Ottobeuren Abbey

Ottobeuren Basilica, Germany

Founded in 764. This abbey has a church that is one of the most ornate Baroque and Rococo buildings in world, built in 1737-1766.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia as seen from Galata Tower, Istanbul

A former Orthodox basilica built between 532 – 537 AD, it is now a mosque. Possibly the highest achievement of Byzantine architecture, it has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1000 years. Constructed in 532 – 537.

Boddam Church

Boddam Church in ruins, Chagos Islands

Ruins of Chagossian church in abandoned plantation village.

Borgund stave church

Borgund stave church, Norway

The best preserved Norse stave church, built in between 1180 – 1250 AD, contains runic inscriptions. Representative of the unique Norse wooden architecture that unites Viking, Celtic and Roman elements.

Haczów Church

Haczów Church, Poland

Wooden church in Gothic style, constructed in the late 14th century (1388?). Interior is covered with polychrome paintings from 1494. Largest Gothic wooden church in Europe, oldest wooden church in Poland.

Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, Puerto Rico

Here was located one of the oldest churches in Americas: the first wooden church was built here in 1521. Current structure was built in the 17th century. Explorer Juan Ponce de León is buried here.

Florence Cathedral

Florence Cathedral in the night, Italy

One of the most impressive churches in the world, the largest building in medieval Europe. Constructed in 1296 – 1469. Designed mostly in Gothic style, but considered to be one of the first Renaissance buildings.