Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of the Midwest's basilicas and discover why these scenic landmarks draw visitors from around the world.

Religion involves some pretty grandiose ideas. It should only make sense the structures that house those beliefs are equally magnificent.

LOOK: 50 Stunning Synagogues Will Knock Your Socks Off

Yellow interiors | Yellow is popping up in the city and on the beach for a sunshine state of mind

True Wind Healing Travel is a solo, female travel and wellness blog, featuring Sainte Anne Shrine Quebec with photos from around the world.

Incredible collection of houses built on stilts, pilings and piers. Every one is a waterfront (or over the water) home except for one ski chalet built on pilings to elevate above the snow-pack. These are really cool and a great way to get waterfront property.

From Italy's Sistine Chapel to the rock churches of Lilibela, these sacred sites are easy to appreciate no matter what your faith.

From Italy to Iran, AD surveys those church ceilings that not only inspire religious devotion but form stunning aethestics

From Italy to Iran, AD surveys those church ceilings that not only inspire religious devotion but form stunning aethestics

The globe’s most remarkable ceilings.

St.Peter Basilica, Rome, Italy Nikon D300s Nikon 85mm 1.8 Singh-Ray filters www.melsitov.com

The globe’s most remarkable ceilings.

Dubai's Ciel Tower will be 82 feet tall and feature 1,209 luxury suites and residences.

Photo Friday: HDR - The Basilica in Quito, Ecuador - Over Yonderlust

Here is a list of some of the most beautiful churches from all around the world which prove that faith (and a lot of artistic genius) goes a long way:

Grand Pre Historic Site of Canada was one of the largest Acadian settlements before the Deportation of 6,000 Acadians in 1755.

Revered Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí has been in the news in recent years. You’ve likely heard about the ongoing work at Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia cathedral – scheduled for completion in 2026. Sagrada Família – Image Source: Archdaily You’re also likely to associate his works with mosaic art. As a master architect, Gaudí was known for his attention to the smallest of details. Everything, he believed, could be both functional and beautiful – indoors and outdoors. His use of mosaic pattern was sometimes subtle, sometimes flamboyant. He used single colors to emphasize some architectural features and shapes. Others varied size and color to create effects like being underwater or scales on a lizard. Gaudí favored the trencadis technique of mosaic art, which used irregular pieces of ceramic, glass or marble tiles. According to biographers, this began with a trip to a ceramics workshop where Lluís Bru was working on a commission. Impatient with the slow progress of the glass mosaic designs, place, Gaudí seized a tile and broke it into pieces, telling the artist: “We have to put them on by the handful, like this, or we’ll never finish!” Image Source: Pinterest We’ll be visiting some of his beautiful designs in our blog, letting you travel to them safely! Although much of his work was on building exteriors, we’ll also see some public parks and mosaic designs in building interiors. 1. Casa Batllo, Barcelona This marine-inspired former residence is a good introduction to Gaudí’s modernist, Art Nouveau style. When he took on the transformation of this home for new owners, the new, non-linear design elements worked well with mosaic designs. Image Source: Pinterest Outside, the facade of the structure known to locals as the “Casa dels ossos”, or House of Bones, has recently been restored. Image Source: Pinterest Gaudí’s mosaic patterns are a key part of the whole theme. Through their use, the exterior seems to ripple with movement. There’s also a tribute to St. George built into the structure. See how the back of the dragon he slew curves along the rooftop? Image Source: Pinterest You can tour this wonderful landmark virtually right now, by visiting this Casa Battlo virtual tour. 2. La Pedrera, Barcelona Image Source: Archdaily Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this expansive structure hides its mosaic magic on the rooftop. Its name means “The Quarry”, which describes the way the building seems to have sprouted and grown from stone. With nine levels, including a garage, apartments, and a sculpture terrace, it was controversial in 1912 – but a popular tourist attraction today. On the roof, functional elements like skylights and staircase exits, chimneys, and vents became art. Image Source: Viator Today, nighttime events light up the mosaic artwork in an audiovisual display. We think Gaudí might approve of this lively use of technology. Image Source: Viator 3. Parc Güell, Barcelona Image Source: My Modern Met The lovely Parc Güell opened in 1926. Here, Gaudí was able to explore his ideas about organic shapes, geometry, and color. Fantastic shapes and joyful colors predominate. You’ll see Gaudí mosaics everywhere here. Benches, columns, rooftop spires and fountains all glisten with glass mosaic art and ceramic tiles. The architect liked to sprinkle symbolism into his mosaic art embellishments. While strolling around the gardens, visitors can hunt for signs of religious imagery, puzzles, mythology, history, and politics of the time. Image Source: Pinterest 4. El Capricho, Comillas, Cantabria, Spain Image Source: My Modern Met Early in his career, the 31-year old Gaudí experimented with Orientalist inspiration. Here, at one of his few commissions outside his native Catalonia, he built a summer home for one Máximo Díaz de Quijano. The Capricho, named after the freely styled music of the time, has a tiled tower that resembles a minaret. The color scheme is quite different from most of Gaudí’s work. In this setting, surrounded by the hills of Northern Spain, he added green to the oranges and reds of the tiles. Other than the happy color scheme, he chose sunflowers as the main motif for the villa. Image Source: My Modern Met 5. Güell Pavilion, Barcelona, Spain You’ll see the name of count Eusebi Güell pop up frequently in association with Gaudí. He was the architect’s best patron. For this project, he remodeled a home on an estate that was located in Sarria – which is now part of modern Barcelona. The remaining structures are related to the count’s equestrian pursuits. The architect proposed a design inspired by Mudejar art – the Islamic-influenced style that was popular at the time. Image Source: Wikipedia The ornate style can still be seen on the remaining gates and above the walls. The dome over the lunging ring (used for training horses) is richly embellished with small tiles and glass mosaic. Across the property, ventilators in the style of chimneys are adorned with mosaic patterns in both glass and ceramic tiles. Image Source: Wikipedia Today this site is the site of the Royal Gaudí Chair, a part of the Barcelona Polytechnic University. 6. Church of Sant Pacià, Barcelona, Spain Image Source: Wikipedia As a student of the architect Joan Torras i Guardiola, the young Gaudí was responsible for the mosaic design of the floors in this church. It’s located in Sant Andreu del Palomar, a quiet part of Barcelona, and the marble mosaic art is not usually on the larger tours that visit his buildings. Image Source: arquitecturadeGaudí It’s believed that Gaudí was inspired by the Romanesque church Sant Pau del Camp when designing the floors. It’s interesting to see his early work and the influences that continued throughout his life. 7. Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain Now a museum, the Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first house commission. Done in the Neo-Mudejar style, it’s a showcase for his use of mosaic tile, along with bright color, iron ornamentation, and concrete… Image Source: Casa Vicens Gaudi Visitors can see extensive use of mosaic tile inside and outside the former summer house, all painstakingly restored. Gaudí’s clients didn’t shy away from ornamentation or flamboyance. Image Source: Curbed 9. Church of Colònia Güell Image Source: Pinterest Another commission from his patron Güell saw Gaudí building a church for workers at Güell’s textile factory. The design was intended to harmonize with the architecture of the workers’ homes already there, as well as with nature. Gaudí responded with this stone structure. The interplay of mosaic patterns and raw basaltic stone is a wonderful contrast. Although the church was never completed to his plans, the use of mosaic and the overall structure is definitely echoed in his iconic Sagrada Familia. Image Source: Pinterest 10. Basilica Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain Gaudí’s penultimate project was this massive church. Although he died nearly a century before its anticipated completion, he will be forever linked to it. As in all his works, mosaic art is a key part of the ornamentation. Image Source: Wikipedia Towering over the city at 170 m in the air, the mosaic touches begin in the sky, and continue downwards. Image Source: Sagrada Famila Each of the eight bell towers are decorated with mosaic art. Image Source: Pinterest Image Source: Pinterest Each nave is adorned with mosaic fruit, representing seasons of the year. Image Source: Pinterest Here, the wheat and grapes represent the sacrament. Image Source: Pinterest If you’re putting off your trip to Spain this year, don’t forget that you can enjoy Gaudí-inspired beauty with some of our favorite mosaic wall art selections. Bring a touch of Barcelona to your home or garden with colorful geometric designs that resemble the Church of Sant Pacià floors, or with a basket of glowing glass mosaic fruits. Otherworldly Fruits by Mozaico Octavia by Mozaico Or perhaps one of Gaudí’s beloved dragons. Colorful Chinese Dragon by Mozaico Please visit our extensive catalog of mosaic art designs for more inspiration and ideas to customize your own mosaic decorations!

22 Iconic Places Around the World to Explore This Year. From the high mountain ranges of South America to the vast deserts of Africa

Incredible collection of houses built on stilts, pilings and piers. Every one is a waterfront (or over the water) home except for one ski chalet built on pilings to elevate above the snow-pack. These are really cool and a great way to get waterfront property.

The globe’s most remarkable ceilings.

Read our blog posts to find out interesting facts and exciting secrets about Budapest, Hungary - or other cities of the world -, and travelling.

Revered Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí has been in the news in recent years. You’ve likely heard about the ongoing work at Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia cathedral – scheduled for completion in 2026. Sagrada Família – Image Source: Archdaily You’re also likely to associate his works with mosaic art. As a master architect, Gaudí was known for his attention to the smallest of details. Everything, he believed, could be both functional and beautiful – indoors and outdoors. His use of mosaic pattern was sometimes subtle, sometimes flamboyant. He used single colors to emphasize some architectural features and shapes. Others varied size and color to create effects like being underwater or scales on a lizard. Gaudí favored the trencadis technique of mosaic art, which used irregular pieces of ceramic, glass or marble tiles. According to biographers, this began with a trip to a ceramics workshop where Lluís Bru was working on a commission. Impatient with the slow progress of the glass mosaic designs, place, Gaudí seized a tile and broke it into pieces, telling the artist: “We have to put them on by the handful, like this, or we’ll never finish!” Image Source: Pinterest We’ll be visiting some of his beautiful designs in our blog, letting you travel to them safely! Although much of his work was on building exteriors, we’ll also see some public parks and mosaic designs in building interiors. 1. Casa Batllo, Barcelona This marine-inspired former residence is a good introduction to Gaudí’s modernist, Art Nouveau style. When he took on the transformation of this home for new owners, the new, non-linear design elements worked well with mosaic designs. Image Source: Pinterest Outside, the facade of the structure known to locals as the “Casa dels ossos”, or House of Bones, has recently been restored. Image Source: Pinterest Gaudí’s mosaic patterns are a key part of the whole theme. Through their use, the exterior seems to ripple with movement. There’s also a tribute to St. George built into the structure. See how the back of the dragon he slew curves along the rooftop? Image Source: Pinterest You can tour this wonderful landmark virtually right now, by visiting this Casa Battlo virtual tour. 2. La Pedrera, Barcelona Image Source: Archdaily Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this expansive structure hides its mosaic magic on the rooftop. Its name means “The Quarry”, which describes the way the building seems to have sprouted and grown from stone. With nine levels, including a garage, apartments, and a sculpture terrace, it was controversial in 1912 – but a popular tourist attraction today. On the roof, functional elements like skylights and staircase exits, chimneys, and vents became art. Image Source: Viator Today, nighttime events light up the mosaic artwork in an audiovisual display. We think Gaudí might approve of this lively use of technology. Image Source: Viator 3. Parc Güell, Barcelona Image Source: My Modern Met The lovely Parc Güell opened in 1926. Here, Gaudí was able to explore his ideas about organic shapes, geometry, and color. Fantastic shapes and joyful colors predominate. You’ll see Gaudí mosaics everywhere here. Benches, columns, rooftop spires and fountains all glisten with glass mosaic art and ceramic tiles. The architect liked to sprinkle symbolism into his mosaic art embellishments. While strolling around the gardens, visitors can hunt for signs of religious imagery, puzzles, mythology, history, and politics of the time. Image Source: Pinterest 4. El Capricho, Comillas, Cantabria, Spain Image Source: My Modern Met Early in his career, the 31-year old Gaudí experimented with Orientalist inspiration. Here, at one of his few commissions outside his native Catalonia, he built a summer home for one Máximo Díaz de Quijano. The Capricho, named after the freely styled music of the time, has a tiled tower that resembles a minaret. The color scheme is quite different from most of Gaudí’s work. In this setting, surrounded by the hills of Northern Spain, he added green to the oranges and reds of the tiles. Other than the happy color scheme, he chose sunflowers as the main motif for the villa. Image Source: My Modern Met 5. Güell Pavilion, Barcelona, Spain You’ll see the name of count Eusebi Güell pop up frequently in association with Gaudí. He was the architect’s best patron. For this project, he remodeled a home on an estate that was located in Sarria – which is now part of modern Barcelona. The remaining structures are related to the count’s equestrian pursuits. The architect proposed a design inspired by Mudejar art – the Islamic-influenced style that was popular at the time. Image Source: Wikipedia The ornate style can still be seen on the remaining gates and above the walls. The dome over the lunging ring (used for training horses) is richly embellished with small tiles and glass mosaic. Across the property, ventilators in the style of chimneys are adorned with mosaic patterns in both glass and ceramic tiles. Image Source: Wikipedia Today this site is the site of the Royal Gaudí Chair, a part of the Barcelona Polytechnic University. 6. Church of Sant Pacià, Barcelona, Spain Image Source: Wikipedia As a student of the architect Joan Torras i Guardiola, the young Gaudí was responsible for the mosaic design of the floors in this church. It’s located in Sant Andreu del Palomar, a quiet part of Barcelona, and the marble mosaic art is not usually on the larger tours that visit his buildings. Image Source: arquitecturadeGaudí It’s believed that Gaudí was inspired by the Romanesque church Sant Pau del Camp when designing the floors. It’s interesting to see his early work and the influences that continued throughout his life. 7. Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain Now a museum, the Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first house commission. Done in the Neo-Mudejar style, it’s a showcase for his use of mosaic tile, along with bright color, iron ornamentation, and concrete… Image Source: Casa Vicens Gaudi Visitors can see extensive use of mosaic tile inside and outside the former summer house, all painstakingly restored. Gaudí’s clients didn’t shy away from ornamentation or flamboyance. Image Source: Curbed 9. Church of Colònia Güell Image Source: Pinterest Another commission from his patron Güell saw Gaudí building a church for workers at Güell’s textile factory. The design was intended to harmonize with the architecture of the workers’ homes already there, as well as with nature. Gaudí responded with this stone structure. The interplay of mosaic patterns and raw basaltic stone is a wonderful contrast. Although the church was never completed to his plans, the use of mosaic and the overall structure is definitely echoed in his iconic Sagrada Familia. Image Source: Pinterest 10. Basilica Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain Gaudí’s penultimate project was this massive church. Although he died nearly a century before its anticipated completion, he will be forever linked to it. As in all his works, mosaic art is a key part of the ornamentation. Image Source: Wikipedia Towering over the city at 170 m in the air, the mosaic touches begin in the sky, and continue downwards. Image Source: Sagrada Famila Each of the eight bell towers are decorated with mosaic art. Image Source: Pinterest Image Source: Pinterest Each nave is adorned with mosaic fruit, representing seasons of the year. Image Source: Pinterest Here, the wheat and grapes represent the sacrament. Image Source: Pinterest If you’re putting off your trip to Spain this year, don’t forget that you can enjoy Gaudí-inspired beauty with some of our favorite mosaic wall art selections. Bring a touch of Barcelona to your home or garden with colorful geometric designs that resemble the Church of Sant Pacià floors, or with a basket of glowing glass mosaic fruits. Otherworldly Fruits by Mozaico Octavia by Mozaico Or perhaps one of Gaudí’s beloved dragons. Colorful Chinese Dragon by Mozaico Please visit our extensive catalog of mosaic art designs for more inspiration and ideas to customize your own mosaic decorations!

Foto genomen vanaf het terras op de 10e verdieping van het muziekinstrumentenmuseum te Brussel. Stadhuis: de bouwstijl van het stadhuis is een voorbeeld van flamboyante gotiek. Het gebouw wordt boven op zijn 96 meter hoge toren bekroond met een verguld standbeeld van de aartsengel Michaël die een draak velt. Basiliek van Koekelberg: de nationale basiliek van het Heilig Hart in Koekelberg werd gebouwd tussen 1905 en 1970. De uiteindelijke versie werd ontworpen door de Gentse architect Albert Van Huffel. De basiliek, gebouwd in art-decostijl, is een Belgisch monument en wordt gebruikt voor grote vieringen, zowel in het Nederlands als in het Frans.

If you are looking for an interesting day trip from Budapest, Esztergom is a great choice. Especially if you like Basilicas and castles.

Being the center of Catholicism, it’s no surprise that Italy is home to many of the world’s most beautiful churches. Here, we’ve handpicked our favorite ten Italian churches, from landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Milan Duomo, to lesser-known beauties in Sicily and Umbria that are worth a pilgrimage.

Explore Sangre en el hombro de Palas' 127 photos on Flickr!

Canada’s much-admired diversity isn’t just about people, cultures, and languages. It’s also about the spectacular scenery across the world’s second-largest nation. From coves to cathedrals to cliffs, here are some of our favorite vistas.

21. Sant Bavokerk in Haarlem, Netherlands

Planning to travel from Barcelona to Montserrat? - Here is all you need to know about this unique day trip in Spain.

Revered Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí has been in the news in recent years. You’ve likely heard about the ongoing work at Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia cathedral — scheduled for completion in…

Despite the volcanic activity of Tungurahua that forced the evacuation of Baños during 1999-2000, the city is a popular tourist area among Ecuadorian and

Next time you’re in a beautiful church, please do bow your head in prayer. But when you’re done, remember to gaze heavenward. [See also: 21 Mesmerizing Photos of the World’s Most Beautiful Churches] [See also: Wow! Medieval Cathedrals Used to Be Full of Brilliant Colors] Here are 21 pictures of beautiful church ceilings. You can click on any image to enlarge it. Enjoy! Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood – St. Petersburg, Russia Santa Maria della Vittoria – Rome, Italy

Discover the best things to do in Palermo with our three itineraries. Follow our guides or pick your favourite Palermo attractions.

Official blog of the Society of Architectural Historians

As termas romanas localizadas em Bath, Inglaterra, são um edifício de interesse histórico, um dos mais importantes da Inglaterra a nível turístico. A instalação de banhos públicos foi edificada na época do imperador Vespasiano em 75 d.C., na então cidade de Aquae Sulis. A redescoberta deu-se no ano de 1775, sendo escavada a partir de então e levada a cabo a sua musealização. As termas propriamente ditas situam-se abaixo do nível da rua. Os edifícios descobertos após as escavações foram divididos em quatro grupos, entre os quais estão o "Manancial Sagrado", o "Templo Romano", as próprias "Termas romanas" e a "Casa Museu", estruturas estas que datam do século XIX. Sob incitação de Richard Nash, durante o século XVIII, a cidade, então muito frequentada pela elite londrina, foi transformada numa urbe de edifícios de traça neoclássica, cuja homogeneidade lhe acedeu a classificação de Património da Humanidade em 1987. John Wood, o Velho, e John Wood, o Novo foram os arquitetos responsáveis pelo projeto de reestruturação urbanística, com vista ao enquadramento no meio natural.

As the world's second largest French-speaking city, Montreal also offers a little taste of Europe right in America's own backyard.

With the help of a drone, photographer Amos Chapple reaches great heights to capture these incredible images of architecture around the world