While the secular trend is sweeping the land and gathering more and more adepts each day, for some people, church remains as the place where they can be alone with their thoughts and the best location for a thorough introspection. Sure, the societal role of the institution is considerably reduced these days and the various attempts of the religious leaders to break the rule of the separation of church and state don’t go by unnoticed. However, we shouldn’t forget that church also played an important role in education, art, history and helped us become what we are today. In the following article, we won’t be discussing these critical issues, but we will in visit ten of the most intricate churches and their eccentric locations.
1. Antarctica
True, the Trinity Church in Antarctica doesn’t impress via fine architecture like most European cathedrals. However, this 15 meter tall construction is an outstanding evidence of a great architectural mind and frankly, the warmest place for any follower of the Russian Orthodox Church to be in on this ice desert. Constructed in the early 1990s, the edifice is made out of a single Siberian Pine that was dismantled and put together again on the icy continent.
2. A tree
Even though it measures 15 meters in height and has a diameter of 16 meters, the Chêne Chapelle or the “chapel oak” hosts two unique chapels. Built in the Medieval Ages, the church in a tree from France is nothing like you have ever seen and due to its mysterious aura and unusual construction featuring an exterior staircase leading to the chapels, you could easily believe that you are on the set of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
3. On top of a volcano
While a church standing solitary atop of a mountain is not unusual, the Our Lady of Le Puy in France is a magnificent structure built over a volcano plug. Considering that the church stands 85 meters high over an active volcano, I guess nobody can contest the fact that the architects have taken the phrase “put your faith in the Lord” very seriously.
4. In a hill
If you ever wondered how a small country like Luxemburg managed to remain independent in spite of having strong neighbors like Germany and France, then the “Church in a hill” might provide you with an answer. Essentially, the entire region is naturally fortified with gorges and steeps that made it impossible for a large army to get around very easily. Besides, the scarce bridges that were build high above and the cleverly hidden homes and edifices would have provided sufficient time for the local population to hide and defend itself from invaders.
5. On a bridge
Erected in the 13th century by Thomas de Rotterdam, the Chapel of Our Lady stands proud on the Rotterdam Bridge that reigns over the River Don in Yorkshire. Even though its location has conferred the edifice many applications throughout the centuries, nowadays the last survivor of the numerous Bridge Chantries is finally back to being used for its original purpose.
Three Cliffs Bay is a bay on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula in the City and County of Swansea, Wales. The bay takes its name from the three sea cliffs that jut out into the bay. Pennard Pill, a small stream, flows into the sea in the middle of the bay. The sea cliffs are limestone, about 20 m high, and are a popular destination for rock climbers with 20 climbs in the lower grades. The largest of the Three Cliffs is easily climbed if approached from the grassy base. The major attraction of this site is its spectacular position, which offers panoramic views of the Gower coastline.
Turner Hall Farm is located in the Lake District’s lesser-visited Duddon Valley. It is actually not that far from civilisation, but it feels like the Middle of Nowhere, given the journey there. The most spectacular way to arrive at Turner Hall Farm is to drive over the Wrynose Pass, a tortuous zigzag of a road, often single-track, frequently hair pinned and always threatening to throw your car down the steep sides of the hill with one wrong move. It’s an exhilarating drive that matches some of the best Lake District walks, view for view.
Brighouse Bay is one of Scotland’s top environmental Parks, Brighouse Bay is set in a quiet and secluded peninsula, with magnificent views over the Irish Sea and surrounded by 1,200 acres of great walking country, and Brighouse Bay is set in a quiet, secluded peninsula, with magnificent views over the Irish Sea. The award-winning holiday park offers a swimming pool, toddlers’ pool, games room, ten-pin bowling, and playground, toddlers’ corner, bar, bistro, family room and function suite.
The Le Val De Cantobre is a nature park surrounded by the river La Dourbie. The Grands Causses Regional Park encompasses some of France’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Gorges du Tarn. This park campsite, in the grounds of a medieval farmhouse, has pitches arranged on terraces looking down the valley, and there is a full activity programme available.
This is a beautiful location situated in Thailand. This is an exotic bamboo jungle, where three countries meet. You can enjoy hours interacting with elephants; training and trekking. This is an once-in-a-lifetime experience for active adults and teens. It has got 15 tented accommodations all different and unique in luxury, completed with hand-hammered copper bathtubs – echo the romantic spirit of 19th-century explorers. All-inclusive Four Seasons adventures cover every detail, from drinks and dining to river boat excursions to meet local hill tribes.
The Masai Mara is located in south western part of Kenya bordering Tanzania. The rive Mara which flows in between the forest acts as a natural habitat for hippos and crocodiles. The forest is probably the lone and mute spectator which watches the annual migration that hordes of wildebeests and zebras undertook in this Masai Mara National Reserve from Serengeti which is fraught with dangers. Masai Mara National Reserve is proud to have domiciled a wide variety of wild life e.g. lions, leopards, giraffe, elephants, hippos etc. The best possible time to visit is between July and October. Another interesting point is to be noted that the adjoining areas of this forest are populated by the Masai tribes known for their distinct tribal culture, life style and traditions.
Victoria Falls situated in between Zambia and Zimbabwe in the southern part of African continent. Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park are the two national parks that surround Victoria Falls. Every holidaying tourist are so enticed by the sheer beauty and charm of this fall that every year people just throng in numbers to have a glimpse of it. The best time to visit Victoria Falls is during the month of March to May. Plethora of different categories of adventure sports like bunjee jumping, white water rafting, abseiling, etc is there for those people who love adventurism to pep up their holyday package.
Egyptian Pyramids are one of the rarest historical monuments and widely acknowledged as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, actually symbolize the splendor of Egyptian civilization.
Djenne is one of the oldest cities of the sub-Saharan region of Africa. It is located on an island in river Niger close to central Mali. With the efflux of time Djenne evolved into a center of Islamic learning and is still dominated the beautiful Grand Mosque at the market square bears testimony to that fact. The main attraction of Djenne is the Grand Mosque which is the biggest mud-brick structure to be constructed by the habitants of any region.
Cape Town is one of the fascinating places of the world that lure a good number of tourists each year. The main tourist attractions or holiday destinations are:-
Many travellers believe that Cordoba is the most beautiful destination in Southern Spain. The city is testimony to the many different cultures which have thrived over here. It has been declared a World Heritage Site to preserve its unique ethnicity and the artistic wealth of its buildings and mosques. Small streets, whitewashed courtyards, beautiful alleys and homes are all part of the basic charm of this city.
The capital of Spain is dotted with Grand Avenues, enchanting palaces, museums and town squares which are bustling with activity. Plaza Mayor seems to be the place where everyone congregates and where the bars and restaurants never seem to close. There is a laid back feel to this lovely town and everywhere you can sense peace and joy.
Barcelona has something for everyone. There are great museums and art galleries. The Gaudi buildings will fascinate and enchant you with their quirkiness and colour. Las Rambles never sleeps – there is always some show or performance happening here. The musical fountain at Placa dÉspanya is one of the best in the world.
Valencia is renowned for the world’s biggest food fight which takes place here in August, but it is also known for the Fallas festival which is held here in March. This quaint old city’s most popular attraction is The Silk Exchange which houses many impressive Gothic Style buildings which were a part of the commercial centre. The Cathedral is also worth a visit.
Due to it’s splendid architecture and the magnificent cathedral Seville is one of Spain’s grand cities. Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the Giralda Bell tower are also other well known landmarks of this city. Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, it was earlier the trading hub during Roman times
A relaxed day doing nothing or a day at the beach or day walking around admiring the unusual red coloured cliffs, Prince Edward Island has all this and much more. The Prince Edward Island National Park stretches over 40 miles and has many scenic areas to wander through and enjoy
Vancouver is the city which has something for everyone. You can enjoy the graceful beauty of this city, you can go whale-watching along the coast or you can go skiing up at Whistlers. If you are more of a city person then enjoy the excellent night-life and some of the superb eating places in Canada’s most vibrant city.
No matter which side you look at them from, Niagara Falls is a sight to behold. From the Canadian side you get an excellent view from the Queen Victoria Park, and from the observation deck of the Skylon Towers. It is easily one of the most spectacular sights in the world. If you are visiting make sure you book your hotels accommodations online so you can take advantage of 
With a theatre and a museum in every corner, visiting Quebec City is like visiting France in North America. A very unique city, it is one of the last walled cities in the world. Old Quebec City has some beautiful Renaissance architecture and the mingling of various cultures is very evident in the food and language and ambience of this lovely city.
A small little town, Banff is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. It is so popular that often it seems very crowded. You are assured of wildlife sightings in the mountains nearby and of excellent scenic sightings also. Spend some time enjoying the natural beauty this small town has been endowed with.
None of the photographs of Niagara Falls really do justice to the grandeur of these falls. They cannot capture the thunderous sounds, nor can they give you a glimpse of the grandeur and magnificence of this place. Situated on the border between the US and Canada, over 12 million tourists visit these falls every year. If you have the time, do travel on the “Maid of the Mist” boat, to get a totally different view of the Falls.
Walt Disney’s gift to the nation, both these parks are among the most entertaining places to go to in the world. You do not need to be a child to enjoy the ambience, the joy and youthful exuberance of these amusement parks. The scary roller-coasters, the fairy tales brought to life, the array of Disney cartoon characters, and an overall atmosphere of an unbelievable fairyland are just a few of the reasons why this is a must-have of every tour itinerary.
This amazing city is like no other in the world. The skyscrapers are a unique part of it’s identity but so is Greenwich Village on one side and Broadway on another side. Times Square is throbbing with life all through the day and night and you can just sit on one of the wrought-iron benches and watch the world go by. Visit Ground Zero to get a taste of history, albeit a recent one!!
Located primarily in the state of Wyoming, this park is renowned for its many attractions ranging from fishing, hiking, camping, and boating. But above all the popular attractions remain the geysers and lakes and waterfalls. Old Faithful, their most popular geyser erupts at regular frequencies to spectacular heights.
If you are a movie buff – then this is your Mecca. Situated in Los Angeles, it boasts of such attractions as the Universal Studio and the Sunset Strip and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Even though most studios have moved away from here, yet Hollywood retains its glamour and sense of movie history.
For most people, Taj Mahal seems to signify India. It is its most visible landmark, and it is the first destination on any tour of India. Just a glimpse of this monument to eternal love is enough to make you realize why it is among the wonders of the world. There have been many articles and books about it, but you have to wander around this marble and sandstone creation to get a true sense of how extraordinary it really is.
A World Heritage Site, Hampi in the state of Karnataka, was once the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire. Today the magnificent ruins stand as mute testimony to the grandeur which was once present there. Rich, vibrant history seems to still be a part of this area, and you can wander around for hours visiting the various ruins and natural delights around you.
India is full of history and Jaipur is just teeming with it. Rajasthan has always had a colorful past and Jaipur has many places which are visible proof. The King’s palace and museum, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Palace are but a few of the attractions of this place. You can even shop for some traditional jewelery and textiles to take back with you
Another city of Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the “Venice of the East.” The three lakes within the town, innumerable forts and palaces and a combination of the old and modern, have made this city a part of every tourist’s schedule. Bright colorful clothes, an exuberant culture and simple yet proud race of people are the hallmarks of this region.
Once again, we are in the state of Rajasthan. Ranthambore is a famous tiger reserve and national park in Rajasthan. It boasts of excellent scenic vistas, great hotels and resorts and excellent opportunities to get a glimpse of the king of beasts.
Originally constructed in the fifth century BC, for protecting the northern frontiers of the country, the Great Wall of China has become a historical spot. It is often said that this is the only manmade work that can be seen from moon. If you visit China, you should never forget to visit this wall which stretches for almost 8,851.8 kilometers.
Mount Tai, which has been credited as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is listed among the “Five Sacred Mountains” of China. Records state, this mountain has attracted pilgrims for almost three thousand years. Located in the southern side of Jinan and northern side of Tai’an city, Mount Tai provides simple connectivity route.
When you are in China, you cannot miss out Forbidden City in Beijing. The city has imperial palaces of different rulers starting from the Ming Dynasty till the Qing Dynasty. The walls and gates across the Forbidden City will make you understand the architectural skills as well as the defense tactics that Chinese rulers have been using for ages.
Located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a historical spot in China. Named after Mount Potala, this palace has been home to Dalai Lama till the 14th Dalai Lama decided to flee to India. Now, the Chinese government has converted this place into a museum.
Old Summer Palace or the Imperial Gardens of China is known for its art works, architectural building, and obviously beautiful gardens. This historical place was destroyed during the English and French invasion in China. Yet, later this park has been named among the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
The “Brown Lady ” has been sighted here many a times, and there is also a world famous photograph of her gliding down the stairs, taken in 1936. She is believed to be the ghost of Lady Townshend who lived and died here in the 18th century. There have been frequent sightings of her as she wanders around the premises in a brown brocade dress.
A home built by ghosts for ghosts? There are so many stories connected with this home that fact seems to get intermingled with fiction. The fact is that this convoluted house has doors that lead nowhere, staircases that end suddenly, and many other weird features. Built by Sarah Winchester , ostensibly to exorcise the ghosts of the people killed by the rifles built by her family concern, even today it is believed that you can hear an organ playing and you can smell chicken soup in an empty kitchen.
Now here is a haunted home, where you are actually invited to stay over for bed and breakfast, and personally encounter the spirits which haunt this home. The site of the grisly murder in 1892 of Abby and Abe Borden, ostensibly by Lizzie Borden, this home is renowned for the sound of a woman weeping softly, of cameras working when no one was near them and lights flickering, all manifestations of troubled spirits.
One cemetery where there have been over a hundred sightings is the Bachelors Grove Cemetery near Chicago. There are stories about the White Lady, the Phantom Farmhouse and the Farmer with his Plough. There is also the famous picture of a lady sitting at a grave taken in the 80s by Jude Fetz.
Nobody has been able to solve the mystery of what really happened to Ambrose Small when he disappeared in 1919 in Toronto, but his ghost is believed to be haunting one of his favourite haunts, the Tivoli Theatre in Hamilton. Many staff members have seen him loitering around the area, dressed in Victorian clothes with his trademark large moustache very much in evidence.
Oymyakon village is located to the east of Yakutia. Around 521 people live in this icy village. The average temperature is -96°F or -71.2°C during the winter which is nine months. Oymyakon lies in a bowl between mountains, which traps cold air and hence has such frigid temperatures.
Verkhoyansk, located in the Yakutia region of Siberia, lies within the Arctic Circle. The city is the third smallest town in Russia. Its population is around 1,311 (2010 Census). The temperature, normally, will reach -40 °C (−40 °F) and −69.8 °C (−93.6 °F) at its peak. With Oymyakon, the city is considered the northern Pole of Cold.
Greenland is known to be the coldest place in the western hemisphere. On January 9th,1954, a temperature of -87 °F (-66 °C) was recorded at the North ice Research Station in the middle of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
