Five Famous Christian Places
A Christian's Guide to Must-See Places around the World
Christianity is the most dominant religion in the world today. Though this section of Suite101.com is centered around Protestantism, Christians of all denominations must acknowledge the inspirational and breathtaking nature of the following five must-see landmarks:
1. Christ the Redeemer
One of the most beautiful sights one could ever lay eyes on is the statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This statue, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, is the tallest statue of Christ ever made. It is roughly 120 feet tall!
This statue is known as "Christ the Redeemer" and is located at the peak of Corcovado Mountain. This gorgeous monument was built thanks to engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculptor Paul Landowski. The donations of Catholics living in Brazil funded most of the project, totaling about $250,000.
2. The Holy Sepulchre
Another important Christian place is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the church of the Resurrection. Reconstructed as an act of love, this landmark site exists in the Old City of Jerusalem, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified.
This church was damaged many times throughout its history, but always remained an important landmark to Christians.
3. Iona
This small island located near the Inner Hebrides of Scotland is both beautiful and calming. This was a very famous site for pilgrimage and learning about Christianity.
Iona quickly became known as a "holy island," and several kings from Scotland, Norway and Ireland chose Iona as their final resting place.
The Iona Abbey is quite a famous one, as it is beautifully detailed and has one of the best-preserved Celtic crosses around. These great buildings are now being cared for by Historic Scotland.
4. Vatican City
Vatican City is officially known as the State of the Vatican City. This sovereign land in Rome came to be a city-state in 1929. This territory is part of Mons Vaticanus, and includes St. Peter's Square (where millions of people have watched the Pope give blessings). It is also near other areas of importance to Christians, such as the Apostolic Palace and the Sistine Chapel.
While many Protestants (and other non-Catholics, not all of whom consider themselves "Protestant") regard Vatican City with suspicion (or even, in some cases, hostility), few Protestants will challenge its beauty, nor the significance of a site believed to be the final resting place of the Apostle Peter.
Ironically, the site was also something of an inspiration for the Protestant Reformation, since it was Pope Leo X who dispatched the infamous Johann Tetzel and others to sell indulgences to raise money for St. Peter's Basilica.
5. Canterbury Cathedral
This famous Christian Structure is located in England (Kent, to be more specific) is truly an amazing sight to behold. St. Augustine (previously abbot of St. Andrew's Benedictine Abbey) founded this beautiful cathedral in 602 AD and became the first archbishop.
Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170 by King Henry II's knights. King Henry II had conflicts with the archbishop and his knights killed Becket, making him a martyr. Beautiful glass stained windows pay tribute to the strong-willed archbishop.
Planning a Visit to these Christian Places
Though the Bible warns against "graven images" and people should not (at least according to the Bible) put their hopes in places or buildings, these famous landmarks are worth a visit. They are beautiful in photographs and breathtaking in person.
Those wishing to visit these landmarks should take time to plan out their trip. There are religious oriented travel packages and vacation getaway packages available. One just needs to look.
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