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Getaway Guide To Iconic Houses Of Worship

From the heart of Philadelphia to ancient streets of Europe, houses of worship have drawn a global array of visitors, fascinated by early architecture, precious works of art and dramatic history. At holiday time, the ranks of visitors grow. They are drawn by literature, storied events and for many, religion. They are a vital link to the past, both good and bad. They evoke images that include the Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Spanish Inquisition, the regal presence of the first Queen Elizabeth and the wonder of a "Whispering Dome". In no particular order here are a few of those I've visited over the years. -- Jay Lloyd

Sartoga Cover
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

18th and the Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
cathedralphila.org

Located on Center City's museum row, the cathedral offers a unique display of religious art, stained glass and Roman-Corinthian architecture under the great dome which serves as a Philadelphia landmark. The cathedral itself dates back to the civil war and is designed in the image of a classic Roman church. Visitors are captivated by the work of Constantino Brumidi, whose paintings are also found in the capitol at Washington. The cathedral is open every day from 9 to 5 and a self guided audio tour is available.

Hampton Saratoga
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL

Fifth Avenue & 51st. Street
New York, NY 10022
saintpatrickscathedral.org

Holiday shoppers and getaway seekers are descending this month on the fabled stores along New York's Fifth Avenue. Amidst the high ticket fashion and jewelry magnets and just as few blocks from the magic of Radio City Music Hall and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, we find St. Patrick's Cathedral, perhaps the best known house of worship in America. At the time of St. Patrick's 19th century beginnings, the location, now the hub of Manhattan was a rural patch to the north of the stately homes and tenements that populated New York. But as a new century dawned, two of its alters would be designed by nearby Tiffiny. Presidents and Popes have walked through it's doors and New York's rich and famous have left here for their final resting place. Celebrity weddings and the annual Easter Parade have drawn thousands of onlookers. A multi-lingual map and tour guide are available here: http://saintpatrickscathedral.org/documents/2015/3/Cathedral%20Tour%20and%20Map.pdf

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

ELDRIDGE STREET SYNAGOGUE

12 Eldridge Street
New York, NY 10002
eldridgestreet.org

The first synagogue to take root in America has evolved into both a house of worship and a dynamic museum that highlights the lives of immigrants who planted themselves in the American portal on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It's at the center of a melting pot community which saw an influx of refugees and immigrants seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity in this relatively new land. They were European Jews, Irish, Italian and Asian, and many settled alongside each other here in the neighborhood surrounding the Eldridge Street Synagogue. The synagogue museum is open every day except Saturday. Guided tours are on an hourly basis and there are frequent concerts.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

St. Paul's Churchyard
London, EC4M 8AD, U.K.
stpauls.co.uk

The landmark dome of St. Paul's conjures up images of royalty, adventurers, statesmen, even a pirate or two. It is steeped in history after rising from the ashes of the great London fire in the late 17th century. Prior incarnations saw the first queen Elizabeth walk through the doors of this Anglican cathedral. We can only imagine whether she was accompanied by the piratical Sir Francis Drake or the chivalrous Sir Walter Raleigh. Lord Nelson's funeral took place behind these walls and Winston Churchill was a frequent presence. But on my first visit to London in 1959, my hostess insisted that I be one of the first of the day's visitors to the "Whispering Gallery" along the walls of the dome. The sound dynamics here allow you to speak to the wall while a companion listens and replies from the opposite side. That's acoustics. Collections of rare objects, art and statuary represent over 1,400 years of British history. Tours are available Monday through Saturday. The cathedral is open Sunday, only for services.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

BASILIQUE DU SACRE-COEUR

22 rue du Chevalier-de-labarre
Paris, France
sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english

For one of the most stunning views of Paris, head to the summit of Montmartre. At the top of hill up a long flight of stairs and fronted by a plaza is Sacre Coeur. It's dome and spire rise over the city and it's entranceway is framed by statues of Christ flanked by a horseback mounted Joan of Arc and Saint Louis. Visitors enter and pass mosaics depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Saints of France. But the crowning memory is the amazing view into the city from high in the dome. Sacre Coeur is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm during winter. There are longer hours during the peak seasons. While in Montmartre, take time to stroll the streets, stop at a cafe for lunch or just buy a baguette, like most Parisians and nibble your way on a village walk that echoes of the racy, "Can-Can" and images of Toulouse Lautrec and Renoir.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

SAGRADA FAMILIA

Carrer de Mallorca
Barcelona, Spain
sagradafamilia.org/en/

The most visually stunning house of worship I've seen in more than 60 years of travel is the dynamically spired Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It's principal designer, whose work transformed a city was Antoni Gaudi. Construction began in 1882 and is still a work in progress. The church was finally opened to worshippers and visitors, 5 years ago and is among Barcelona's leading attractions, although construction may continue for another 20 years. The dramatic spires that dominate the Barcelona skyline and the facade were designed by Gaudi to symbolize the nativity. Christmastime in Barcelona still finds relatively mild weather and naturally draws some of the greatest interest in this towering architectural wonder. Just find a nearby outdoor cafe and enjoy the visual feast.

Tips: Brush up on the customs and prohibitions of the religions whose houses of worship, you visit. Pay attention to dress. Fit it and you'll be a welcome visitor.

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