Some of the oldest and most impressive buildings in Europe are churches. These millennium-old churches are very popular attractions and no where has more historically important churches to visit than Rome, whose history spans over two and half thousand years.
There are more than 900 churches in Rome, but visiting all 900 would be impossible. Most tourists concentrate on the four major churches, or basilicas, which have existed since the fourth century; .St Peter’s, St Paul’s Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni. Dressing appropriately to visit these churches is very important.
Women, especially, are subject to scrutiny before entering. While nearly all modest clothing is acceptable, bare shoulders and midriffs are not. Short skirts (above the knee) are also not only frowned upon, they may prevent you from entering the church at all. A shame, as the churches in Rome are home to some of the cities most impressive artwork. Not only will you miss visiting the church if you are dressed inappropriately, you will likely have stood in line for up to an hour for nothing.
While Rome is indisputably the home of the most historically important Christian churches in Europe, Amsterdam has a surprising number of churches worth a visit. Historical churches in Amsterdam are found in the Old Center section of the city, which oddly enough is also home to the city’s famous red light district. As the Dutch were a protestant nation, most of the churches are from this branch of Christianity, unlike Rome where Catholic churches dominate the city. There are also a number of historical Jewish synagogues in Amsterdam.
Even if you are not especially religious, the historic houses of worship in Rome and Amsterdam are worth a visit. Many are home to the most impressive artwork of their period as well as being architectural wonders. They provide a welcome respite from the typical tourist attractions of these cities and inside, they tend to be far less crowded.
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The Church is a house for worship and a gathering place for people to pray, dialogue with God,