Look familiar? It was the site of Celine Dion's very well-publicized wedding in 1994. Makes sense because the place is about as big at the Titanic.

Part of a whirlwind day of touring Paris while on a cruise.

One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen - up CLOSE! :)

Incredible place but plan your visit carefully as it can be insanely crowded.

Every corner of this place, which was built in 1888 is gorgeous.

It took 33 years to complete this church which was inspired by a sighting of the Virgin Mary. It's one of the places in the world I'd most like to visit.

Traveled here while on a month long trip around Ecuador in 2010 with my university (ETSU). We decided to make the trip into Colombia specifically to see this church.

Make sure you see the inside of this as well--it literally looks like someone just turned the whole thing inside out.

The inspiration for this was actually St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco. This won't come as a shock to anyone, but this one was built in the 1960s. Has that vibe, doesn't it?

If you've ever crossed the border into Russia on land, you know that the minute you do you see all the buildings suddenly take on an onion shape. I love St. Basil's because it's really the quintessential example of that style of architecture. I hadn't realized it was built in the 1500s.

While it's been added to over the years the original part of this cathedral was built in the 1500s. I love this incredibly unusual roof. It looks like someone dyed Necco wafers and glued them to the dome.

Love it or hate it, you have to admit it's different. I always think it looks as if it's about to launch. Joking aside, a lot of interesting things happen here besides worship. Art exhibits and concerts among them.

The original cathedral here was destroyed in a fire in the 50s with this version opening in 1960. If you visit, be sure to check out the stained glass windows which have a distinctly modernist feel.

So cool. We climbed the narrow steps of one of the spires.

Finally completed, seemingly

Dying to see this--can't even imagine what it would look like without the cranes!

The Convent of St Gall, a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery, was, from the 8th century to its secularization in 1805, one of the most important in Europe. Its library is one of the richest and oldest in the world and contains precious manuscripts such as the earliest-known The Convent of St Gall, a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery, was, from the 8th century to its secularization in 1805, one of the most important in Europe. Its library is one of the richest and oldest in the world and contains precious manuscripts such as the earliest-known architectural plan drawn on parchment. From 1755 to 1768, the conventual area was rebuilt in Baroque style. The cathedral and the library are the main features of this remarkable architectural complex, reflecting 12 centuries of continuous activity. One of 11 UNESCO sites in Switzerland!… see moresee less

Surrounded by two arms of the River Ill, the Grande Ile (Big Island) is the historic centre of the Alsatian capital. It has an outstanding complex of monuments within a fairly small area. The cathedral, the four ancient churches and the Palais Rohan – former residence of the prince-bishops – far Surrounded by two arms of the River Ill, the Grande Ile (Big Island) is the historic centre of the Alsatian capital. It has an outstanding complex of monuments within a fairly small area. The cathedral, the four ancient churches and the Palais Rohan – former residence of the prince-bishops – far from appearing as isolated monuments, form a district that is characteristic of a medieval town and illustrates Strasbourg's evolution from the 15th to the 18th century. One of 37 World Heritage Sites in France!… see moresee less

Amiens Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic churches of the 13th century. It is notable for the coherence of its plan, the beauty of its three-tier interior elevation and the particularly fine display of sculptures on the principal facade and in the south transept. One of 37 World Heritage Sites Amiens Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic churches of the 13th century. It is notable for the coherence of its plan, the beauty of its three-tier interior elevation and the particularly fine display of sculptures on the principal facade and in the south transept. One of 37 World Heritage Sites in France!… see moresee less

The Duomo. When I would get lost walking home at night, I would get oriented by asking passers-by "Dove il Duomo?". That little bit of info always go me back on the right track. Should that have been: "Dove il Duomo è?"

Walkint through the city was breath taking with many statues to see also the italian cuisine is fantastic.

Ahhh, this is to Florence what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. You really need to see it in person to appreciate it. It just glows at sunset. When I stayed there I made a point of looking at it from a little hill where I was staying every night as the sun went down. Just didn't look real.

<3

Gaudi = artist. So much to look at. Still an unfinished cathedral.

by staircase!

This is called the marble cathedral (OK, I realize it's not a 'real' cathedral) and it's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Just caves of solid marble. Wish I could have some for my kitchen counter.

Brussels is about historycal architecture. From superb medieval gothic monuments such the gorgeos Cathedral devoted to the two Saint Michel and Saint Gudule to contemporaries skyscrapers.

The outstanding handling of new architectural techniques in the 13th century, and the harmonious marriage of sculptural decoration with architecture, has made Notre-Dame in Reims one of the masterpieces of Gothic art. The former abbey still has its beautiful 9th-century nave, in which lie the The outstanding handling of new architectural techniques in the 13th century, and the harmonious marriage of sculptural decoration with architecture, has made Notre-Dame in Reims one of the masterpieces of Gothic art. The former abbey still has its beautiful 9th-century nave, in which lie the remains of Archbishop St Rémi (440–533), who instituted the Holy Anointing of the kings of France. The former archiepiscopal palace known as the Tau Palace, which played an important role in religious ceremonies, was almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century. One of 37 World Heritage Sites in France!… see moresee less

Christmas eve service. The bells are beautiful

Take a tour and see the cantilevered staircase.

My favorite cathedral of all time, probably because it's where Charles and Di got married (yeah, yeah, I know that ended badly). Make sure you either take a tour or buy a guide because this place has all kinds of little secrets--things hidden in the architecture and dozens of legends. I've been hereMy favorite cathedral of all time, probably because it's where Charles and Di got married (yeah, yeah, I know that ended badly). Make sure you either take a tour or buy a guide because this place has all kinds of little secrets--things hidden in the architecture and dozens of legends. I've been here many times and still don't know them all.… see moresee less

had the chance to sing there. Beautiful windows.

Enjoyed a great Sunday Service there

Is it me, or does this look a little like Disneyland?

It looks a little industrial but it's actually quite sleek in person. Needless to say, it's a great place for celeb-hunting (although not really what you're supposed to do at church I suppose).

Even though this part of the country isn't known for its earthquakes, a quake in 2011 did enough damage that the cathedral is now undergoing repairs.

Is it me, or does this look exactly like another cathedral? Say, one in France, maybe???

culture

Looks so peaceful :-)

This cathedral was renovated--that's renovated, not built, in the 1300s.

Gregory Peck is actually buried here.

All kinds of crevices and archways are here to explore. There are big grottoes here that are two stories tall. No wonder it's referred to as the First Cathedral.

My daughter and future son-in-law are probably going to get married here.

jesus

My daughter and future son-in-law are probably going to get married here.

My daughter and future son-in-law are probably going to get married here.

will be there soon

Definitely tour through Lobkowitz palace which is right next to Saint Vitus. They have a great audio tour and fantastic collection of art.

This is actually the largest gothic building in Europe and its earliest sections are thought to have been built around the 10th century.