Austria
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the town of Melk, this massive abbey sits on a site that's been home to a Benedictine abbey since 1089. The tour of the interior is a bit underwhelming, but the library and ornate chapel are definitely worth seeing.
Peru
Founded in 1579 by a wealthy window to house the second daughters of wealthy Spanish families, Santa Catalina Monastery is a city within Arequipa. With beautiful colonial architecture, winding cobblestone streets, beautiful rooms, and ornate plazas, it's one of Arequipa's top sites.
Portugal
Founded as a convent in 1389, the Igreja do Carmo was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The walls of the church still stand, as do some of the arches that once supported the roof. It's worth the visit just to wander the eerie site, open to the sky. There's also a small archaeological museum in the nave and apse containing pieces from throughout Portuguese history.
England
Westminster Abbey, an Early English Gothic place of worship, dates back over 1000 years and has been the setting of every Royal coronation since 1066 (with the crowning of William the Conqueror) and …
Germany
This church was dedicated to Wilhelm I, first emperor of Germany. You'll see the new church, bell tower, meeting hall, and bombed-out ruins of the old church which were left standing as a memorial to WWII.
Austria
This cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque art. Its beautiful façade and large size is a centerpiece of the city: look for the beautiful green copper domes and twin spires.
Germany
Built in the Gothic style in 1488, this is Munich's most striking church and has been the city's cathedral since 1821. It boasts onion-domed twin towers and no other buildings in the central city can be taller.
Germany
This church, built in 1746 is one of the most important late Baroque buildings in Germany. The inside is richly decorated in Baroque style by the two brothers Asam who were hoping to ensure their salvation with this gift to the city.
Germany
While this is the oldest parish church in Munich (from 1150), you're really coming for the 290 foot view. Known by locals as Alter Peter (Old Peter), it stands on Munich's only real hill.
France
This is the oldest church in town and very small but it offers a very pretty cloister and garden. This was the only stone building in all of Albi in the 11th century until stone became more popular …
