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History through Religious Buildings.

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 Architecture at its best.

When a “church” wasn’t a building; early believers did not have church buildings to meet in. They met mostly in homes. First church buildings did not start to appear until the early 200s.

Early churches did not have denominations as we think of them today. But that does not mean they had no serious disagreements within the ranks. They did not find this surprising. Communities felt they were dealing with matters of ultimate truth and error – matters to be taken with the utmost seriousness even when it meant dissension.

Today across Europe there are countless churches representing numerous different faiths all bringing a little bit of history about the local region.

As we drive across Europe it is possible to visit places of worship from Scotland to Italy and Portugal to Ukraine or Greece to Norway seeing the great architectural structures in the major cities to small deserted (like Boreland Burn) or village churches. Understanding the difficulties of building in the past, the influence given by the church and the beauty of the many ceilings and stain glass windows.

Add a stop or two and see the history as you enjoy your Europe Driving Holiday.

Join the experience www.EuropeDriving.com

Provence Lavender

Message in a Bottle or from the Pulpit

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Europe – centuries of religious pilgrims and structures.

Traveling the length and breath of Europe it is acceptable to see the many various structures of worship built in times gone by, the toil and workmanship can be appreciated as you stroll amongst the standing, or ruins of the past. The might structures built by hand, rope and horse power are well worth a visit even if you have no religious favour. Experience the brilliant blue stain glass windows in Reims, the majestic location of Notre Dame in Paris to Dijon cathedral or Paray le Monial all showing the mastery of the days of masonry and timber.

From these grand structures to the chapel of the river men in St Jean de Losne or the Celtic warriors in the Boreland Burn region of Scotland showing a some what different style of worship. Religion is a road through history with each geographical group stylising structures to suit their dynasty -Normans, Saxons and the many others, by making brief visits to the architectural past we can gather brief glimpses of the past.

A short walk following the chalk rutted paths of the Kentish Downs from Canterbury to London or through the Provence to Les Baux will ensure an appreciation for life in the middle ages yet prompt another memorable moment to treasure.

Make your list of preferred stop-overs and talk to www.EuropeDriving.com