It’s Sunday, a day of rest and worship, and I thought today I would let the pictures tell the story. On our trip to Europe in July we visited a number of churches, some to worship in, others as tourist and cultural attractions. Today one church from each of those countries.

St. Martin’s Cathedral – Ypres

St. Martin’s Cathedral – Ypres

St. Martin’s Cathedral – Ypres

We’ll start with St. Martin’s Cathedral in Ypres, Belgium, a Gothic structure that took more than 150 years to build in the 13th and 14th centuries. This, of course, is the rebuilt building – the church was pretty much completely destroyed during the First World War.

Saint George’s Church – Caen Castle

Saint George’s church in Caen, France,  is found inside the walls of Caen Castle. This church was established by Henry I, the son of William the Conqueror, but is now a tourist information centre. It is one of those churches that brings out mixed feelings in me: I’m glad the structure has been preserved and is being put to good use, but I wish that use was its original purpose.

Saint George’s Church – Caen Castle

Saint George’s Church – Caen Castle

Birth of the Virgin Mary, Saints Martyrs Cyprian and Justina – Goldsmith’s Church is a long name for this church in Bucharest, Romania, or maybe something was lost in translation. Originally built in the 18th century, it was rebuilt in the mid-nineteenth century. It seems in Bucharest there is a church on every corner, and this one was simple a “Let’s see what this looks like inside” visit.

The Goldsmith’s Church, Bucharest

The Goldsmith’s Church, Bucharest

The Goldsmith’s Church, Bucharest

St. Maria zur Weiz Chuech in Soest, Germany, we checked out after we walked on the medieval walls of the town. I have the impression that churches in Canada are usually locked when there are no services happening, but in Europe I have always found them to be open. I can understand that for a tourist attraction, but I don’t know how many people come to Soest each year, and if they go looking for the churches.

St. Maria zur Weis Church, Soest.

St. Maria zur Weis Church, Soest – the stained glass window known as The Westphalian Last Supper.

St. Maria zur Weis Church, Soest

Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York, can’t be seen from the street, you have to know it is there. Don’t confuse it with the other Holy Trinity in York – this one is now primarily  a tourist destination with only the occasional worship service.

Holy Trinity Church, York.