Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík, Iceland (1986)

A lofty cathedral constructed to imitate the formations created by solidifying lava. It caused surprise when revealed, as it merged elements of Gothic architecture with a contemporary, Expressionist style. Standing at a height of 244 feet, it is visible from almost every corner of the city.

The Sanctuary of Las Lajas, Ipiales, Colombia (1949)

In a breathtaking location, suspended 150 feet above the awe-inspiring Guáitara River canyon, stands a magnificent neo-Gothic church. It is believed to be the exact spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to a woman and her daughter during a tumultuous storm.

The Church of the Transfiguration, Kizhi, Russia (1714)

A remarkable structure made entirely of wood, featuring 22 breathtaking domes. The original construction from the 18th century, which has since been restored, was also crafted without the use of nails. Instead, horizontal logs were skillfully interlocked at the corners.

Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain

Gaudí’s exceptional architectural creation, which has been in the process of being built for nearly 142 years, presents an intriguing example of intergenerational construction. Once the project reaches its anticipated completion date of 2026, it will stand as the tallest religious structure on the entire European continent.

Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki, Finland

Referred to as the Rock Church, this impressive Lutheran place of worship is skillfully crafted within a solid stone structure. The walls are meticulously hewn from the surrounding natural rock formations, while a massive copper roof crowns the edifice.

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, Normandy, France (1523)

Mont-Saint-Michel, a commune situated on a tidal island in Normandy, is often referred to as the marvel of the Western world. The abbey, built in the Romanesque-Gothic style, dates back to the medieval period, with a church occupying the mount for more than a millennium.

Mont-Saint-The Panagia Soumela monastery (385 AD)

Panagia Soumela, the holy symbol of the Ponte, is embraced by history, tradition, and legend. Evangelist Luke was the one who carved the wood into Pangia’s (Virgin Mary) figure. The wooden icon was found after Evangelist Luke’s death in Athens and, for this reason, is given the name Panagia “The Athenian”

Borgund Stave Church, Lærdal, Norway (c.1200)

Many consider Borgund to be the best preserved of the Norwegian stave churches, and it has served as a model during the restoration of several other stave churches. The stave church construction is based on load-bearing posts (staves) and columns.

Church of Saint George, Lalibela c.1200

Set apart from the rest of churches in Lalibela, the church of Saint George has become an icon of Ethiopia. The church, carved into the volcanic rock centuries ago, represents the spiritual heart of Ethiopia. It is believed that, during the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century, St George was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods.

Fila carefully placed the scroll next to Macron’s right hand, to be the first thing she would give once she got down there, and led him away.

The note or katadesmos read:
“From Thetima and Dionysophon the ceremony and the marriage I bind with a written curse and of all other women, whether they are widows or virgins, but especially of Thetima. And I deliver this binding to Macron and the demons. And only when I dig up and unroll and read these words again, then only let Dionysophontus marry. Before that let him take no other wife than me. Only I may grow old by Dionysophontus’ side, no other. I beseech you, dear demons, show pity to Phila for she has forsaken me all my loved ones and I am desolate. But keep the bond for my sake, so that this may not happen, and the evil Thetima evil perish…. and I may find bliss and bliss.”

Polydeuces received immortality from his father the god Zeus, but his brother, Castor, remained mortal, because he was the son of the mortal king. They both became big and jerks, no one could go wrong with Castor, in his skill in driving the chariot, where he managed to tame even the most unruly horses. And Polydevkis was a brave boxing champion. The two were never separated from each other because they were united by fiery love.

The Dioscuri took part in many great exploits of the Greek heroes, took part in the Argonautic Campaign and distinguished themselves especially against the king of the Bevryks, Amykus, who was defeated by Polydeukis, thus putting all the Bevryks to flight. When Theseus and Peirithus descended to the Underworld to seize Persephone, the Dioscuri launched a campaign against Athens, claiming their sister Helen, whom Theseus had abducted and imprisoned in the Aphidna fortress in Laconia. So, while Theseus was away, they freed their sister and took Theseus’s mother, Aithra, captive in Sparta. In addition, they removed the sons of Theseus from the throne of Athens and replaced them with the claimant to the kingdom, Menesthea.

Before they could even get out of hiding, Idas threw his pole into the tree and seriously injured Castor. Polydeukis smiled at them. The Afarides could not deal with him and put him to death. Polydeukis reached them somewhere near the grave of their parents. He killed Lygeus and began to fight, for life or death, with Ida. The mighty Zeus then intervened to stop the battle, throwing a bolt of lightning that reduced both Ida and the corpse of Lygeus to ashes.

Polydeukis turned to where Castoras lay mortally wounded and wept bitterly as if he saw death separating them. He begged his father Zeus to let him die with his beloved brother. Zeus then appeared to his son and made him choose: Either live forever young among the bright gods of Olympus, or live forever with his brother one day in the gloomy realm of Hades, and the next in Olympus. Polydevkis did not want to be separated from his brother. And so he shared his fate.

Since then, these two brothers wander one day in the dark plains of the kingdom of Hades and the next, live with the gods in the palaces of the leader of the gods, Zeus.

The layout of the sanctuary is classical Egyptian and contains stunning depictions of Cleopatra and her son. The temple was built in honor of the Egyptian goddess Hathor, who personified feminine love and motherhood. On the pillars is carved the face of the goddess with the horns of the cow that she usually carries in the depictions.

The whole of the temple is magnificent, but its roof remains a true masterpiece. After the restoration of the temple, works of art were revealed with exquisite detail and striking colors, representing a complex astrological map of the sky. A great place for lovers of art and ancient cultures, but also for those who are looking for a little magic in their travels to travel back in time.

Acropolis of Athens contains inside its boundaries all key qualities that pass on property’s Extraordinary Widespread Value, as an ensemble of unique splendor in excellent condition. Perfection of ancient building techniques ensured the resistance of monuments to natural forces through time.

Despite unavoidable damage of time, they still display their beauty and convey their inestimable artistic and historic value, preserving all features that directly and tangibly associate them with events and ideas of Democracy and Philosophy. Inevitably, vicissitudes of history between 5th Century BC, and our days have caused extensive damage that is being successfully addressed with ongoing restoration and conservation works, which increment both stability and clarity of monuments.