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The Tatars are a Turkish people who, after the collapse of the Mongol empire (1206-1368), formed a number of khanates in its western part, which is part of present-day Russia and Ukraine. The Tatars converted to Islam as early as the 14th century and built beautiful mosques that can still be found in north-eastern Europe, which is still home to a Tatar minority.

The territory of present-day Germany was the epicentre of the face-off between Catholics and Protestants from the 16th century onwards. This led not only to a division of the region but also to divisions within the towns themselves, in which the churches regularly changed denominations. The “Simultaneum”, a form of religious tolerance that allowed Protestants and Catholics to share a church, became attractive to the leaders of these territories where consensus seemed impossible. The "Simultankirchen" (shared churches) are the descendants of this period, and of the unrest that followed; they constitute a unique heritage in Germany.

Bell towers are the most visible elements of churches; they define the character of the church and the skyline of the town in which they are located. Every spire is unique, but some of them are even more so as they carry a very particular history, which can sometimes be mixed with legends...

Christianity has a long history of constructing temples in caves. Cave churches are the most successful expression of sacred architecture that seeks to blend into nature. Here are 7 examples of famous European cave churches.

Within a country, a region, and sometimes even within a city, rivalries have arisen around religious buildings, long centres of power. Today these rivalries are anecdotal, but they have the merit of connecting these buildings to a broader history.

The architecture of these sacred buildings has inspired generations of architects to the point where it is no exaggeration to say that most of our built heritage consists of copies of these originals.

The life of St. Patrick is a great source for many traditional stories. As a missionary, the saint travelled a great deal, and is credited with many visits, constructions and miracles. Here are five sites that bear witness to the legend of Saint Patrick.

Places of worship sometimes have their history intertwined with that of illustrious characters. These buildings bear the traces of women who were recognised in their time and are today esteemed for their legacy.

Over the centuries, church buildings have given rise to new musical styles within them, linked to their stature and the sacred activities that take place there. Don’t miss out on visiting these churches if you would like some proof!

Throughout Europe's history there have been numerous conflicts and eras of turmoil. Religious buildings were often the largest and strongest buildings in urban areas, which meant that people often used them as shelters when problems arose. These 10 fortified sites are outstanding examples of the intersection of defensive and sacred architecture