Around the world, spiritual beliefs have inspired great architecture. This overview of sacred buildings includes churches, temples, cathedrals, mosques and shrines. For all the links, be sure to scroll past the ad.
Artist and architectural designer James Hubbell used wood and stained glass to sculpt the unique Sea Ranch Chapel in Gualala, on the coast of California, USA. The non-denominational chapel has stained glass inserts and mosaic tile floors. In 1985, the California Council of the American Institute of Architects awarded James Hubbell for this project and for his 30 years' work in design, sculpture, wood, glass, stone and metal.
In this photo gallery you will find pictures and descriptions of sacred buildings, including churches, cathedrals, temples, shrines, and mosques.
A brief history of Gothic architecture, with diagrams, plans, illustrations and links. From your Guide to Architecture.
Elaborate tilework covers the Al Kadhimain mosque in Baghdad's Al Kadhimain district.
When Ivan III established a unified Russian state, he asked the celebrated Italian architect, Alberti (also known as Aristotle) Fioravanti, to design a grand new cathedral on the site of a modest church.
Pritzker Prize winning architect Jørn Utzon discusses his design for Bagsværd Church in Denmark.
Photos and a clickable map, from the Barbados tourism site.
Your starting place for exploring the life and works of Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, who revolutionized church architecture and popularized Hispanic styles.
Facts and photos for the Chartres Cathedral, one of the most famous cathedrals in France.
The Church of St. Denis became a model for late 12th-century cathedrals in France. Here are facts and photos.
Built in 1714 during the reign of Peter the Great, the Church of the Transfiguration has 22 soaring onion domes sheathed in hundreds of aspen shingles. No nails were used in the construction of the cathedral.
Many historic churches are clustered in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Within a one and a half mile radius, there are excellent examples of Victorian, Gothic, and Russian Orthodox architecture. See photos.
Built in the seventh century, the Dome of the Rock Mosque is the oldest surviving example of Islamic architecture and today remains one of the most beautiful.
Probably the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1500. Photo by Toomas Tamm.
Hassan II Mosque is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. Although it was designed by a French architect, it is Moroccan through and through.
From your About Guide to Hong Kong Travel, a photo tour of colorful temples to Tin Hau and other gods and goddesses.
The island of Kizhi, located on Lake Onega north-east of St. Petersburg, is reknown for its remarkable array of wooden churches.
The Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter of Prague, was created in the 15th century when Jews were forbidden to bury their dead outside their own district.
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of Gaudí's most impressive works. This enormous church, as yet unfinished, is in some respect a summary of everything that Gaudí designed before.
Follow this suggested itinerary for your own tour of France's most important cathedrals, with stops in Paris, Strasbourg, Nice, Rodez, Lourdes, and Chartres.
Designed by the famous Italian architect, Rastrelli, Smolny Cathedral celebrates the Rococo style.
Located just outside the Kremlin gates in Moscow, St. Basil's is a carnival of painted onion domes.
Good photo collection of the abbey ruins in Wales, from Welsh Castle Tours.
During his travels, Daniel B. Grünberg observed fifty mosques that had been damaged by bomb fragments and blasts during past warfare in Baghdad. This photograph was taken in May, 2001.
A fum eclectic site compiled by Phil Draper. Photos, essays, interesting facts about famous and obscure churches and cathedrals, mostly in England and Europe.
