Kate Woodward

I LOVE European Cathedrals--especially those in the UK. After visiting over a dozen in the UK and mainland Europe, I still recognize there are many left to see. Because I usually plan my European trips around great Cathedrals, I would like people's advice about their favorites: where, why, etc... <BR>

s.fowler

For us it is Chartres in France hands down! The drive there is through beautiful farmland until, all of a sudden, you see the cathedral sticking up into the sky. Inside the light is what is called "Chartres blue" from the incredible stained glass windows. We took a bus tour last time, but we have promised ourselves that the next time we go to France we will spend at least one night in the town so we can see the cathedral in the early morning before the busloads arrive. But even if you have no choice but to take a tour to get there don't miss it! On the other hand I find Notre Dame in Paris to be rather ugly... The best part is the view of the flying butresses in the rear. Last time we were there there was what we called the "bistro barge" moored on the Seine across from the rear of the cathedral. We would sit there, sipping a glass of wine, and just LOOK.

Rick

Hi Kate, <BR>My wife and I also travel in part to see the beautiful cathedrals. We just came back fom Spain and saw what we considered some of the best. We loved the cathedrals in Seville, Salamanca, Toledo, <BR>and Trujillo. There were lots of smaller and beautiful cathedrals all through out Spain. Many of these cathedrals were built in the 15th, 16, and 17th centuries. We also have visited Italy recently and loved the cathedrals in Venice, Orvieto, and Sienna. A few years ago we were in Istanbul, Turkey. Visiting the mosques was a fantastic experience and several of them have roots in Christian cathedrals. They include The Blue Mosque,The Aya Sofia, and The Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Rick

Maira

Any fan of European Cathedrals has to see the Cathedral in Seville, Spain (in 1996, the King's daughter picked this cathedral for her wedding). A little sad note is that some of the precious stones, gold and silver that was used to make the altars, statues and ornaments were product of the Indian slavery in the Americas. Nevertheless, from the art standpoint, it is an amazing sight. If you are interested, right next to the cathedral is The Archives of the Indies, where every ship and occupants leaving from Spain to the Americas had to registered (an excellent genealogical and historical source). Excellent museum!! <BR> <BR>My husband's pick is Chartres, in France. He loved this cathedral. There is also a beautiful Cathedral in a town called Bourges, in France. If you'd been to Notre Dame, you will have seen it referred to in some of the exhibits. The Cathedral in Bourges was my favorite in France.

Arizona

My nominee is Ulm Cathedral in Germany. Tallest spire (I was told) of any cathedral. Beautifully preserved. An exciting small city. Second, there is Salisbury Cathedral in England. You can see how the Purbeck marble pillars are bent under the load of the weight above. And one of my wife relatives is buried there, as was pointed out to us by a friendly verger one afternoon. Third, a tiny cathedral, Wells, near Bath. Absolutely charming. Fourth, the magnificent Minster at York -- largest stained-glass window anywhere, we were told. Big as a tennis court. A real stunner.

wes fowler

Kate, <BR>Perhaps the most stunning yet incongruous cathedral in Europe is Saint Chappelle in Paris. Incongruous to envision a massive structure of stone that radiates delicacy due to its magnificent stained glass windows and sense of openess.

Rod Hoots

Every cathedral has its charms and all of the above are worth a special trip. Would just like to add St. Peter's in Rome, it's size alone is so awesome that you can sit all day and just absorb it. But when you add the Vatican Museum, etc., it's a must. Also recommend St. Mark's basilica in Venice - not huge but very interesting and in a wonderful surrounding.

Kate Woodward

Excellent advice! Please keep it coming...it will help me plan future trips. <BR> <BR>To S. Fowler, I have also visited Chartres and loved it!! It is one of my favorites too. I agree about Notre Dame--it didn't do too much for me. <BR> <BR>To Rick and Maria, I'll be visiting Seville this October. I am quite excited to read your effusive comments. Rick, maybe I'll have time to see the ones in Salamanca, Toledo, and Trujillo??! Also, thanks for the advice on the mosques. Maria, I'll ensure I get to the Cathedral in Bourges the next time I'm in France. <BR> <BR>Arizona, thanks for the advice on Ulm, Germany. I've only been to the Cathedrals in Frankfurt and Koln in Germany. So far, I've noticed German Cathedrals tend to be more colorful than most--is that a correct perception? Also, I've seen all the Cathedrals you mentioned in the UK--Salisbury, Wells, and York. They rank among my favorites. A sweet story from Wells: a note I saw placed on the prayer requests box, clearly written by a young child, said, "Please take care of my Mother. I do miss her so". It broke my heart to read the note. <BR> <BR>To Wes (why the gatech address? I am a GT alum), Saint Chappelle is breathtaking. The colors and lighting effects are magical. <BR> <BR>PLEASE continue to list your favorites here!

Kate Woodward

Rod....St. Peter's is overwhelming! Its size and wealth is amazing. Haven't been to Venice yet; I'll put that on my list of Cathedrals to visit. <BR> <BR>My only complaint with St. Peters is the sense that it's more "commercialized" than most Cathedrals. When I visited UK Cathedrals, I could imagine people taking in a Sunday service on a regular basis. St. Peter's seemed much more touristy, although well worth the visit!

Bill Barr

Kate <BR> <BR>When you return to the UK I recommend two Scottish cathedrals for you to visit - Glasgow and Dunblane. Both well worth checking out. <BR> <BR>Bill

Arizona

More nominees: the cathedral of Siena -- nothing quite like it anywhere. Be sure to walk on the roof of the cathedral of Milan. In Genoa, the church of San Lorenzo (not a cathedral, I think) is stunning, including a great shell from a British battleship that failed to explode. Funny nobody mentioned Westminster Abbey -- all those tombs of the famous and near-famous. All those U.S. tourists looking down, trying to figure out the Roman numerals. And let's not forget Coventry's cathedral -- such creativity!

Sal

<BR>Try the Duomo in Orvieto. The most unusual stained glass you will ever see along with fantistic mosaics and stone work.

Leslie

What a terrific topic! The cathedrals in Europe are awesome - they are perhaps my very favorite reason to travel there. <BR>La Famila Sagrada in Barcelona left me breathless. I had no great expectations, and wasn't prepared for its uniqueness. I couldn't compare it to anything I had ever seen before. I wish I could be more descriptive, but words cannot describe it. <BR> <BR>

Rod Hoots

Just wanted to add a thought. No one has talked about the religious aspects of visiting holy places. If you are a Christian, and do your homework repeat do your homework, it is a special experience to visit such places as the Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia (now a museum) in Istanbul, the Church of the Holy Sepulchur in Jerusalem, the Shrine of our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, etc. The same thing would apply to other religions in visiting places like the Wailing Wall or Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Big is not necessarily better - one of the most interesting places I have visited is a synagogue near the little Venice Holocaust Museum.

Joanna

Having been to most of the cathedrals noted above I can only echo the comments made. They are all special and full of fabulous history. I would add another two that are particular favourites of mine: San Marco in Venice and Aachen's Dom. The former is magnificent with its mosaics and eastern atmosphere. The latter is quite small in comparison but has similar eastern style domes, mosaics, Charlemagne's throne and such an atmosphere! Don't forget to visit the nearby treasury full of glorious sacred objects.

Helen

Kate, since you are going to Spain, I'll limit my comments to that country. If you get a chance to head up to the northwest corner, Galicia, you must see the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Originally a 12th century Romanesque church, it has been built around and the exterior you now see is a baroque beauty. But the 12th century (?) Portal de la Gloria is right inside, and it's an unbeatable romanesque doorway. The surrounding plaza is huge, which gives plenty of space for sitting and watching the stone change colors with the sun. It's also the end point on the pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago, which was a route travelled by millions from northern Europe down across the top of Spain. It's a beautiful town, too. I guess my second favorite doesn't actually qualify as a cathedral, but it's a 10th century church with a monastery. It's in the province of Navarra, called Leyre. It's high up overlooking a reservoir and has ruins from earlier churches underneath. There's an inn in the old monastery, simple but clean and delicious food. I was on a hiking trip and this was our first night's stop. We heard the gregorian chants in the church at a 7 p.m. service , and even my kids wanted to go back for a 9 p.m. evening song -- sitting in the candlelit church, with its uneven arches ... it was really a special thing. <BR> Other favorites of mine in Spain would include Burgos (in my mind the nicest gothic cathedral in Spain) in a really pure Castilian mid size city. Toledo is nice, but the cathedral has been built around so closely you can't appreciate the architecture outside, and the crowds are horrible in high tourist times. Toledo itself has lots of wonderful sites, don't miss the art museum in the Hospital de Santa Cruz, the building itself is worth the visit. The church in the tiny town of Santillana del Mar is another Romanesque beauty with a cloister that's really wonderful. And if you like romanesque (which as you can tell is a favorite of mine), you shouldn't miss the cathedral at Burgo de Osma, which, though it has a gothic structure on top, has incredible sub-terranean romanesque vaults, tombs, and arches. And I agree with the posts on Sevilla and Cordoba -- the cathedral and mosque are not to be missed. I could go on, but I get too nostalgic! Lucky you -- enjoy it. <BR> <BR>

Lee

Kate: Many of these are great ones indeed. I'd like to agree with Arizona concerning the one in Ulm, Germany. It is something to see. I'd like to add St. Batholomew's in Frankfurt. Originally started in the 6th century and completed around 1550, this church is beautiful and a climb into the riverside steeple allows a fantastic view of the city and river. <BR> <BR>Could we also add churches? The basillica in Ettal, just a few "klicks" from Garmisch is one of the most beautiful and the Sacre Coer of Paris is another. <BR> <BR>Many don't find Notre Dame as beautiful as we do, but for the age it was built in, it is magnificent. <BR>And the beautiful stained glass, in particular, the 18 meter window on the river it is really something to see with the sunlight streaming through. <BR> <BR>There are so many: Koln, Munich, Rhiems...

Maira

Kate: What a great topic you came out with!!! Do you mind if I add one more...? I can't believe I did not mention St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague on my prior posting. This gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to build and contains undergrounds tombs of Czech kings. It is beautigullly decorated with wonderful works of art. Prague is such a beautiful city with so many wonderful churches! <BR> <BR>BTW, I have to second Lee on the Bassilica in Ettal and Sacre Couer in Paris. Good ones!!! <BR>

Kate Woodward

I am so thrilled at all the responses! Please keep adding your votes, and yes, Lee, churches are fine too! Your comments will be invaluable in planning trips. I only wish I were still living in the UK and could visit these Cathedrals and churches much more easily than I can from the US... <BR> <BR>Bill, thanks for the advice on the Cathedrals in Glasgow and Dunblane. I was only able to visit the ruins at St. Andrews and the Cathedral in Edinburgh. <BR> <BR>Arizona, thanks for the additional votes! Out of those, I have only visited Westminster--the Poet's Corner is amazing. Is Milan as amazing as it looks in photographs? <BR> <BR>Sal, I'll put the Duomo on my list of Cathedrals to visit. Have you ever noticed how much the quality, workmanship, and color choices of the stained glass affect one's perception of a Cathedral? <BR> <BR>Leslie, hmmmm...I struggled with La Familia Sagrada...I guess I didn't know what to expect. It is definitely overwhelming. I think, after seeing "traditional" Cathedral architecture, I couldn't get used to Gaudi's style. I hear you either hate it or love it... <BR> <BR>Rod, I agree with your comments; however, I also believe people who are not overly religious can enjoy Cathedrals because of the history and architecture represented. As a Christian and student of history, it is still difficult to forget many of the abuses of power from the institution of the church in the old days. So, while I enjoy making my own 'pilgrimage', I am also aware of the sometimes sad and difficult past of the church. Also, I too have been to many small churches where important events have occurred--and I enjoy those as much as the Cathedrals. <BR> <BR>Joanna, two Cathedrals I haven't seen! I appreciate the advice! <BR> <BR>Helen, THANKS for all the advice on Spain. I am still determining my itinerary for October, so I will incorporate your ideas. <BR> <BR>Lee, now I feel guilty about my Notre Dame comments...I visited during a busy tourist day, so I didn't feel like I could take any "private reflection moments", if you know what I mean. I DID, however, get to see a Sunday service, although I didn't understand but a word or two of it. I only saw Sacre Coer at night; I wish I had been able to view it during the day too. The night views of the city were fantastic, though. I don't know why I missed the church in Frankfurt when I was there. I'll put your other votes on my list too. <BR> <BR>Maria, St. Vitus is quite beautiful. The views of the nighttime Cathedral from the city are spectacular. To me, Prague is a fairytale city--too pretty to be real!

Paco Mier

Congratulations Kate for this wonderful idea.. opening a forum for cathedrals... I had really enjoyed reading it, and be sure I would come back again to read other people's opinions. <BR> <BR>So many cathedrals had been mentioned already.. I wished I knew them all.. I'm also writing down my list for further trips. <BR> <BR>As far as the ones mentioned.... In Spain Salamanca has not one, two cathedralsĦĦĦ They are built wall to wall together, and u only have to cross a small wooden door to move from one to the other. The first one is medieval, cold, smaller and quiet. The second one was built during the 15th-16th centuries.... wider spaces, bigger church... Spanish Renaissance with still some gothic elements. Salamanca is a very nice city, it has the oldest University in Spain, I'm sure u will love it. <BR> <BR>About other cathedrals in Spain, Toledo and Seville would be my second bests. Seville is huge, the third or fourth church in the world, the Giralda, the Cathedral's "bell tower" was the minaret of Seville's main mosque many years ago.. it's a really nice tower on its own. <BR> <BR>In Granada the cathedral is not so nice.. specially if u compare it with the Alhambra, the moorish palace... don't miss it. However, the Chapel where the Catholic Kings are buried in this cathedral is nice. <BR> <BR>In Italy my favorite is Sienna, followed by St. Marcus. I don't know Milan's Duomo neither St. Peter.. that's my next trip, I promise. I also like a lot Florence's cathedral from the outside.. the marble walls, the tiled doumo, the belfry. <BR> <BR>In England York and Salisbury where my favorites. In France I had only been to Notre Dame, which I found too dark and with many people. The thing I most like there was climbing the towers and watching the gargoyles. <BR> <BR>St's. Vitus and Cologne's cathedrals are also amongst my favorites. <BR> <BR>In Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is amazing.. it's construction is quite different from other European churches.. its' dome is huge and it covers all the place... u fell a Liliputian inside there.. and then u start thinking how old is that building... really amazing. <BR> <BR>As you are into cathedrals and religious art, I would suggest you a trip to Mexico, from where I am. 300 years of Spanish rule gave us an amazing array of churches, in all sizes and styles. Amongst Mexico's cathedrals, my favorites are Mexico City (the biggest colonial church in all the Americas), Puebla (the tallest towers in Mexico) and San Cristobal de las Casas (small and nice). <BR> <BR>I would also suggest you the 16th centurt monasteries.. some of them are really well preserved, and there you see the first influence of the European culture in America and how did the friars arrange to atract the native people. <BR> <BR>The 18th century churches are really interesting... we call that style churrigueresco, internationally it would be like rococo, a more elaborated barroc. The golden altars are wonderful, and some of the facades as well. <BR> <BR>If can talk for a long time about churches and places to visit in Mexico, so if u ever consider visiting here do not hesitate to contact me, I would be pleased to help you. <BR> <BR>Again, thanks for this topic... <BR> <BR>Paco <BR> <BR> <BR>