FX.co ★ World’s most fascinating churches

Las Lajas Shrine (Colombia)

In 1949, this catholic basilica was built near the place where in the middle of the 18th century the Virgin Mary appeared to two Colombian women who were seeking refuge during a storm. The construction of Las Lajas Shrine took more than 30 years. The neo-Gothic building is located on a cliff more than 90 meters above the Guaitara River. Today, Las Lajas Shrine is the most popular church in Colombia. Every year, more than 750,000 pilgrims and tourists visit the basilica.

Church of Panagia Paraportiani (Greece)

The Church of Panagia Paraportiani overlooking the Aegean Sea is considered one of the oldest churches on the Greek island of Mykonos. It represents a striking example of Cycladic architecture. A unique feature of this building is that it is actually not one, but five churches that were built at different times and eventually merged into the present structure. Several of the churches were built near the gates of the city. Hence the name of the church, "Panagia Paraportiani" translates as "Our Lady at the Side Gate."

Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe (France)

Constructed in 969 on the coast of Normandy, this Romanesque Catholic chapel is world-famous for its unusual location. The chapel was built in honor of St. Michael, perched on the cliff of an 85-meter volcanic peak. To visit Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, you should climb a staircase of more than 260 steps carved directly into the rock. According to the French, the picturesque chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe ranks fourth on the list of the country's best sights.

Church on Snaefellsnes peninsula (Iceland)

This Lutheran church was built in 1990 on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in Iceland. The unusual concrete building appeared on the map of the small fishing village of just over 1,000 people and immediately became its main attraction. The church's graceful lines resemble the vertebrae of a whale, creating a futuristic effect. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Snaefellsnes every year to admire the bold architecture of the religious building.

Borgund Stave Church (Norway)

In Scandinavia, a stave is a frame church built in the Middle Ages. In Norway, there are 28 such religious buildings. The wooden church in the village of Borgund is considered to be one of the best preserved. It was built at the end of the 12th century. Today, the building is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it has been preserved almost perfectly. The only thing that has changed is its color. Due to the tar compounds used for preservation, the building has darkened considerably.

US Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel (US)

The Cadet Chapel at the US Air Force Academy was opened in 1962. The 45-meter-tall building is topped with 17 glass spires and has a steel structure, which is why it is often compared to a spaceship. The chapel is unique in that it is non-denominational and a living embodiment of ecumenical ideals. Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, and representatives of other religions can worship there.