Architecture and Religion

I’m not sure just how far back, barring different belief systems that people have, from the first, actual written records of religious ceremonies and the building of temples, shrines and churches, but religion has been around for centuries. Today’s journey isn’t about the exact length of time religion has been established, but in how religion has been responsible for many architectural wonders that were created to encompass parishioners in their individual, religious journeys. Here are some examples!

I suppose, within the continental United States, the place to start with religion and structures would be Boston, Massachusetts. New England was the origin of what is now that U.S.A., and pictured to the left is the Old South Meeting House. It was the place for public, and secret, meetings to help determine the strategies for defeating the English. Built in 1729, it is the second oldest church in Boston. The Old North Church is the oldest by 6 years. This building also hosted Puritan sermons as well as being the building that folks filed out of to go dump some tea into Boston Harbor. Read your history books on the, Boston Tea Party, for more information. I also enjoyed seeing these 300-400 year old structures remaining in place, from where they were built, and seeing the world grow around them. Although a great many town meetings took place, and still do, as well as it being a museum, this was, by and large, a church.

Also in Boston, Trinity Church. Although the Parish was founded in 1733, the construction of this church wasn’t until 1877. It is a night and day difference from the church above to the one pictured to the right. Boston is a testimonial to being a melting pot of different faiths and people. But those different faiths have produced some very cool structures that have been preserved for generations to come and enjoy and participate in. I could go on about Boston, but there are other parts of the world that also have rich histories when it comes to churches.

One place in particular that houses some of the oldest, most beautiful churches in the world, is Italy. The photo to the left is of the Pisa Cathedral in Pisa, Italy. Now I know you’ve already read that I do not typically include people in my photos, unless it serves a purpose or it lends to the whole of the photograph. In this instance, I took this shot of Pisa Cathedral and left the people in to demonstrate how large this structure is. It holds the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa, was consecrated in 1118, construction began in 1063 and completed in 1092. After you take a look inside and marvel at what you see, you can then walk behind the cathedral and take a tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

To the right is Bath Abbey in Bath, England. I took this photo from the Roman Baths. This Abbey was founded in the 7th century, Reorganized in the 10th century, rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. This monster of a building can seat 1200 patrons! Such a beautiful exterior and an even more impressive interior. More on interiors later. But what an impressive tribute to religion, this structure as well as many others throughout the world, constructed in the name of a higher power.

Finally, on the Isle of Japan is…Tōdai-ji, the Great Buddha Hall in Kyoto, Japan. Due to fires it has been rebuilt 2 times, the building seen today is from 1709 and houses the world’s tallest bronze statue of Buddha. And, prior to 1998, it was the largest wooden structure in world. Once again, I lent the presence of humans to indicate the enormity of this structure. Inside you’ll find other deities from Japan in giant wooden statue form. I hope you get a chance to go, it is quite a remarkable place and you won’t soon forget the experience.

That about wraps up this posting… I hope you enjoyed our little religious, architectural romp through some of the world. There are so many more instances that would take me days to compile. Places like Spain, Germany and the Southern United States. Somewhere down the line I might do another, like, installment. Lastly, the reason why I posted no interior shots of these places is to, hopefully, instill a sense of curiosity so great, that you make some plans to go see these places for yourselves. Each remarkable in their own right. I hope that you do! Until the next time, be good to yourselves and each other…be and travel well.