This book will tell about monasteries and churches – religious buildings that have become the focus of human spiritual life and aspirations toward higher spheres of existence, faith in God, and the immortality of the soul. The publication, based on about 1100 spectacular illustrations, presents the largest and most famous Christian monasteries, cathedrals, and churches in the world. Each house of God and each monastery, whether the oldest or the very new, regardless of the time of foundation and affiliation with a denomination, represents not only a sanctuary of the spirit and a repository of sacred relics but also a genuine masterpiece of church architecture. These majestic structures, created by talented masters of different eras, are adorned with luxurious stucco and white stone carving, intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures, unique frescoes and icons, vibrant mosaics and stained glass, which, being sanctuaries in themselves, have become a pride and national heritage of various countries. On the pages of this publication, the spiritual heritage of Christianity, carefully preserved in monasteries and churches, appears in all its diversity and fullness. Exclusive photographs, comprehensive descriptions, important information, and interesting facts will allow readers to embark on a virtual pilgrimage to the holy sites of Israel and Jordan, Egypt and Greece, Armenia and Bulgaria, Italy and Spain, France and Germany, and of course, Russia, as well as to engage with their centuries-old church tradition.
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