Travel Theme: Interior

I've seen many different churches, both large and small, during my travels through Europe. Some churches are memorable for their grand exteriors, like Notre Dame in Paris or Westminster Abbey in London. But others have left a lasting impression on me because of a beautiful interior.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

The Abbey of St. Philibert in Tournus, France has a heavy, imposing facade typical of the Romanesque style. I hadn't expected the rosy, warm interior.

Abbey of St. Philibert, Tournus

Stained Glass Windows in the Abbey of St. Philibert

On the other hand, I did expect something special inside Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: the lovely stained glass windows. The deep vibrant colours of the lower chapel were more of a surprise.

Upper Chapel Stained Glass Windows

Lower Chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

Sainte-Chapelle

Sometimes the feature that makes a church interior notable is the floor, like the scene depicting Paradise on Earth in Chiesa di San Michele on the island of Capri. The flooring is made of majolica tiles.

Chiesa di San Michele, Capri

The Majolica Tile Floor

And other churches surprise you with their beautiful ceiling, like the one hiding behind the unassuming facade of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.

Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome

Ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva

For more photos on the travel theme Interior visit Where's my backpack?.