Many religions are built on lofty ideas, so their places of worship also follow and reflect ethereal.
At various points in history, places of worship have been designed to be grounded in the concept of the divine and to inspire awe and renewed belief among religious people and the community at large. It is therefore not surprising that many of these religious structures today represent the architectural breakthroughs and trends of the time of their construction. Here are some architectural marvels that are also used as a place of worship.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
Considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its 1,400-year history. The first church on the site of present-day Hagia Sophia was consecrated in AD 360, but other structures were built in its place over time. The current structure as we know it, it is the third version of the church, inaugurated in AD 537. At this time, the structure served as the main site of Byzantine royal ceremonies. After Constantinople fell under Ottoman control, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and underwent several renovations. Then, in 1935, this structure was converted into a museum and gradually became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey.
In 2020, Hagia Sophia’s status is reverted to a mosque that can hold 1,000 worshipers. However, visitors can still marvel at the structure’s impressive architecture outside of prayer times. Those who want to participate in the prayers in the mosque can use Muslim Pro application to remind them of the time during their visit to Istanbul. At the same time, tourists can also use Muslim supporters to determine when they can visit the mosque without being obstructed by the worshipers.
Notre Dame Cathedral Paris, France
Notre-Dame de Paris, France is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, and it is also considered by many to be one of the symbols of the French nation. Construction of the church began in 1163 and was completed in 1260. Among the most impressive features of the structure include the rose window, sculptural decoration, and the use of rib arches and flying buttresses, was groundbreaking during that time. In addition to being a major landmark of the home city and a place of worship, the cathedral has also been the site of many historical events, including Napoleon’s coronation. Victor Hugo, in an attempt to save the building from destruction after the Napoleonic wars, wrote The Hunchback at Notre Dame and placed it in the church, raising public awareness of the decaying state of the place of worship.
In 2019, right in the middle of the renovation project, a part of Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire. Beloved by the French people, the church immediately received a pledge of funding that would be used for stabilization and reconstruction. Construction is expected to be completed in 2024, in time for the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Golden Temple in Amritsar, India
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is a popular temple for Sikhs, but this place of worship is open to people of all faiths from all walks of life. Construction of the temple began in 1581, and many iterations of this place of worship have been built on the same site since then. The present architecture of the temple reflects various architectural practices common in the Indian subcontinent, with some scholars describing it as a mixture of Indo-Islamic Mughal architecture. and Hindu Rajput architecture.
The shrine of the temple is 2 stories high and is covered with gold leaf. It is surrounded by a pool 5 meters deep and is connected to the outskirts of the temple by a causeway. Among the many activities performed in the temple is langar, a free community kitchen where anyone can partake in vegetarian meals prepared by volunteers. The temple welcomes 100,000 visitors every day.
Great Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary
The Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as The Great Synagogue, is the largest synagogue in Europe. Built between 1854 and 1859, this place of worship can accommodate 3,000 people. The structure has a predominantly Moorish design, but it also has Gothic, Romantic, and Byzantine elements. Among its most striking features are rose windows, richly decorated walkways, and an organ. The synagogue was heavily damaged during World War II, but it was restored with help from generous donations in 1996. In addition to the massive place of worship, the synagogue complex also houses a museum, a temple, a cemetery and a Holocaust. memorial park.
These places of worship are not only a feast for the eyes, they are also representative of the beliefs and histories of the people of their respective communities. Visitors who want to enjoy these sites and admire their architecture can do so, but be aware of the religious activities of the area’s worshipers.
