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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Island Italy Sightseeing Urban

The Grand Basilica San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica stands out like a gem within St. Mark’s square. This domed architecture covered with ancient mosaics is open daily to the public and is absolutely a must-see if you are visiting this gorgeous city.

The Grand Basilica San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
This mosaic floor is decorated into geometric and animal designs. It dates to the 12th century.
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Activities Archaeology Architecture Church Church Europe Greece Greek Historic Ikaria Island Rural Sightseeing

Ikaria’s Theoktistis Monastery and Theoskepasti Chapel

On the northern side of the small Greek Island of Ikaria is the Osias Theoktistis Monastery.  The architecture of the small monastery is a traditional church, like most of the other ones located on this beautiful island.  However, the small chapel, Theoskepasti, located just next door, has the most unique architecture.  Built into a cave underneath a large, flat rock, from the outside, the Theoskepasti chapel looks more akin to a mushroom house than a place of worship.  It is an absolute gem to see!

Ikaria's Theoktistis Monastery and Theoskepasti Chapel
Old fashioned cooking stove.
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Architecture Europe Historic House House Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House, the Hólar Bishop’s Office

If you’re traveling through the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, you should stop by the the Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House.  This is a replica of an ancient Icelandic house serves today as the Hólar Bishop’s Office.

Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House, the Hólar Bishop’s Office
Even the front door is beautiful to look upon.
Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House, the Hólar Bishop’s Office
One end of the house.
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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Iceland Rural Sightseeing

The Icelandic Bishop, Jón Arason

Hólar, Iceland is a small little town in the northern part of the country that has so much history and drama within its walls.  No stories are probably more dramatic than that of Bishop Jón Arason, the last Catholic Bishop of Iceland.

The Icelandic Bishop, Jón Arason
A piece of art depicting Jón Arason by the Icelandic artist, Erró.

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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Hólar Cathedral

Nestled within the small town of Hólar, Iceland, you can find the Hólar Cathedral.  As part of the Church of Iceland, the Hólar Cathedral is the official church of the Bishop of Hólar and is the latest of a long line of historic churches.

Hólar Cathedral
Saints decorate the interior architecture of the church.
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Activities Archaeology Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Iceland Rural Sightseeing

Historical Hólar, Iceland

Situated in northern Iceland about an hour and a half drive west of Akureyri, is the old “capital of the north”, Hólar, Iceland.  This tiny town, which today has a population of about 100 people, was once the religious center of Iceland and served as its northern capital for over 700 years.  Today, to those curious travelers, it serves as a window into the past and there is so much to see.

Historical Hólar, Iceland
The religious center of Hólar with the clock tower on the left and church on the right.
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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Ireland Sightseeing Urban

The Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

The Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is the oldest standing church in the city.  Over the years, it has changed hands, from Viking kings, to the Irish Church, to the Anglo-Normans, to the English after the Restoration. As the official seat of the Church of Ireland, it is busy with services and church activities, but is quite accessible for those who just want to peek inside this majestic building.

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Activities Architecture Church Historic Russia Sightseeing Urban

Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, is one of the most iconic buildings in Moscow.  Located in Red Square, it faces off of other mighty architectural giants, such as the Kremlin, Lenin’s mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the GUM shopping center, and quite easily holds its own.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia
Red Square lit up at night. You can see GUM to the left, Saint Basil’s in the middle, and the Kremlin to the right.
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Activities Cemetery Europe Scotland Sightseeing Urban

Visiting the Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, Scotland

We stopped in to pay our respects at the Greyfriars Kirkyard during our stay in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Dating back to the 16th century, the Greyfriars Kirk and the cemetery attached to it have an extensive history.  Walking amongst the graves, you can feel it in your bones.

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Architecture Church Russia Saint Petersburg Urban

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Nothing can quite prepare you for the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.  Located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, this church looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.  Topped with brightly colored domes that are lit up at night, this magnificent architectural beauty exceeds expectations.