On the south coast of Iceland’s Snaefellsness peninsula, there is this cute little black church sitting on the cliff above the Atlantic ocean. There is a small village with a hotel near by (about a mile away) called Buoir. The church was constructed in 1703 by Bent Larusson who was a merchant in the area.
Akureyrarkirkja
This is from our Iceland trip about this time last year. This large Lutheran church sits upon a hill overlooking downtown Akureyri. Akureyri is the 2nd largest city in the country and sits on the northern coast.
Ukraine Temples
I visited several different religious churches and temples during our visit to Ukraine (pre-war). Some of them abandoned inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, some in small villages and a some in Kyiv.
Here are a few photos from those locations with more in the photo gallery.
Slavutych Ukraine
Church ceiling inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
St. Sophia's Cathedral in Sophia’s Square (Kyiv)
Hofskirkja Turf Church
This beautiful little turf church is in the southeast coast of Iceland near the village of Hof. There are only six turf churches left in the country and we got a chance to see two of them on our last trip to Iceland. As you might have noticed, there are graves all around the church courtyard which are the small mounds in the foreground of this photo. None of them have grave headstones or markers, but I assume they have records of who is buried where around the church.
Grafarkirkja Iceland
It’s hard to believe it has been approximating 6-month since MJ and I went to Iceland. In the COVID world, everything that happened recently seem like it happened 10 years ago. Or is it just me?
Anyway, here is another photo from norther Iceland. This is the oldest church in Iceland, and I loved it. Small, simple, and beautiful.
Happy Holidays
From my family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year.
At this time of year, I always go back to photos I took of this church many years ago with Brad and Dave. I like them because they are rich, and they scream winter holidays. But it’s also because I haven’t taken many holiday photos over the years.
Grafarkirkja
This turf structure is the oldest church in Iceland. It is located on the north side of the country (Skagi Peninsula) near the village of Hofsos. Parts of the turf church date back to the 17th century. Turf structures like this were often used during that time for houses, churches, and businesses. Weird fact, this church is the only one in Iceland with a circular turf-wall around the graveyard and the church.
Vik Myrdal Church
This is an iconic photo location in Vik Iceland. There is a little hill above the church allowing for this great perspective.
Iconic Urbex Cathedral
This is the beautiful St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral. I’ve been to this spot numerous times. Its an iconic urbex location.
Skolavordustigur Street
Here is another unique location from the city of Reykajvik. Skolavordustigur Street leads right up to the Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral in the central city.
I love how the Iceland people embrace all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community. Their level of inclusiveness is a model for the world.
Montenegro Church
This pretty image has been waiting to make an appearance for a number of years. I took this photo many years ago while MJ and I were in the country of Montenegro. I don’t remember the name of the village, but I remember MJ explored a museum about the history of the country while I ran around the town capturing hundreds of photos.
Our Lady Help
This is an abandoned church in Pittsburgh called Our Lady Help of Christians Church. I took this photo back in 2019, but just edited it within the last month. This isn’t a very large church, but it is pretty amazing. Just imagine what it must have looked like back in the day.
St. Martin's Cathedral
This beautiful cathedral in downtown Bratislava, Slovakia was a cool spot to visit. It was built in the 13th century in a Gothic style. It is the oldest and largest cathedral in Bratislava. Nineteen Hungarian kings and queens were crowned inside this cathedral over the years. The church tower is part of the medieval fortress walls and has a gilded duplicate of the Hungarian crown on the top of the steeple.
This trip was in the spring of 2019, which we took with “The Neighbors” (Kris and Scott) which we booked via Gate1Travel.com. That was our 3rd trip with Gate1Travel and I’d travel with them again.
Chapel During the Holidays
I took this photo a year ago in downtown Pittsburgh at First Presbyterian…. They do a nice job decorating the church for the holidays.
Looking Back
I learned long ago that regardless of what I’m aiming my camera at, I always need to look behind me. Sometimes the best shot is the opposite direction in spite of my pro-shoot plans. This perspective is looking back towards the rear of the First Presbyterian Church. I posted a photo of the front of this church back on November 29th.
1st Presbyterian Christmas Tree
This beautiful old church is in downtown Pittsburgh…. They do a great job of decorating for the holidays.
To view a larger version, click HERE
Philly Cathedral
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Here is a photo I took of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which sits on Logan Square in downtown Philadelphia. I took this back in 2019.
To view a larger version, click HERE
Dohany Street Synagogue
This great facility is also known as the Great Synagogue or Tabakgasse Synagogue. It is also the largest synagogue in Europe seating up to 3,000 people. Great spot to visit just to take in the wonderful architecture.
To view a larger version, click HERE
City Methodist
Here is a photo I took with my drone outside the abandoned City Methodist Church in Gary Indiana. Of course, this was taken during the filming of “Shutter Rush – City of Abandonment”. I don’t think we used it in the film, but I liked this photo regardless.
To view a larger version, click HERE
Holy Cross
Here is a flash back to our trip to Sedona Arizona. This is the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross, which just outside of the city. Love this site.
To view a larger version, click HERE
