Archive for August, 2011

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    Dura Europos
    Dura Europos or Fort Europos is a ruin in Syria. This is the remains of a Hellenistic Roman walled city setting on a ninety meter cliff above the Euphrates River bank. It is situated close to the Salhiye village in the present day Syria. The site was ravaged due to war and was abandoned in the 3 r d century AD, and lies hidden till it was rediscovered in 1920. Archaeological digs revealed that the site was home to the both the oldest synagogue, as well as the oldest church ever built. The immense significance of the site is evident. The sites are in a remarkable state of preservation, and is sometimes known as the “Pompeii of the Syrian Desert.” Getting There . . . Dura Europos is situated in far eastern Syria close to the Iraqi border and is set far from the main cities. It is visited mainly by coach tours. A house  [...]
    Posted at August 31st, 2011 in Early Christian Site
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    Barcelona Cathedral
    arcelona Cathedral holds it own as one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain, even though it is in the same city as Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia. The cathedral is also known as La Seu, and is a marvel of Catalan Gothic architecture from the fourteenth century. The spires of the cathedral are visible from all over the Gothic quarter of Barri Gotic, Barcelona. The cathedral is situated on an elevated piece of land, which has since time immemorial functioned as a center for spirituality for Barcelona. At the first instance, there was a Roman Temple here, after that a mosque, and after that, a church. The present cathedral building started being built in 1298, when King Jaume II was reigning. The cathedral finished being built in 1449. The west façade dates back to the 19 t h century. Things to see . . . Barcelona cathedral is  [...]
    Posted at August 24th, 2011 in Churches
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    Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem
    The Al Aqsa Mosque, also known as El Eksa or the “Distant Mosque” is one of Jerusalem’s most important mosques. The mosque is placed on the Temple Mount, or the Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary). After Mecca and Medina, the Al Aqsa Mosque is the third most significant site for Muslims. The temple is the focal point for the Islamic community of Jerusalem, and organizes prayers daily, and sermons on Fridays, both visited by large crowds. The Al Aqsa Mosque slopes from the north to the south. The mosque is located at the south of the Temple Mount or the Haram esh Sharif. The main façade and entrance is located on the north side of the mosque, and faces the Dome of the Rock directly. The dome is located at the south end, over the mihrab. Site Information Names - Al Aqsa Mosque; Masjid Al-Aqsa; Al – Masjid al –  [...]
    Posted at August 17th, 2011 in Other Sacred Sites and Religious Art
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    Urnes Stave Church
    Urnes Stave Church dates back to 1130. It is the oldest stave church of its kind in the country, and is located in Western Norway.  The church is home to some of the most elaborate carvings in entire Norway. It is also the only church in Norway to have been recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. There has been a settlement in the scenic spot along Lusterfjord ever since the prehistoric era. There were three burial mounds, a monumental stone and several cairns discovered around the church. The original first church was built at the site in the 10 t h and 11 t h centuries, right around when Christianity came to Norway first, during c. 1000- 50. There have been remains of two churches found at the site. The north portal of the second church has been preserved. The Urnes Stave Church was built at around 1130. The age was  [...]
    Posted at August 10th, 2011 in Churches