Traveling in Europe for nearly a decade, I’ve reached a saturation point with churches. Some study-abroad students come down with an unshakable case of ABC Syndrome (short for “Another Boring Church”) in just 10 weeks! Don’t get me wrong: I studied church art intensively and am still moved by the beauty and majesty of many religious temples — but these days it takes a soaring recommendation from the guidebook to get me in the door, which happens only once or maybe twice per trip.
Sometimes I am surprised, however, by a jewel of a church that I just have to recommend. The Pisa Cathedral (Italy) is one I’ve already mentioned; the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig (Germany) is another.
The pastel color scheme and the natural light give the church a truly uplifting feel while the unique palm-frond column tops reminded me of the tree-like columns designed by Gaudi in Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. Your eyes are naturally drawn heavenward by the architecture.
I wanted to visit the Nikolaikirche because of the significant role it played in the peace movement leading to the end of the German Democratic Republic in 1989. I was not prepared for it to be so beautiful!
Johann Sebastian Bach was the choirmaster and organist here for over a quarter-century. Regular concerts of Bach’s compositions are held at the church; tickets are 10-15 euros and can be ordered online.
Open daily for visitors (even during weddings and services, it is possible to enter the rear for viewing and gift-shop purchases), even cheapskates can appreciate as admission is free.
Photo Friday aficionados — follow my fellows forthwith!
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lol, I guess you can’t just sightsee churches like you’re checking them off ‘must see’ list. Without the proper context it really becomes ABC (and I don’t mean it religionwise)
It’s nice to see that churches are still going the trend of high ceilings and awesome designs
That is a magnificent organ. I’ve heard some play when i traveled thru europe. You won’t find any in central america, i dont’ know, i guess different themes.
Photo Friday: Rock Climbing in Costa Rica
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the story.
It’s like an inside-out wedding cake!
That is just like fairy icing.
You icing fans need to check out Cake Wrecks.
Definitely unusual with the pastel color scheme.
I’ll bet the concerts there are an amazing experience!