In the northern hills of San Ramon in the Cordillera Central, Costa Rica lies the scenic town of Zarcero. One of the main attractions of Zarcero is the Iglesia de San Rafael (built in 1895), a stunning church both inside and out. Those who appreciate beautiful landmarks must see its gorgeous religious paintings, graceful archways and colorful stained-glass windows.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose was built in 1802 and has been the seat of the Catholic people of the city since. The large neoclassical church features a mix of stained-glass works.
San José’s (Costa Rica) principal Catholic cathedral was built in 1871. Though rather plain from the outside, the large neoclassical church features a mix of stained-glass works, and assorted sculptures and bas-reliefs. It also has a wonderfully restored 19th-century pipe organ. A well-tended little garden surrounds the church and features a massive marble statue of Pope Juan Paul II
In photography, a silhouette is defined as an outline that appears dark against a light background. More specifically, it is where your subject is seen as a black shape without detail against a brighter background.
Will be posting this week images with silhouettes. Here is a church silhouette against a vivid sunset sky.
While you might not observe Christmas as a religious holiday, celebrate the spirit of fellowship, goodwill, peace and more!
Historic New Castle, Delaware is located just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington. Overlooking the Delaware River, Historic New Castle is the oldest continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley. Thanks to preservation efforts, this vibrant, fully occupied community remains one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages in America – second only to Williamsburg, Virginia in the number and authenticity of its historic structures.
Pictured below are the New Castle Court House, Immanuel Episcopal Church, Amstel House and a statue of William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania).
Wilmington, Delaware has a rich religious history, starting with Holy Trinity Church (also known as Old Swedes) in the 17th century, the nation’s oldest church building still used for worship as originally built. Today, the region boasts hundreds of places of worship, both new and old.
Spirituality has been a big part of Savannah’s culture since the city was founded in 1733. Whether you want to attend a service, dive into history, see incredible art or experience architecture, there’s a little something for everyone at Savannah’s historic churches.
Madison Square in Savannah, Georgia was designed in 1837 and named to honor James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. In the center stands a monument of Sergeant William Jasper who fell during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. The Green-Meldrim House was built in 1850 for cotton merchant Charles Green. In 1892 the home was purchased by Judge Peter Meldrim whose heirs later sold it to St. John’s Episcopal Church (formed in 1841). The home’s amazing past includes a brief residency by General Sherman after he took the city in 1864.
The architecture of Corinth Reformed Church, Hickory, North Carolina is reminiscent of a fine European cathedral. The exterior of the building is of gray Georgia granite with Indiana limestone trim. The spire is of extruded and structural aluminum rising 164 ft. 6 in. from the terrace floor at the entrance. The belfry below the spire is built up of carved and molded limestone tracery, giving a lacy and ethereal feeling to the church tower. The main entrance is of limestone having carvings similar to those found on French Gothic churches.
A small town – Hawkshead – offers the opportunity to ride on a bicycle and attend church
Biking to Church
Hawkshead is a village and civil parish in Cumbria, England. The township of Hawkshead was originally owned by the monks of Furness Abbey. Hawkshead grew to be an important wool market in medieval times and later as a market town after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1532. It was granted its first market charter by King James I in 1608.
St Michaels and All Angels Parish Church and Cemetery overlooks the town of Hawkshead.
Church Overlooking Hawkshead
Bath Abbey is a parish church of the Church of England and former Benedictine monastery in Bath, Somerset, England. Founded in the 7th century, it was re-organised in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries.
Rising Above the Crowds
St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is a place of worship for The Queen and the Royal Family as well as a church serving the local community. Built by kings, shaped by the history of the Royal Family and still the location for both splendid Royal events.
The construction of the Chapel was begun in 1475 by Edward IV and completed by Henry VIII in 1528. The architecture represents one of the finest examples of ‘Perpendicular Gothic’ style in England.
St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle
Duke University Chapel, like many Christian churches and cathedrals, is cruciform, with a nave that measures 291 feet long, 63 feet wide, and 73 feet high. The walls and vaults of the nave and transepts are constructed from Guastavino tile and were sealed in 1976 to increase sound reverberation and enhance the sound of the organ.
Majestic Chapel
Altar at Duke Chapel
Reflections off church windows in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte – Reflecting from the Church
The pride of Spirit Square is the 730-seat McGlohon Theater, named in honor of the late legendary jazz pianist Loonis McGlohon of Charlotte. With beautiful stained glass windows and a cupola, this space served as the First Baptist Church sanctuary for many years. The theater has been carefully restored to preserve and enhance its unique architectural details.
Charlotte – Inside McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square
Interesting reflections on arched windows of an old church in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte – Reflections on Church Windows
Church Window Reflections
A bench to rest at the gardens of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte
Church Gardens
Benches to sit while awaiting doors to open at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Charlotte
Waiting for Church
Photos by Ravi 