There's something enchanting about walking into a church that's older than any building most of us have ever stepped foot into. Aside from the religious aspect of a church's meaning, many people find other aspects of old churches to appreciate from their age-old construction and architectural details to the historic backgrounds behind why they were built. Knowing that many people once walked a location's holy grounds prior to us in the current day and age brings with it a type of magic and nostalgia that we aren't quite familiar with, but feel as though we could be.
While a church might not seem like a destination that many people go out of their way to visit, there are just some that hold too much charm to pass up. A visit to any one of these churches might not be what one would expect but could be an experience that turns out to be better than... Starting with these.
Monastery Of Saint Anthony
The Monastery of Saint Anthony was build during the 4th century in the year 356 and is still an active monastery to this day, home to more than 100 monks. The church's first mission was to be a place where followers of Saint Anthony could gather casually and eventually grew from there, with five churches to follow. Prior to this monastery, followers gathered in a cave in Egypt's desert; now, the monastery also includes a bakery, garden oasis, and a library.
The same traditions are still in place today as well, along with the original restoration of several of the monastery's churches. Visitors to the monastery. often referred to as pilgrims who make a pilgrimage to this sacred location, can attend tours led by monks through its ancient halls, including to see a collection of medieval Coptic wall paintings that adorn the wall over the Saint's tomb.
Santa Maria In Trastevere
Santa Maria was built in 340 and is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The church itself has a mixture of architecture from the 3rd century as well as the 12th century, both of which is why it attracts many visitors from all over the world each year. The interior of the church is full of beautiful mosaics with a gold façade, as well as a Romanesque bell tower.
The church itself is a dedication to the Virgin Mary and its 12th-century mosaics reflect that. These six mosaics were created by Pietro Cavallini and tell the life story of the Virgin Mary, and serve as the main focal point of the church.
Cathedral Of Trier
This extraordinary cathedral was built in the 4th century and is unmistakable in its Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It's one of the largest bishop's churches in Germany and attracts many due to it being the largest church in Trier. That's not the only reason so many make the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Trier, though - it's believed that pieces of the tunic of Christ were found here, referred to as the 'Holy Robe.' Although it was mentioned during the 12th century, the robe fragments were not found until hundreds of years later.
Today, the relic remains locked away in an annex and is taken out during extremely special occasions. That's not the only holy relic that can be found at this cathedral though, as a nail from the Cruxification is said to have been found here as well, referred to as the 'Holy Nail.'
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most visited churches in the world and both its history, as well as its location in the Vatican, is part of that. St. Peter's Basilica is also known for its sheer size, which encompasses many historical and sacred points of interest for many who make the pilgrimage there. The basilica was built in the year 333 but was rebuilt during the 16th century, still making it one of the oldest cathedrals in Rome. One of the reasons this basilica is so significant is because it's believed to have been built over the tomb of St. Peter.
The basilica is still used regularly and one of the most prominent features, the central balcony, called the Loggia della Benedizione, is used by the Pope when he speaks to the public. Within the basilica, visitors can see the 13 statues along its façade which include Christ the Redeemer and St. John the Baptist. The interior walls of the basilica are also stunning, featuring historical significance in their artwork and the artists behind it. Michaelangelo is responsible for Pieta, the well-known Renaissance sculpture, as well as Baldachin, which Bernini crafted from bronze that came from the Pantheon.