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This virtual Visita Iglesia features 7 of the most beautiful churches around the world
Visita Iglesia has been put on hold anew this year due to quarantine amid the COVID-19, but you don't need to entirely skip it.
Churchgoers can observe this annual religious tradition digitally through this video by GMA Digital Specials featuring seven of the most beautiful churches around the world.
You can go as far as Spain, Brazil, New York City, and the Vatican even.
Below we've listed down seven of the most popular and beautiful churches you'll get to visit from the video.
1. Basilica de La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Would you believe that the church in Barcelona, Spain, designed by renowned artist Antoni Gaudi, is still unfinished? Construction started in 1882 and is still underway to this day.
Gaudi’s inventive architecture of Sagrada Familia was inspired by the Gothic and Art Nouveau forms.
The inspiration is evident in the church’s unique texture and freedom of form.
Gaudi is considered as one of the most important figures in modern architecture with seven of his works named World Heritage Site by UNESCO including the Sagrada Familia.
2. Cathedral of Brasilia in Brasília, Brazil
Officially called the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, the Cathedral of Brasilia was designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
It is famous for is-crown-like sixteen concrete columns rising in a hyperboloid format. Inside, the cathedral is roofed by a stunning glass ceiling.
3. Duomo di Milano in Milan, Italy
Duomo di Milano can be found in Lombardy, Italy. The architecture of the church showcases the Gothic style.
Its construction started in 1386 and it took six centuries to complete the whole structure.
Instead of using the commonly used brick, the designers opted to to use the beautiful Candoglia marble.
The rose-like color of the marble added to the unique architecture of the Duomo.
The Duomo is also famous for the “Madonnina,” the statue of the Virgin Mary atop the cathedral. The Madonnina is considered the heart and soul of Milan.
4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City
The Cathedral of St. Patrick located in Manhattan is one of the largest churches in North America.
Construction began in 1858 and was finished 20 years later in 1879.
The design created by American architect James Renwick, who was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style.
5. Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See is located in Seville, Spain.
It began construction in 1401 and was completed in 1506.
The cathedral’s intricate design is built in predominantly Gothic and Renaissance style.
Aside from the main church, the cathedral is also famous for its bell tower called the Giralda.
The complex formed by the cathedral was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Historical figure Christopher Columbus is buried in the cathedral.
6. Basilica San Marco in Venice, Italy
The patriarchal cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark is located in Venice, Italy.
Completed in 1071, the design of the church was based on the cultural context of Constantinople, which is modern-day Istanbul in Turkey.
Hence, the Eastern influence is evident, with its high domes that are unique in style compared to most of the domes found in the West. In fact, it is more similar to the minarets found throughout the Middle East.
The layout of the church is also similar to the Church of the Holy Apostle found in the ancient city of Constantinople.
Today, the church is a living heritage of the Roman, Byzantine and venetian culture.
7. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is located in The Vatican, constructed on the site of St. Peter's tomb.
The facade of the basilica consists of multiple Corinth columns and five windows.
The central window is the so called “Loggia delle Benedizionni” from which the pope appears to address his audience.
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest basilicas in the world which can accommodate around 20,000 people.
The basilica is home to some of the most important works of art in history including Gian Lroenzo Bernini’s Baldacchino and Michelangelo’s Pieta statue.
And in case you were wondering, the large murals inside the church? Those are all mosaic. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News
