Be Inspired

Europe is a diverse and inspiring continent, full of fascinating details, places, people and events. Our religious heritage is not only a window into this past, but also provides enjoyment and inspiration for its architecture, its beauty and its splendour. These lists show some of the ways that Europe's religious heritage can be enjoyed today.

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Ukrainian Baroque Churches

The Ukrainian Baroque style, one of the most recognisable architectural styles in Ukraine, is a mixture of Baroque and traditional Russian architecture that was very popular in 17th and 18th century Ukraine. Although originating in Kyiv, we have also selected some lesser-known examples located outside the capital.

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Religious Heritage of Kyiv

The cradle of Slavic culture, Kyivis also a crossroads for the populations of Eastern Europe. Here, monasteries with golden onion domes stand alongside Ashkenazi synagogues and even a Tatar mosque.

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Jewish Heritage of Ukraine

Ukraine has one of the largest numbers of Jewish heritage sites of any European country with around 1,500 listed sites. Its Jewish community has contributed much to Jewish cultural heritage: the first shtetls were located in Ukraine, and Hasidism was born here.

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Wooden churches of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The Ukrainian Carpathians, like many mountainous regions throughout Europe, are home to many minorities. Gorals, Boykos, Lemkos, Rusyns and Hutsuls all share a great deal of expertise in building with wood, the material with which they erect their churches.

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Churches of Cork

Cork, Ireland's second most populous city, has its origins in a 6th-century monastic settlement. It is no exaggeration to say that the religious culture is deeply present. Today, like other cities in Ireland, Cork bears the mark of the long imposed separation between Catholics and Anglicans.

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High Crosses of Ireland

High Crosses are the main surviving monumental works of Celtic art. They have existed in Ireland since the 6th century. Today these crosses are often found on monastic or ecclesiastical sites.

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Churches of Dublin

Dublin is famous for its beautiful Georgian buildings, its music scene and of course its pubs. Dublin's religious heritage is just as interesting, it tells the story of the city's foundation by the Vikings, its long occupation by the English, and the birth of nationalism through Catholicism.

7 buildings

Irish abandoned abbeys

Ireland was an important monastic centre during the early Middle Ages, famous for the education it provided. During the Viking raids and the occupation of England, which became Anglican in the 16th century, these monasteries closed en masse and many of them are in ruins today.

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Brick Gothic Churches of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Among the many variants of Gothic architecture, brick Gothic can be seen over a large area in Northern Europe due to its popularity in the former Hanseatic League cities. In the cities of Stralsund and Wismar, Gothic brick buildings are even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.