Palermo Cathedral

This wonderful church is the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palermo Sicily in southern Italy.  They dedicated it to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.  The last restoration took place in the 18th century.  It was built in 1185 and was founded by Pope Gregory I.  Later, the Saracens turned it into a mosque after their conquest of the city in the 9th century.  There are a few sarcophagi inside the cathedral’s crypt.  If you ever make it to Sicily, this would be a great stop as part of a walking tour around the city.

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Immaculate Heart Of Mary Church

This church is referred to in Polish as Kościół Matki Boskiej.  It is a historic church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, one of the city’s oldest (dedicated 1905) and largest churches.  It is located on Polish Hill and is a prime example of ‘Polish Cathedral’ style modeled on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

I met Dave and Brad last Sunday in this area to photograph an abandoned school.  I got there a little early and decided to go inside this beautiful church.  To my surprise it was not only amazing but still had all their Christmas decorations still on display.  And they welcomed me inside and let me take all the photos I wanted.  On top of that, the abandoned school was a bust.  So I got some great photos of a great building, just not the one I expected to get inside.  I hope you like it.

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