Travelling for the Soul

Marble walls are etched with scripture, hand-painted mosaics swallow up ceilings, precious stones cascade down altars and vibrant stained glass windows twinkle with the setting sun.

Architectural marvels have been constructed in the name of religion for thousands of years. When there are moments in life where time seems quickened, we may yearn for something deeper. It is these grand, spiritual places that allow us to collect our thoughts and get lost in their stories, history, as well as our own reflections.
Today there are numerous churches, temples and mosques — some small and simple, others grand and ornately decorated — but it is the ones that have incorporated their beautiful surroundings into a distinct style that will be remembered. Visitors come from all over the world to surf across the English Channel and get to Mont St. Michel, or hike up the steps to the Temple of Heaven.

People explore these sacred destinations because they have the power to change their visitors — no matter their spirituality — and empower them. They channel unique perspectives and cultures, and have a captivating beauty that transcends a journey focused primarily on time and space because it moves your soul.


chapel of the holy cross
SEDONA, ARIZONA, USA

The setting sun ignites Sedona’s skies and bursts through the stained glass windows of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is nestled in thousand-foot-tall red rock towers. Architect Marguerite Brunswig Staude was struck by the beauty of Sedona and built a spiritual fortress that is a breathtaking example of modern architecture. It is a miracle in itself that this 250-foot-high, embedded Roman Catholic chapel was even constructed.

When to visit: It is a year-round destination but the average temperature of July and August reaches around 37 C. October is the best time to seek milder temperatures.


neue synagogue
BERLIN, GERMANY

The synagogue was designed by Eduard Knoblauch in 1866 and later Friedrich August Stuler to become the largest and most magnificent Jewish monument in Germany. Also known as the New Synagogue, it was restored from 1989 to 1995 after decades of war and natural weathering. Today, it remains one of the most important locations for Jewish life in Berlin. The synagogue hosts both changing and permanent exhibitions, an extensive archive of Jewish history, as well as services in their prayer room. A Moorish style of architecture was incorporated throughout the building and kept in mind during its reconstruction. With the steel construction of its galleries and roof, the elegant design has made it an important work of contemporary engineering and architecture. The front of the building is intricately ornamented brickwork and terracotta that’s woven with colour-glazed bricks — this part was the only area of the building that wasn’t destroyed.

When to visit:Germany’s weather is unpredictable. Best time to visit would be during the summer between the months of June and September, or during Christmas.

dome of the rock
JERUSALEM, ISREAL

The Dome of the Rock is not new, grand or extravagant in wealth like the mosques constructed in cities like Abu Dhabi and Morocco. However, it is the oldest surviving example of Islamic architecture with its gold dome, mosaic tiles and lush red carpets — all in keeping with traditional Islamic style and recreated in countries like Palestine and Italy years later. Every dimension is related to the centre that surrounds the sacred stone over which it was built. This architecture makes the Dome of the Rock have a lasting visual impact on its visitors.

When to visit: Travellers have the freedom to visit any time of year with the exception of Christian, Muslim and Jewish holidays. On these days, the area around the temple is accessible, but non-Muslims can’t enter the Dome of the Rock during midday prayers.


hallgrímskirkja
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

The Lutheran parish church Hallgrímskirkja incorporates Iceland’s landscape into its striking modern Nordic architecture. State architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed the cascading tower to represent basalt lava volcano columns rising between the steeple tower. This modern Gothic architecture continues inside the church with the glacier-inspired pillars and tall vault resembling Iceland’s iconic ice caves.  

When to visit: Iceland has a short-lived tourist season, which runs from June to August. While these months have the best weather, pick of tour times and accommodations, you can expect big crowds. Spring and autumn have generally good weather and fewer visitors. However, if you are relying on public transport, especially if you’re outside the city, it will not be on a full schedule.

temple of heaven
BEIJING, CHINA

The Temple of Heaven is an architectural masterpiece because each feature graphically illustrates the cosmology of heaven and earth, like the Round Altar and the Throne of Heaven. The centre of the Round Altar is formed from marble slabs laid in nine circles representing the world. Visitors can stand at the central point of the Round Altar as previous emperors once did, or visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which is supported by 28 massive pillars made from single tree trunks. Another architectural marvel is the circular enclosing wood wall of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. It is known for its unique acoustics that allow a person at one end of the wall to hear the voice of a person at the other end.

When to visit: September and October are the best months to beat the crowds and extreme winds and rain.