In November 2024, a journey to Istanbul, Turkey, explores the city’s rich culture and history. Home to over 15 million people, Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1617, showcases stunning Ottoman architecture with its ornate interiors, domes, and thousands of decorative tiles, making it a significant tourist attraction.
Tag Archives: religion
Panagia Ikonistria
We briefly stop off at the tiny Panagia Ikonistria monastery between beaches. Cared for by a tiny, old lady, it is full of icons, strong local coffee and cats – perfect! Hubby’s made another fuzzy feline friend!
Panagia Evangelistria
The Monastery of the Annunciation, commonly known as the Evangelistria Monastery, is a monastery dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary which sits on a hillside some 4 km north of Skiathos town. The monastery was founded in 1794 by a group of Kollyvades monks, who had left the monastery of Mount Athos afterContinue reading “Panagia Evangelistria”
Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple dates back to 1827 and is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Beneath the imposing gopura are huge wooden doors. Their massive size is quite deliberate, designed to remind the worshippers of their insignificance in comparison to the divine. Devotees believe that ringing the bells on the doors will bring good luck.Continue reading “Sri Mariamman Temple”
Sri Veeramakaliamman
Singapore is home to endless architectural and cultural delights and the area known as Little India is no exception. We’re heading to one of the most historic, colourful temples in the area – Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The temple, found onSerangoon Road is one of the oldest temples in Singapore. The incredibly ornate entrance is knownContinue reading “Sri Veeramakaliamman”
Religious art
The Cathedral of Santa Maria, or the the Cathedral of Cagliari, has an incredibly ornate interior with geometric marble inlay creating mesmerising patterns. Heading underground to the crypt you come to the Martyrs’ Sanctuary, so called because there are around 179 niches containing the relics of the martyrs of Cagliari. Heading back into the cityContinue reading “Religious art”
Mountain villages
Hiring a car we’re off to explore the mountainous interior of Kos for a few days now. First on our trip is a visit to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. This stunning little building is a revelation at the end of a non-descript road. This tiny gem is covered from floor to ceiling with colourfulContinue reading “Mountain villages”
Seville Cathedral
Seville cathedral, AKA, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See is the largest cathedral in the world. This is because the world’s two largest churches, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida and St. Peter’s Basilica, are not the seats of bishops. In 1401, city leaders decided to build a newContinue reading “Seville Cathedral”
Stunning Seville
Next on our Spainish tour is the beautiful cathedral city of Seville – capital of Andalusia. First tourist snap of the day is the intriguing Torre del Oro or Tower of Gold. It is one of two anchor points for a large chain that would have been able to block the river and was usedContinue reading “Stunning Seville”
Quarr Abbey
We’re visiting an unexpected architectural gem on the Isle of Wight now – Quarr Abbey. It’s proper title – Abbey of Our Lady of Quarr – is a monastery that is home to a small group of Benedictine monks. Construction on the abbey started in 1911 and it was consecrated on October 12, 1912. TheContinue reading “Quarr Abbey”