Churches, Bora Bora

A well known church located at Raiatea, French Polynesia. https://www.tahiti.com/island/raiatea

Close to the waterfront esplanade is this brightly coloured cathedral. It is of course named after its famous Parisian counterpart. Completed in 1875 it is not only the oldest Catholic church in Tahiti but also one of last remaining examples of early colonial architecture. https://www.edwud.com/notre-dame-cathedral-tahiti/

Find a lovely vintage Catholic Church built entirely out of coral by early European missionaries in the city of Fakarava. https://www.tahiti.com/island/fakarava

Taaoa Catholic church is one of the most photographed in all of French Polynesia. https://xdaysiny.com/top-things-to-do-in-hiva-oa-marquesas-islands/

Known as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," Kawaiahao Church was the first Christian Church built on Oahu. Dedicated on July 21, 1842, “The Great Stone Church” is made of 14,000 coral slabs from ocean reefs that were hauled from the sea by native laborers and missionaries. The church and the grounds were named a National Historic Landmark in 1962. https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/kawaiahao-church

Seat of the archdiocese of Nouméa since 1966, Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic cathedral was built between 1887 and 1897 by a penitentiary workforce and following the construction plans of a former convict named Labulle. Consecrated in 1890, before the end of its construction, the cathedral is laid out as a 56-meter-long Latin cross, with a 36-meter-large transept. 15.5 meters high, the building's south west facade presents two 25-meter-high towers on both sides of the porch. Both towers, the buttresses and the bay frames are made of cut stone, the other walls are made of lime-rendered rubble stone. https://www.newcaledonia.travel/au/noumea/saint-josephs-cathedral

The stunning belltower, soaring windows and massive stone work are the first impressions one has of St Saviour's. The Cathedral dominates Bourke Street and interrupts the through flow of Montague Street. Royal Letters Patent issued by Queen Victoria on March 14, 1863 established the Diocese of Goulburn giving Goulburn city status and making it Australia's first inland city. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/goulburn-area/goulburn/attractions/st-saviours-anglican-cathedral

The original Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn is now referred to as Saints Peter and Paul's Old Cathedral. Recognised by the National Trust of Australia the former Cathedral and Bishop's House are significant items of the city's cultural and architectural heritage. Several types of stone were used in the Cathedral's construction. The most significant of these was diorite porphyrite, a very hard green stone from a quarry on the Bungonia Road. The use of the green porphyry stone makes this the only Greenstone Cathedral in the world. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/goulburn-area/goulburn/attractions/saints-peter-and-pauls-old-cathedral

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, considered the most beautiful cathedral in northwestern Mexico. Admire its facade while appreciating the exceptional baroque decoration in its interior. https://www.visitmexico.com/en/main-activities/mazatlan/experience-the-historical-wealth-of-mazatlan

Cosala is a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) that retains a unique cultural and historic identity. Its picturesque landscapes and charming colonial past distinguish the town. https://www.visitmexico.com/en/main-activities/mazatlan/discover-the-cultural-wealth-of-cosala

Durango, which is known as the land of scorpions, has something very special in its streets and in its stories. You will feel like you're walking through an art museum that contains every architectural style. The foyer is the Plaza de Armas. Stop by the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to admire its structure, which has remained beautiful and intact. https://www.visitmexico.com/en/main-activities/durango/come-to-know-the-durango-downtown

Acclaimed as finest example of mission architecture in U.S., southwest of Tucson on Tohono O'odham Reservation. Active parish. Gift shop. arts, crafts shop. Cafe nearby. For the first time in its more than 230-year history, free guided tours are now available. https://www.visittucson.org/business/mission-san-xavier-del-bac-1?clientid=194

Mexico City’s mammoth cathedral was built across three centuries (1573–1813)—starting soon after Cortés and his allies vanquished the Aztec Empire—using stones taken from a destroyed indigenous temple. Today’s sanctuary serves up contrasts between unadorned neoclassical walls alongside exuberant gilt chapels and altarpieces as well as a massive pipe organ, with some baroque elements, that’s still dusted off and played from time to time. Be sure not to miss the high altar, and consider shelling out for a visit to the sacristy, with its glistening dome, grand canvases, and massive cabinets, fit to hold an archbishop’s entire stock of holy utensils. And for a queasy view of how much the ground beneath the city is sinking, note how chandeliers appear to list in comparison to the chapel’s vertical lines. https://www.afar.com/places/mexico-city-metropolitan-cathedral-mexico-city

Experience the peace and tranquility of beautiful Temple Square with a complimentary tour of Utah’s most visited attraction. Tours of the beautifully landscaped 10-acre property are available in 40 languages. Reflect on the majesty and wonder of God's creations as you stand beneath the star-studded dome in the rotunda of the North Visitors' Center and ponder the invitation of the outstretched arms of Thorvaldsen's Christus, a magnificent 11-foot statue of the Savior. https://www.lds.org/locations/salt-lake-city-temple-square?lang=eng&_r=1#d

he chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century is a reminder of one of Spain's most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico. http://visitsanantonio.com/english/Microsites/New-Template-(2)/About-San-Antonio/Top-Attractions

Victoria’s historic landmark, a Gothic-style Anglican cathedral, three blocks from the Inner Harbour. Enjoy a scheduled tour (3x a week) or a self-guided visit to see the outstanding stained glass collection, 4,000-pipe Hellmuth Wolff organ and historic pieces. Open daily 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/arts-culture-history/christ-church-cathedral

Located in the heart of Belize City, St. John’s Cathedral is one of the few physical legacies of the long period as a British colony. Built in 1812 as the Church of England’s headquarters in Central America, the cathedral was once used to crown four different native kings of the Miskito tribe in lavish ceremonies matching the pomp and circumstances of coronations in Europe. Today, the cathedral is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize. Using the enormous ballast stones brought over from Europe, English colonizers in what was then known as British Honduras erected the mighty St. John’s Cathedral as the power base of the Church of England in Central America. Visitors today can marvel at the well-preserved architecture made from sapodilla and mahogany wood, an antique pipe organ and tombstones of English colonists from the earliest days of the settlement of Belize City. https://www.belizehub.com/st-johns-cathedral/

The Cathedral of Lima in the city’s historic centre is Lima’s most iconic building and home to the best museum of religious art. It is also known for being home to the tomb of Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. The main church of Peru dates back to 1535 when Francisco Pizarro first laid the foundation for the church which would serve the new Spanish colonists. The temple was inaugurated in 1540 and elevated to the status of cathedral in 1541 when the Lima diocese was formed. The new design included the two neoclassical bell towers the structure is recognized by and the main altar. Other renovations came in the 19th century and after the earthquake of 1940. The Cathedral of Lima was visited by four saints of the colonial era including Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, San Juan Macias and San Francisco Solano. In 1985 Pope John Paul II visited in a historic first, and he returned in 1988. With all the phases of construction led to a mix of architectural styles, as in most of Lima, including neoclassical, baroque and gothic. http://limacitykings.com/cathedral/

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Loreto is located opposite the Plaza Sarmiento, between Moreno and Lavalle streets. It is one of the oldest in the city and still retains its original architectural structure despite having undergone several modifications. The original cathedral located in the Old Town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1861. Its replacement was planned for the New Town opposite the Plaza Independencia, but after construction began it had to be demolished, targeting the land to the construction of another building. http://mendoza.travel/en/circuito-de-iglesias/

Facing Jackson Square and flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the equally historic Presbytere on the other, St. Louis Cathedral is among the tallest and most imposing structures in the French Quarter. And one of the most recognizable. http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1288

One of the first 17th century monuments in the City. It was built of "sillar" (a volcanic stone) in the neoclassical style. I https://www.peru.travel/where-to-go/arequipa.aspx

La Merced Chapel is one of the most important places to visit in Cali, as the city’s inaugural Mass was delivered here on July 25, 1536. A 15th century wood carved statue of the Virgin of Las Mercedes is kept inside. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/pacific/cali/activities/la-merced-chapel

The origins of the Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary date back to 1927, when the French architect Julien Auguste Polti was entrusted to rebuild it after a fire in 1926. Construction began in 1928 and ended in 1939, after work was interrupted due to the Great Depression of the 30s. The Cathedral measures 25,833 square feet and can accommodate 5,000 people. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/andean/manizales/activities/cathedral-metropolitan-basilica-our-lady-rosary?language=es

Bolívar Square lies at the center of Manizales and is surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Governor’s Palace, among other buildings. In the square you can admire Bolívar Condor, a sculpture made in tribute to Simón Bolívar made by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, as well as ceramic murals by local artist Guillermo Botero. http://www.colombia.travel/en/where-to-go/andean/manizales/activities/bolivar-square?language=es

Small historical town located just 2 hours from Medellin. It was the capital of the region before the control of power was shifted to Medellin. If you’re interested in colonial architecture, white-washed walls, weathered churches (like The Catedral de Santa Fe de Antioquia, located in the main plaza) and old town squares then Santa Fe is a perfect day trip from Medellin. http://www.medellincolombia.co/medellin-sightseeing/visit-nearby-towns/

The small town of Guatape is a colourful and tranquil pueblito (small town) perfect to enjoy a day trip (or two) from Medellin. Whilst the town is famous for the colourful designs on the facades of the houses it’s probably more recognisable in promotional material for the the large rock “El Penol” which you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding man-made lagoons. http://www.medellincolombia.co/medellin-sightseeing/visit-nearby-towns/

One of the largest mosaic collections in the western hemisphere; museum and shop. Daily for Masses and tours. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/cathedral-basilica-of-saint-louis/?see_do_category=attractions

The Cathedral dominates the Saint Paul skyline and is situated on the highest point in downtown Saint Paul. For the wider community, as well as for its parishioners, the Cathedral provides opportunities to enhance appreciation for the arts. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/cathedral-of-saint-paul-museums-historic-sites/

As the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre (or Catedral Metropolitana) is of great importance to the deeply religious city. Construction started on what was then the Cathedral Church of La Plata on June 27, 1552. Works would not fully complete until 260 years later, in 1712. What began as a Renaissance design gradually evolved, during this time, to include baroque and mestizo baroque features. Inside, the expansive white nave is beautifully lit by the sunlight which filters through the many stained glass windows. It is decorated with crystal chandeliers and embellishments in gold and Potosi silver. The walls are lined with large oil paintings, by the artist Montufar, depicting the martyrdom of the apostles. The pews are hand-carved, as are the choir chairs which are additionally brightly-painted and finished in velvet. The white, gold-trimmed, pulpit features an angel in old-fashioned Spanish military clothing. The altar is crowned by a silver crucifix known as the Cross of Carabuco. http://www.sucrelife.com/sucre-cathedral/

The Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Cathedral stays from the early 20th century in the same place where other temples stood before since the 16th century. However, the repeated assaults of the pirates, the weather and the earthquakes destroyed the previous buildings. https://www.tripcuba.org/nuestra-senora-asuncion-cathedral-santiago-de-cuba

The crown jewel of Milwaukee’s churches, this became the third church in the United States honored with the title of “basilica” in 1929 and is still the largest church in the city. http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/itineraries/adventure/history-architecture/

With all the rich history that’s been written in the Exumas, it’s surprising how few historical sights there are to see in its capital, Georgetown. Like Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos, the Exumas were settled by Loyalists, former American colonists who stayed true to the British Crown in the wake of the Revolutionary War. https://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/2012/09/20/on-site-great-exuma-st-andrews-anglican-church/

The Citadelle Laferrière is a mountaintop fortress, located on the northern coast of Haiti - on the top of mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque. Depicted on local currency, stamps and postcards, this amazing structure has become the symbol of Haiti’s power and independence. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century by one of the leaders of Haiti’s slave revolution. The Citadelle Laferrière is also known simply as the Citadelle or as Citadelle Henri Christophe in the honour of its creator. The Citadelle is referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World and in 1982 it was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive stone construction is the largest fortress in the Americas. Built to demonstrate the power of the newly independent Haiti, the Citadelle Laferrière was essential for the security of Haiti’s newly formed state. http://www.citadellelaferriere.com/