Sacred Spaces

The people of Padua pledged to construct this church if the city was spared from destruction during World War I.

This ancient Bedfordshire church was abandoned when the village's population slowly began migrating to new towns.

A surprisingly approachable statue of the man who dominated King Henry VIII's government.

The last Tsar of Russia constructed this private church just so he could attend services when visiting his wife's hometown.

This synagogue is covered in beautiful mosaics that explore the history of the Jewish people.

This medieval oratory decorated in magnificent frescos was constructed after Charlemagne received a vision.

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the ruins of this ancient monastic community.

This stained-glass window in an English church bears the coat of arms of George Washington's family.

This convent has a unique history, including being burned down by a friar trying to get rid of a few bats.

An unusual "skull with ears" sits in the crypt of this small church tucked away at the end of a narrow alley.

The old church, buried by the 1784 Mount Vesuvius eruption, is a remarkably well-preserved place where people now pray for the souls of the dead.

An empty mine that some believe will suddenly be filled with fortune and treasures at the end of the world.

After decades of research and rumors, Little Zion Church was proven to be his final resting place.

The interior of this Serbian royal family's mausoleum is covered with exquisite mosaics.

A small cell adjacent to this church was once the bedroom for a renowned saint.

This fresco inside a Serbian cave church has been a source of disagreement.