Places of worship fascinate me and I always find that sooner or later I visit one when I’m on my travels. Although I don’t actively or regularly practise a specific religion, I do believe that places of worship offer something unique to the travelling soul. Maybe it’s the sense of calm, serenity or space to think and breathe in a far off place which draws travellers to visit such special sites. Whilst there is much of interest for scholars of theology and architecture alike, these special places offer anybody passing through a place of safety, shelter and space. It’s to the interior spaces I turn with my choice of five places of worship visited on my travels. In no particular order:
a) Hallgrimskirkja – Reykjavik, Iceland 
Welcome respite from the icy northern wind can be found inside this imposing building in downtown Reykjavik. Whilst the external architecture is influenced by the lava flows which feed this young dynamic country, walk inside and you will find a space flooded with angelic light. Take a trip to the top of Iceland’s tallest building to drink in the views over the capital city… Outdoors in mid winter if you dare!
b) St Stephen’s Basilica – Budapest, Hungary
In contrast to the previous church, St Stephen’s Basilica became a refuge from the searing heat when I visited Budapest in the summer of 2013. Named for the first king of Hungary, this magnificent place of worship houses the hand of the aforementioned monarch and people flock here to walk past it. The significance of this church in Budapest society can best be understood by the building regulations in the city which state that no building can be taller than this church.
c) The Blue Mosque – Istanbul, Turkey
The sheer scale and magnificence of this building will take your breath away, both from afar (and yes, even from the plane on descent into Istanbul) and right up close as it faces the Agia Sophia which is also well worth a visit. Be sure to check out the dress requirements prior to your visit and be aware that the mosque closes during prayers five times daily.
d) Notre-Dame Basilica – Montreal, Canada
Take time to sit and contemplate in this beautiful basilica, where you will feel like you are sitting under a starry night sky. On my travels I have found that the interiors of places of worship fall broadly into three categories: the dark stone/wood furnished, those which are flooded with pure white light and sites which use colour to convey the joys of life itself. Notre-Dame is the latter and can be best viewed during the evening spectacle ‘And Then There Was Light…’, when the basilica is lit from all sides and angles.
http://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en/
e) Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Gaudi’s masterpiece is an architectural site which really divides the crowd. If you love nature, be sure to take time inside to explore his designs and gaze up at the massive columns which he created to mimic a woodland canopy. The peaceful atmosphere inside the the church belies the fact that this is still a building site – the construction of Sagrada Familia is estimated to be completed sometime in the late 2020s. Whether you love or loathe Gaudi’s design aesthetic, Sagrada Familia is an essential stop off point when travelling through Barcelona.
http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/
And finally…
A special mention for the tiniest site of worship I have ever visited, certainly one of the most unusual and beautiful too. And yes, I know that makes 6 but I just couldn’t leave out this quirky little place slightly off the beaten track on the island of Guernsey. The Little Chapel (Saint Andrew, Guernsey) is modelled on the basilica and grotto at Lourdes and is adorned with pebbles, shells and assorted pieces of broken crockery of a variety of colours. This makes it a beautiful place to get up close to. Whilst there is not much room to sit and linger here (less than ten people can be accomodated), you can certainly sit in various spots outside and take in its beauty. The peaceful countryside location is a winner too!
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