Built in the 12th century, Agios Eleftherios was once the main church in Athens. As it now stands next to the much larger Athens Cathedral, it became known as the “little cathedral” or Mikri Mitropoli. It is also referred to by the name Panaghia Gorgoepiikoos.
The church is located in Mitropoleos square at the feet of Plaka neighborhood. Although small, the temple is of unique decorative architectural style and is considered one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings of Athens.
The name “Gorgoepikoos” derives from the previous illustration of the Virgin Mary of the same name and honours the miraculous ability of the Holy Mother to realise the requests of the believers quickly. The church is estimated to date back to the 12th century, although some sources consider it to be even older and presumably built by the Byzantine Empress Irene the Athenian.
The church was built on the ruins of a former ancient temple that was dedicated to Eletheia, a deity of pregnancy and labour. The walls of the church are made of large, ancient Greek, Roman, early Byzantine marble blocks and relief plaques, without bricks. A frieze above the entrance door represents the Zodiac, depicting the months with their symbols and their corresponding feasts. There are also reliefs representing trophies of the Panathenaic Games and Roman triumphs as well as later Byzantine designs.
The small temple is supported by four interior columns and has a three-part narthex and a dome. The interior was originally decorated with elaborate frescoes, yet today only one remains. This depicts the Virgin Mary and dates back to the 13th century.
In 1841 the temple functioned as the city’s public library and in 1856 it was restored and also dedicated to Agios Eleftherios. To this day it constitutes a monument of special significance, with its fascinating decoration patterns enchanting visitors and specialists alike.
The church is well preserved. Visitors can see the octagonal dome, with marble columns on the corners and lobed windows.
The Agios Eleftherious is located in a central area of Athens. Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations are both within 10 minutes walking distance.
]]>When Athens became the Greek capital in 1834, an imposing cathedral was essential to seat the Archbishop and Greek Orthodox Church. Construction of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens therefore began in the centre of the new capital on Christmas Day, 1842, as the cornerstone was laid by King Otto and Queen Amalia.
An inspiration to modern sustainability, the cathedral’s immense walls were built using the recycled marble from 72 abandoned or ruined churches. Despite a pause in 1843 for lack of funds, it took three architects and 20 years to finish building the three-aisled, domed neo-classical basilica.
Buried inside the cathedral were the tombs of two saints, both killed by the Turks under the Ottoman Empire. The first is Saint Philothei who was martyred in 1589 after ransoming enslaved Greek women. The second, Gregory V the Ethnomartyr, patriarch of the Orthodox Church, who was publicly hanged in 1821 in retaliation for an uprising on 25 March that marked the beginning of the Greek War for Independence.
Therefore, not only was Athens Cathedral an impressive place of worship, it was a symbol declaring Greek political and religious independence won against Ottoman rule, which had lasted since the mid-15th century until 1830.
Any trip to Athens is incomplete without visiting this cathedral in the city’s beating heart. Access to the cathedral is free, so drop in to find some peace and quiet from the bustling streets among the intricate icons and exquisite artworks throughout the cathedral. Light a candle in a beautifully carved candle repository, and gaze up at the astonishing 24-metre-high dome.
Be sure to also check out the ‘little cathedral’ next door, a 12th century church assembled from old pagan temples dedicated to Agios Eleftherior and decorated with 90 relief scenes. In some of the images, you can see crosses carved over them, the purpose of which was to neutralise non-Christian images and ‘baptise’ the pagan building materials.
Athens Cathedral is hard to miss: the church is located in the central Square Mitropoleos overlooked by the Pantheon and a 5 minute walk from Syntagma Square. If travelling by public transport, get the Metro to Monstiraki and Syntagma or catch the 025, 026 and 027 buses.
]]>Between 1120 and 1130, Autun Cathedral was built as a great pilgrimage church (not originally a cathedral) to hold the relics of Lazarus, which were discovered in Autun in the early 12th century. Lazarus was the brother of Mary Magdalene and the man whom Jesus raised from the dead.
A variety of Gothic additions were made to the church, including the great spire (raised by Cardinal Rolin), after a fire in the 15th century. But the main core of the church and its magnificent sculptures remain firmly Romanesque.
The magnificent sculptures survived the French Revolution thanks to local clergy who, ironically, did not like them at all. In 1766, the canons decided the portal sculptures were mediocre and out of date and accordingly covered them with a thick layer of plaster and painted a more contemporary design over it.
Christ’s head kept protruding out of the plaster so they hacked it off and cast it aside. It survived in a local collection before being given to the Musée Rolin in 1895. It was returned to its proper place in 1948.
Amongst the cathedral’s most celebrated features is its Romanesque west tympanum of the Last Judgement.
The Autun Cathedral is a magnificent display of Romanesque Art and Architecture. The sculptures created by Gislebertus successfully integrate biblical iconography relating to the new and old testament’s with ease and amazing artistic ability.
The size and quality of the tympanum of the Last Judgment, and the lintel of the Temptation of Eve are impressive and exquisitely detailed pieces of art. The Autun Cathedral remains on the highest elevation in Autun, France and is considered a fine example of the French Romanesque.
The Gothic spire dates from the 15th century although the west towers were rebuilt in the 19th century, based on the Romanesque style of Paray-le-Monial.
The address of Autun Cathedral is Place du Terreau, 71400, Autun France. It lies in the centre of the town which is located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of central-eastern France, roughly 85 km from Dijon and 180 km from Lyon (roughly a 2 hour drive).
The cathedral is open 8am-6pm year-round – admission
]]>It was over the crypt of this church that construction of the current Barcelona Cathedral began in 1298 and continued through the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, accounting for its gothic architecture. Whilst most of the cathedral was finished by 1450, parts of Barcelona Cathedral, most notably its gothic façade, were only completed in 1890.
At the end of the 19th century, the Barcelona industrialist, Manuel Girona i Agrafel, offered to pay for the work on the façade and its two side towers, which was carried out according to the plans of the architect Josep O. Mestres, inspired by the initial project that had already been drawn in the 15th century. Mr. Girona’s children completed their father’s business with the construction of the dome, completed in 1913.
The cathedral is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, the city’s co-patron saint who Catholics believe was a virgin horrifically martyred during the Roman era. The fact that she was martyred at the age of thirteen is marked by the thirteen geese that are kept in Santa Eulalia’s cloisters.
Barcelona Cathedral is an absolutely stunning building, with dramatic vaulted ceilings, golden pillars and a tower which visitors can climb for great views. It also contains numerous religious and historical artefacts, such as a cross once born by a ship that fought in the sixteenth century Battle of Lepanto.
The San Ivo entrance is a perfect example of the Catalan Gothic style. The interior naves are practically all of the same height, which gives the visitor the impression of being in a single space. The side chapels have an upper gallery, which affords the whole building a greater sense of brightness and space. The interior of the lantern is faced with wood coffering.
The Cathedral is easily accessibly by public transport, the nearest metro stops are Catalunya on the yellow line and Liceu on the green line.
]]>The place where Basilica of St Denis stands is believed to the site where Saint Denis, also known as Saint Dionysius, was buried after his death in around 275 AD, making the then abbey church a place of pilgrimage.
Whilst originally founded in the 7th century, the current Basilica of St Denis was built in a gothic style in the 12th century by the Regent of France, Abbot Suger.
From the 7th century onwards, and officially from the 10th century, the Basilica of St Denis acquired a new and important role as the burial place of the kings and queens of France. It retained this role for hundreds of years and all but three of France’s monarchs were buried there. However, during the French Revolution, many of the tombs were opened and the remains removed.
In 1966 the Basilica of St Denis became a cathedral.
Today, the Basilica of St Denis is open to the public, allowing views beyond its stunning façade into its vaulted interior. Inside, visitors can view its incredible necropolis.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in English, French, Spanish and Italian, lasting between an hour and a quarter and an hour and a half (check the Basilica’s website for the next scheduled dates).
The Basilique-Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is located in the commune of Saint-Denis, in the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis.
This sounds far, but actually you can reach the Basilica by Metro, line 13, stop Basilique Saint-Denis. The address is 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Saint-Denis.
]]>Constructed between 1894 and 1905, ornate and crowned with an imposing dome, Berliner Dom contains the Hohenzollern royal crypt which is the final resting place of, amongst around a hundred others, Frederick William I, Elector of Brandenburg.
Berliner Dom is open to the public for tours and audio guides are included in the admission price. This impressive cathedral is featured as one of our Top Ten Visitor Attractions in Germany.
Berliner Dom is the largest Protestant church in Germany, and one of the most important dynastic tombs in Europe.
The history of the Cathedral dates back to the 1451. Former buildings were originally part of the Berlin City Palace. In the early 19th century, leading Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel transformed the court church into a neo-classical building.
Five years later, upon Wilhelm II’s ascension to the throne in 1888, he wanted to the church to appear more elaborate, in keeping with the imperial monarchy’s power and prestige.
Architect Julius Carl Raschdorff was chosen to design the new church, with his opulent, grandiose structure equalling that of Saint Peter’s in Rome and Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The old building was demolished in 1893, and the foundation stone for the new church was laid in 1894, and eleven years later in 1905, the new church was consecrated.
The church was severely damaged during the Second World War. After the division of Germany, the Cathedral Church was in East Berlin. The work on restoring the church began there, in a simplified form, in 1975.
Full restoration was only completed in 1993, four years after the Berlin Wall fell.
Today, visitors can enjoy the church’s monumental dome, ornamental mosaics, gold features, and numerous statues. Other notable artworks within the church include the marble and onyx altar, designed by Friedrich August Stüler, and the white marble baptismal font designed by Christian Daniel Rauch.
Every 20 minutes there are guided tours of the Cathedral, which are included in the entrance fee.
The simpler Baptismal and Matrimonial Chapel is also not to be missed, inviting visitors to stop and reflect. The Hohenzollern crypt is the most important dynastic sepulchre in Germany, containing nearly 100 sarcophagi and burial monuments that span five centuries.
In addition to church services, the cathedral is used for state ceremonies, concerts, and other events.
Berliner Dom is right in the middle of the city, and is reachable in around a minute by car via the B2/B5. There are also regular train, tram, and bus services around Berlin, which stop at Lustgarten. By foot, Berliner Dom is reachable in around 5 minutes via B2/B5.
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Construction of Burgos Cathedral began in 1221 during the reign of King Ferdinand and, whilst it was consecrated in 1260, it was only completed in 1567, with changes continuing until 1795. The layout of Burgos Cathedral is of a Latin cross, while the dome of the transept is octagonal in shape.
The cathedral is located in the centre of the historic Spanish city centre of Burgos, in northern Spain.
Burgos became a bishopric in 1075 by King Alfonso VI of Leon and Castile, who dedicated its construction to the Virgin Mary. In 1096 the church was completed, and though little information remains about its shape and style, it was most likely Romanesque.
The church soon became too small for the needs of the parish, which was the symbolic capital of the kingdom, and was an increasingly busy trade location.
In the 13th century, a decision was made to build a new cathedral, and during the 1240s and 1250s the Romanesque church was destroyed. Burgos Cathedral was consecrated in 1260.
During the following centuries, chapels of the aisles were completed, and spires and a dome were added, and during the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of restoration works took place, which have helped to preserve the cathedral’s distinctly French Gothic style.
Indeed, since it took so long to build, almost every aspect of the Gothic style can be found there, from Early to Flamboyant.
Since 1984, Burgos Cathedral has had UNESCO world heritage status.
Today, tourists and locals alike can enjoy Burgos Cathedral’s unique collection of artwork, paintings, choir stalls, reredos, tombs, and stained glass windows, all of which are emblematic of and heavily influenced the European Gothic style across the world.
Though the cathedral is beautiful and is more than deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, it is lesser known than others such as Notre Dame. As a result, it makes for a fascinatingly unique visit.
The cathedral is located on Plaza Santa Maria, the city’s main town square. It is filled with a number of of restaurants, cafes, and bars, and is a short walk from the scenic Paseo del Espolon, which is a stunning walkway that offers fantastic river views.
From the centre of Burgos, the cathedral is reachable by foot in around 12 minutes via Calle de Fernan Gonzalez. It takes around 5 minutes by car via the N-120, though parking at near the cathedral might prove difficult.
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In 597, a missionary called St Augustine travelled to Kent from Rome, having been sent by the Pope to convert the English to Christianity. Settling in Canterbury, he soon established a seat or ‘cathedra’ there within the Roman walls, marking the beginning of Canterbury Cathedral. The remains of this original incarnation of the Cathedral lie underneath its current nave.
In Norman times, the community of Canterbury Cathedral became a Benedictine monastery, and in 1070 was completely rebuilt following a fire. A century later in 1170, Canterbury Cathedral became the site of an infamous crime – the murder and martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket.
Becket, who had been made archbishop in 1162 by King Henry II, soon began to clash with the monarch, particularly as to whether his loyalty lay with the King or the Church. Frustrated at Becket’s refusal to bow to his will, the King famously said ‘Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?’ Having overheard the King, four of his knights took his outburst quite literally and murdered Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral’s north-east transept. Becket was later canonised.
Canterbury Cathedral continued to operate as a monastery until 1540, when Henry VIII disbanded it as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. He also destroyed the shrine to Thomas Becket, a place of pilgrimage now symbolised by a lone candle.
Over the next few centuries, Canterbury Cathedral was renovated, rebuilt in parts and underwent many changes. Some of these were due to damage, such as that caused to the building during the English Civil War.
Today Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with some of its oldest parts – such as its crypt – dating back to the 12th century. Guided tours and audio guides are available at the site, however visitors are also free to explore its many mysteries at leisure.
A memorial to Thomas Becket is marked by a striking sculpture of two daggers descending downwards, with their shadows making up the four blades used to attack the Archbishop. Many notable figures are also buried in the Cathedral, including King Henry IV and Edward the Black Prince, whose detailed effigies offer a glimpse into what the medieval figures may have looked like.
Looking up, the Cathedral’s magnificent ceilings may be admired featuring stunning fan-vaulted designs and colourful detailing, while its stained glass windows are also a marvel. Outside the cloisters may be explored, as well as the Cathedral’s picturesque gardens.
Canterbury Cathedral is located in Canterbury in Kent, and is easily reached by both the M20 and M2. There are a number of car parks in the centre of the city, with St Radigund’s Car Park a 6-minute walk away, while a Park and Ride service is also available into the centre. Both Canterbury West and Canterbury East train stations are around a 10-minute walk away, while Canterbury bus station is a 5-minute walk away.
]]>Building of the cathedral commenced in 1500 under Diego de Muros, dean of Santiago and third Bishop of Las Palmas. The city of Las Palmas had only been founded in 1478 by the invading Castilian army, at the time considered the de facto capital of the Canary Islands. Architect Don Diego Montaude and his successor completed the structure in 1570. Shortly after, in 1595, Francis Drake unsuccessfully attempted to plunder Las Palmas.
The cathedral was designed in the Gothic pointed style, which was influenced by the growing population and wealth of European cities and their desire to show local and national grandeur – ideal for a newly established capital city. The signature of the cathedral was its interior piers or columns, built as imitation palm trees. The church was left unfinished in the 16th century.
During the 18th century, the cathedral was reconstructed and refurbished after the then Bishop, controlling a large surplus from the tithe, decided to embellish the church. Until 1819, the Catedral de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was the Canary Island’s sole cathedral. Therefore the additions of the 18th century included feathering, enrichment with ornaments, features of semi-Moorish inspiration and Italian enamel.
Today, the rather stark yet immaculate interior is open to visitors wanting to escape the bustle of the Santa Ana Plaza and hot summer weather. While the interior is surprisingly modest, pause to admire the central courtyard and compare the palm trees with their imitation counterparts inside. The cathedral is also home to the Diocesan museum.
A highlight of your visit will be climbing the bell tower via a lift, only €1,50, an ascent rewarded by far-reaching vistas of the old town, harbour and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean.
Located in front of the Santa Ana Plaza, the cathedral is reached via public transport on the 54 bus line, the Reyes Catolicos stop only 130m away. If driving, the cathedral is just off the GC-1 in the busy city centre, and there is parking nearby at Lugar Mercadillos parking site.
]]>Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna is one of the most important churches of the Canary Islands. It is located in the historic centre of the city of La Laguna, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The cathedral contains elements of several architectural styles including Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic. The most prominent and representative features of the cathedral’s external architecture are its Neoclassical façade, which was inspired by the Cathedral of Pampalona, and the dome, which is prominent on the city skyline.
There is evidence that the site has been built upon from at least 1511, when a hermitage was erected on the site. The whole area seems to have functioned as a Guanche necropolis.
This chapel was replaced in 1515 with a construction in the Mudejar architectural style, and since then, has undergone a number of changes, with a main chapel, altar, stands, tabernacle, door of the sacristy, and transept being added.
The facade of the building was rebuilt in a neoclassical style in 1820, with the present Neo-Gothic building and dome being constructed between 1904 and 1915 as part of a restoration and transformation project.
From 2002, the tower was originally closed for a few years for restoration, but due to bureaucratic differences, remained closed for more than a decade. The cathedral’s doors finally reopened in January 2014, and is a popular tourist attraction in La Laguna’s historic centre.
Access to the cathedral is $5, but includes an excellent audio guide in a range of languages. There is a regular programme of church services.
The Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a 9 minute drive from the centre of La Laguna. Equally, it is a 3 minute walk through the colourful streets and sites of the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. From Tenerife, the cathedral is reachable in around 20 minutes via the TF-5, or in just under half an hour via the 102, 103, 105, and 108 buses. For those who are more adventurous travellers, the cathedral is reachable in around 2 hours when walking from Tenerife via the Av. de los Menceyes.
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