Basilica of St. Mary of Licheń

The Basilica of St. Mary of Licheń (Bazylika Najświętszej Maryi Panny Licheńskiej) is located in the village of Licheń Stary, about 10–15 km from Konin in Greater Poland. 

It is the largest church in Poland and one of the largest in the world. 

It was built between 1994 and 2004 according to a design by architect Barbara Bielecka, primarily with donations from pilgrims. 

It was consecrated in 2004; in 2005, Pope John Paul II elevated it to a basilica minor. 

The Pope had blessed the still unfinished church in 1999. 

The basilica is approximately 139 meters long and 77 meters wide, with a tower of 141.5 meters. 

There are 33 steps in front of the entrance (representing the years of Jesus' life). 

Inside stands the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Poland, with the Polish white eagle on her mantle. 

The veneration dates back to 1813. 

The severely wounded soldier Tomasz Kłossowski is said to have seen Mary during the Battle of Leipzig. Other apparitions and healings followed later. 

Approximately 1 to 1.5 million pilgrims visit annually; it is the second most important Marian shrine in Poland, after Częstochowa. 

The shrine is managed by the Marianas.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral (Lincoln Minster) is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in England, situated on a hill in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. 

History: Construction began around 1072 under Bishop Remigius (commissioned by William the Conqueror). 

The first Norman cathedral was consecrated in 1092 but was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1185. 

Reconstruction in the Gothic style followed from ca. 1190 under Bishop St. Hugh. 

Highlights: From 1311 to 1548, with a central tower and spire (approx. 160 m), it was the tallest structure in the world. 

Known for the Angel Choir (with angel statues and the Lincoln Imp), beautiful stained glass windows, and medieval architecture (Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular). 

Today: It is an active Church of England cathedral, a Grade I monument, and an iconic landmark. 

It inspired writers like John Ruskin and served as a film location (including The Da Vinci Code). 

An impressive example of medieval architecture with a rich history!

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Maria-Empfängnis-Dom in Linz

The Maria-Empfängnis-Dom (also called Mariendom or Neuer Dom) is an imposing neo-Gothic cathedral in Linz, Austria, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. 

It is the largest church in Austria (though not the tallest; that honor goes to St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna) and serves as the episcopal see of the Diocese of Linz. 

History: Construction began in 1862 at the initiative of Bishop Franz Joseph Rudigier, in honor of the dogma of 1854. 

Opened in 1924, completed in 1935. 

The tower is 134.7 meters high. 

Architecture: Inspired by Belgian and Dutch High Gothic, with beautiful stained-glass windows (including the 'Linz Window' with local history) and a crypt serving as the burial vault for bishops. 

Practical information: Located at Domplatz 1. 

Open Mon-Sat 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Sun/holidays 8:00 AM - 7:15 PM. 

An oasis of tranquility in Linz's bustling city center. It is a place of pilgrimage and cultural icon, with ongoing restorations of windows scheduled to run until 2030.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral, officially the Church of Christ in Liverpool, is an Anglican cathedral in Liverpool, England. 

It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and an iconic example of Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1978. 

The cathedral has the tallest bell tower in the world (100 metres high) and boasts an impressive interior with colourful stained glass windows. 

It is a spiritual and cultural centre, with concerts, events and breathtaking views of the city from the tower.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is a cathedral located on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London. 

It is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of London.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Marienkirche

The Marienkirche in Lübeck is a large church of cathedral-like proportions. 

Construction began around 1250 and was completed in 1351 with the completion of the two western towers, which form a double tower front.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Madrid Cathedral

Santa María la Real de La Almudena is the Catholic cathedral of Madrid, Spain. 

Although plans for a cathedral in the Spanish capital date back to the 16th century, construction of the church did not begin until 1883. 

The cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on June 15, 1993.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

St. Rumbold's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium. 

It is the main church of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels and the metropolitan church of Belgium. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Rumbold of Mechelen. 

Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century and lasted until the 16th century. 

The cathedral is an example of Brabant Gothic. 

The cathedral tower is 97 meters high and is the tallest building in Mechelen. 

The cathedral is home to a number of important works of art, including the main altar by Lucas Faydherbe, the pulpit by Jan van Delen and the painting "The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian" by Anthony van Dyck.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Metz Cathedral

The Cathedral Saint-Étienne of Metz in Metz is the cathedral of the diocese of Metz. 

In the Middle Ages, Metz and its surroundings formed the small prince-bishopric of Metz.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Cathedral of Milan

Milan Cathedral is one of the largest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world and the largest in Italy. 

It is a masterpiece of Gothic art. 

The church is located on the Cathedral Square in the heart of Milan.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/

Cathedrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur

Diocese of Carcassonne and Narbonne Cathedral is the prestigious structure in the center of the southern French city of Narbonne, in the department of Aude. 

Construction of the Gothic cathedral started in 1272, and with some interruptions, construction was halted in the 14th century. 

The building is a ruin.

https://dorpenstedennederland.blogspot.com/

https://fieggentrio.blogspot.com/