Fontevraud Abbey, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, was founded in 1101 in the Loire Valley (France) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, it was a mixed monastery, welcoming both men and women. The abbey served as a necropolis for the Plantagenet dynasty. [3888x5184][OC]
Interior of Porto Cathedral, Portugal. Although the exterior of the church is Gothic, the interior was lavishly redecorated in the 18th century with opulent talha dourada (gilded carved wood), characteristic of Portuguese Baroque art.[2577x3462][OC]
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto). Originally built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, the cathedral underwent significant alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries, incorporating Baroque and Gothic elements. The Gothic cloister is particularly renowned for its azulejos tiles. [1144x1514][OC]
Seekirchl (Church of the Holy Cross), an iconic landmark located in Seefeld in Tirol, Austria. Begun by Duke Leopold V in 1629 and completed in 1666, it served as an important votive pilgrimage church for a crucifix.[1435x1926][OC]
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Candes-Saint-Martin (Loire Valley, France). It was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It features remarkable Angevin Gothic architecture, with a monumental porch and crenellated towers, as it was fortified in the 15th century. [1536x2048][OC]
The St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral is a magnificent example of Brabantian Gothic architecture located in the heart of Brussels. It is the national church of Belgium and the site of royal weddings and funerals. [3024x4032][OC]
The Sailors' Chapel (or Saint-Valery Chapel), located in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France. The chapel is perched on the heights of Cap Hornu, offering a panoramic view of the Bay of Somme. [2620x3493][OC]
Chapel of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem in Dijon, France. This building is an architectural gem of the 15th century and is the only remaining structure of the city's former general hospital. [2218x3432] [OC]
St. Anne's Chapel (St.-Anna-Kapelle) with the famous "Totentanz" (Dance of Death) from Füssen, Bavaria, Germany. This is the oldest surviving series of Dance of Death paintings in Bavaria. It is part of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang. [OC][3000x4000]
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Quiriace in Provins, France. Located in the upper town, this 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic church is a listed historical monument and part of the medieval city of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [2269x3403] [OC]
Theatinerkirche (Church of the Theatines), or Theatine Church of St. Cajetan, is located on Odeonsplatz in the heart of Munich, Germany. The church was built between 1663 and 1690 in an Italian Baroque style, inspired by the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome. [2467x3226] [OC]
The Baptistery and Cathedral of Pisa are iconic monuments located on the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [2136x1636][OC]
Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Santuário de Santa Luzia) in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. It stands atop Mount Santa Luzia and offers panoramic views of the city, the Lima estuary, and the sea. [1990x2927] [OC]
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Delft, Netherlands. Its bell tower reaches an impressive height of 108.75 m. It has been the official necropolis of the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal family, since the burial of William of Orange in 1584. [1728x3072] [OC]