv. It includes the Newly Built St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, a refectory with the Church of St. John the Evangelist and a bell tower. It is assumed that St. Michael's Cathedral was the first temple with a gilded top, from where this peculiar tradition went in Rus'.
Crown of Thorns Chapel 
The wooden chapel is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA. The chapel was built in 1980 by architect E. Fay Jones. There are a total of 425 windows in the light and spacious chapel building.
arctic cathedral 
Lutheran church in the Norwegian city of Tromsø. As conceived by the architect, the exterior of the building, consisting of two merging triangular structures covered with aluminum plates, should evoke an association with an iceberg.
Painted Church in the Arbor 
Painted temples are the most famous architectural sights of Moldova. Churches are decorated with frescoes both outside and inside. Each of these temples is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Mosque in Tirana 
The project of a cultural center in the Albanian capital Tirana, which will include a mosque, an Islamic cultural center and a Museum of Religious Accord. The international competition for the project was won last year by the Danish architectural firm BIG.
Church of the Transfiguration on Kizhi Island 
The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord on the island of Kizhi in Karelia is the nanotechnology of wooden architecture, the apogee of carpentry. The church was founded in 1714 and belongs to architectural ensemble Kizhi Pogost, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The basis of the composition of the building is an octagonal frame - "octagon" - with four two-stage cuts located on the cardinal points. On the lower octagon, two more octahedral log cabins of smaller sizes are sequentially placed. The log cabin of the church is chopped in the traditions of Russian carpentry - without nails. There are nails only in the domes.
sheikh zayed mosque 
The snow-white marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the six most great mosques in the world, located in Abu Dhabi. It was opened in 2007, and since March 2008, tours of the mosque are available to everyone, not just Muslims. The mosque has the largest carpet in the world and the largest chandelier.
Farmers Chapel 
A concrete chapel at the edge of a field near the German town of Mechernich was built by local farmers in honor of their patron saint Bruder Claus.
Cologne Cathedral 
The Roman Catholic Gothic Cathedral in Cologne (Germany) ranks third in the list of the tallest churches in the world and is included in the list of world cultural heritage monuments. The construction of the main temple of the Archdiocese of Cologne was carried out in two stages - in 1248–1437. and in 1842-1880. Upon completion of construction, the 157-meter cathedral became the tallest building in the world for 4 years.
inflatable church 
The Dutch philosopher Frank Los came up with the inflatable Transparent Church, which can be built anywhere in the world and under any conditions: at festivals, private parties and other mass events. The inflatable church easily fits in the trunk of a car and, when disassembled, can accommodate about 30 parishioners.
